New Delhi, August 17 - A pioneering web portal to bridge the information gap between India and Africa was launched by External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna here Monday.

'It (website) will help bridge the information gap that still unfortunately exists between us. It is our hope that this website will emerge as a key portal for news, views and features on India and Africa covering subjects and areas of interest to both sides, including on science and technology, agriculture, education, health, energy, tourism, besides fashion and culture,' Krishna said.

Krishna clicked to formally inaugurate the portal called India Africa Connect (http://www.indaafricaconnect.in) in the presence of ambassadors from African nations, senior officials of external affairs ministry.

Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor was also present.

The portal has been developed by Indo-Asian News Service, with support from the external affairs ministry.

Krishna said India's relationship with Africa - which is over a millenia old - has diversified and deepened, encompassing a wide range of sectors including political, economic, cultural, social and technological areas.