"On a number of challenges confronting us, including those pertaining to trade, environment, global economic situation and reforms and restructuring the global institutions, India and Africa have common objectives, and that is, to ensure that the voice and aspirations of the developing world are given due attention," he said at an interaction with a group of African journalists.

The second India-Africa summit will be held at Addis Ababa next month. In the run-up to the event, India's external affairs ministry invited senior editors from ten African journalists on a visit to the country.

"The agreed theme for the Summit - Enhanced Partnership-Shared Vision - manifests our common desire to further invigorate India-Africa partnership. The preparations for the Summit are in an advanced stage. I am highly optimistic about the outcome of this Summit towards fulfilling our shared objectives," Krishna said.

He added that Africa figured "prominently on the foreign policy radar of India".

"I am happy to note that our relations have blossomed into a multi-faceted association where each one of us contributes significantly," said Krishna.

The journalists also attended the seventh India-Africa conclave which concluded on March 29.