New Delhi: Heads of state and government from Africa on Wednesday attended a banquet hosted in their honour by Prime Minister Narendra Modi attired in traditional Indian dresses.

The leaders, who are here to attend the third India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS), the summit meeting of which will be held on Thursday, gathered at the Crafts Museum, Pragati Maidan, here for the banquet dressed completely in Indian attire.

"Cultural connect… leaders in traditional Indian attire. @indiaafrica2015#IAFS," PMO India tweeted along with a picture of the leaders.

"Stitching together the fabric of a new partnership with Africa. PM hosts a special dinner for #IAFS leaders," Vikas Swarup, spokesperson in the external affairs ministry, tweeted.

The heads of state and government and other dignitaries from the 54 African countries were treated to a pan-Indian dinner.

On Wednesday, the prime minister held as many 19 bilateral meetings with the visiting heads of state and government, as well as African Union Commission Chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma.

(IANS)