India launches phase-II of African e-network project

As a step further to strengthen bilateral relations between India and the African Union, Foreign Minister SM Krishna on Monday launched the second phase of the Pan-Africa e-networking project in New Delhi. The second phase of the online project adds 12 more African countries to the existing tally of 34 to the grid that connects them directly with New Delhi via a satellite and fibre optic network. This project was the brainchild of former Indian President, APJ Abdul Kalam, who envisioned connecting India with all 53 countries of the African Union through a satellite network, to spread India's expertise in the field of education and health care in these developing nations.