India has, over a period, initiated several economic collaboration arrangements with the countries of Africa including membership of the African Development Bank and assistance under the India’s Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme. India’s development partnership with Africa have been capacity-building initiatives, lines of credit, grant support, small development projects, technical consultation, disaster relief and humanitarian help, and military cooperation. Africa is the emerging market for Indian products and enterprise and an alternative source of energy security for India

TOP TWEETS he geographical proximity between the Horn of Africa and the Indian subcontinent has played an important role in the development of close Indo- African relationship since ancient times. The foundation of India’s relations with Africa are conditioned and energised by our historical linkages and strong political foundations of the past. Africa is a continent on the move, characterised by huge scope of economic growth, rising educational and health standards, increasing gender parity and expanding infrastructure and connectivity. India has an intrinsic interest in helping Africa achieve progress. The spirit of “developing together as equals” defines this bilateral partnership. A resurging Africa and a rising India exemplify role model SouthSouth Cooperation and ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, meaning “the world is one family”.

India has traditionally prioritised Africa in its foreign policy. However, the current regime of Narendra Modi has shown an extraordinary determination to strengthen India’s longstanding ties to the African continent. A large number of trips by the Indian leaders to various African nations and with even better reciprocation from African nations speak for rejuvenated engagement and commitment of Indo African nations. India is Africa’s 3rd largest trading partner and currently is the 5th largest investor in Africa and the Indian sup- port to African nations during COVID pandemic time has further cemented Indo-African bond.

ENGAGEMENT OF AFRICA BY OUTSIDE POWERS

UNITED STATES: In the recent U.S.-Africa Leaders’ Summit, President Biden announced new initiatives that will empower African institutions and citizens with a plan to invest $55 billion over the next three years. The US main interest lies in economic exploitation of mineral and natural resources as well as containment of Chinese and Russian influence in the continent.

INDIA - AFRICA IN NUMBERSWAY FORWARD

l The fourth India- Africa summit, pending since 2020, should be held as soon as possible.

l Developing strategic partnership and deeper collaborations in health and digital technologies.

l Continue its role in peacekeeping in Africa and lending support to counter-terrorism operations, and contributing to African institutions through training and capacity-enhancing assistance.

l Improve the experiences of Africans staying and visiting India so that people-to-people connections between India and Africa flourishes.

l Promote government and private sector investments for mutual benefit and keeping alive commercial interests in Africa.

l To overcome the China challenge in Africa, increased cooperation between India and its international allies with focus on Africa.

l Enhance Indo-African defence cooperation to a higher strategic level and continue with AFINDEX, IADMC and SAGAR for mutual benefit and countering Chinese dominance.

EUROPEAN UNION (EU):

The Africa-EU Partnership is a multi-actor partnership guided by the EU and African Union (AU) Member States along with several non-state and civil society organisations and private sector players. The EU focus is primarily on mutual trade as well as keeping the African nations aligned to the Western interests.

RUSSIA: Russia has expanded its influence in Africa in recent years more than any other external actor with a prime motive to advance its geostrategic interests by securing a foothold in the Mediterranean on NA-

TO’s southern border, displacing Western influence, and normalizing Russia’s worldview.

CHINA: China has primarily invested in Africa in order to secure access to the region’s natural resources, to fuel its expanding economy. China now has pan Africa presence with enhanced military presence. An increase in its diplomatic military representation and overall presence is in a way to counter the US influence in the region. Undoubtedly, China has taken a lead in establishing its broader footprint in Africa through its Belt and Road Initiative(BRI) program and bi-

India has, over a period, initiated several economic collaboration arrangements with the countries of Africa including membership of the African Development Bank and assistance under the India’s Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme. India’s development partnership with Africa have been capacity-building initiatives, lines of credit, grant support, small development projects, technical consultation, disaster relief and humanitarian help, and military cooperation. Africa is the emerging market for Indian products and enterprise and an alternative source of energy security for India.

DEFENCE INITIATIVES

The Africa-India Field Training Exercise (AFINDEX) aims to promote a collaborative approach in capacity enhancement of African armies and project the efficacy of Indian indigenous new-generation military equipment to the troops of participating African nations. India-Africa Defence Ministers and Chief’s Conclave (IADMC) has been institutionalised and gives an opportunity for Indian and African armed service personnel to explore opportunities for joint ventures and investments in defence industry, cyber security, maritime security and counterterrorism. The Indian Navy has increasingly come on its own as a security provider in the Indian Ocean Rim (IOR). India’s concept of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), upholding a climate of trust and transparency, demonstrate sensitivity to each other’s interests, and work towards a peaceful resolution of maritime security issues has brought India and African countries closer. The Indian Navy participated in Exercise Cutlass Express - 2023, held covering the East coast of Africa and the Gulf region.

India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS). It has been over seven years since the last edition of the IAFS was held way back in 2015 in New Delhi and the fourth Summit scheduled in 2020 was postponed owing COVID pandemic.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

Amit

On this day in 1919, in the form of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, the whole world saw the cruel face of the British rule. This massacre hurt the countrymen in such a way that the freedom struggle turned into an individual movement.

Anurag Thakur @ianuragthakur

Shah @AmitShah Kudos to @

SPIRITUAL SPEAK

However many holy words you read, however many you speak, what good will they do you if you do not act on upon them?