This is the first time that India is participating in the Forum at a Ministerial level

Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs will travel to the Republic of Senegal on an official visit on October 24-25 to take part in the 8th Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Saturday.

India is taking part in the Forum for the first time as a ministerial-level participant.

"Being held annually since 2014, the Dakar Forum has become a key event for decision-makers involved in Africa. This is the first time that India is participating in the Forum at a Ministerial level," the MEA said.

The ministry's statement also noted that MoS Muraleedharan's participation at the Dakar Forum emphasises the significance India places on the peace, security, and development concerns of Africa. The visit is in accordance with India's strategy to expand and broaden its relationship with Africa, it added.

The Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security was founded at the France-Africa Summit in 2013.

According to the institution's official website, the 8th edition of the Dakar Forum will focus on the theme: "Africa in the face of exogenous shocks: challenges of stability and sovereignty".