New Delhi (PTI): The relationship between India and the 54-nation Africa is set to be redefined with the two sides expected to come out with a vision document outlining ways to boost engagement, particularly in the areas of economy and security at a two-day Summit here beginning Tuesday.

The India-Africa Forum Summit, to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, will involve "brainstorming" sessions between the leaders of the two sides, exploring how partnership in various fields could be enhanced.

India is likely to announce duty cuts for certain imports from Africa and assistance in developmental projects while striving to tap the immense mineral resources in that continent.

The meet is being attended by Heads of States of 14 African nations, who have the mandate of the entire continent as they have been chosen by the 54-nation African Union itself.

An Action Plan for furthering cooperation in areas like environment, health, education, energy and mining will be issued at the Summit, which could form a precursor for broader India-Africa Summit.

The Summit is also expected to issue a Declaration that will address broader areas of cooperation and "common views" on regional and international issues, including fight against terrorism, climate change and WTO negotiations.

India has been having low-profile engagement with Africa for the last six decades mainly in terms of assistance in developmental projects and peacekeeping operations.

Over the last five years, India has extended Line of Credit worth two billion dollars to African countries, of which 1.2 billion dollars is already operational.

Currently, India is engaged in inter-linking the African continent through pan-African e-network at a cost of Rs 540 crore.

Africa has rich resources of oil, gas and minerals and a number of Indian companies are already having presence there.

There is a keen interest for furthering business in these areas, considering the huge requirement for these resources in India.

Uranium in several African countries is of particular interest to India but New Delhi insists that it will not tap the resource in any clandestine manner but await clearance of Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) for formal trade.

With Al-Qaeda making inroads in Africa, India is keen on having exchanges with East African nations to ensure that the maritime area in the Indian Ocean is kept free from terrorism.