Reflecting its enhanced stature in world affairs, India on Sunday got a rare honour when Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was asked to speak for the whole of Asia at a ceremony to sign the New Asia-Africa Strategic Partnership agreement in Bandung.
The NAASP, aimed at boosting economic and political relations and countering threats of globalisation, was signed by 106 countries from the two continents after a two-day summit marking the 50th anniversary of the historic Bandung Asia-Africa Conference that led to the birth of the Non-Aligned Movement.
India, which was given the honour to represent Asia even though leaders from countries like China and Japan were also present, is seen with considerable importance since New Delhi is a candidate for a permanent seat in the expanded United Nations Security Council.
Dr Singh and other leaders of the two continents took a symbolic walk in Bandung to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of the 1955 Bandung Conference and the NAASP signing ceremony.
The organisers had decided that only one leader each from Asia and Africa will speak on behalf of their continents. While India was asked to represent Asia, Namibia represented Africa at the ceremony.