New Delhi, May 9 -- Top leaders of African nations are expected to attend the India-Africa Forum Summit to be held this month, which will see New Delhi unveil a roadmap to boost its ties with the continent, especially in trade, defence, space technology and critical minerals.

The summit, the fourth of its kind, will be held in New Delhi on May 31. India has increased its diplomatic footprint in Africa by opening 17 new missions since 2018, taking the total number to 46. New Delhi has also sought to enhance trade and connectivity with Africa in the face of China's growing presence on the continent.

The India-Africa Forum Summit will focus on boosting cooperation in economy and trade, defence and security, critical minerals, energy, space...