India looking to work with Bill Gates Foundation in Africa

, May 31: India said on Friday that it was exploring the possibility of collaborating with the Bill Gates Foundation to work in

where New Delhi has already committed USD 5 billion for development projects.

"We explored the possibility of associating ourselves with the Bill Gates Foundation. Whatever work they have been doing in Africa, perhaps the Government of India also could be associated," External Affairs Minister SM Krishna told reporters after meeting Microsoft founder Bill Gates here.

He said he and Gates discussed efforts India is making in Africa and recalled the recent meeting Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had with heads of governments in Ethiopia where India pledged USD 5 billion aid to African countries. Krishna said he is going to the United States in June for Strategic Dialogue between the two countries where he will take the idea forward when he interacts with US Secretary of Health. Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad will be accompanying him, he said.

PTI