India Strengthens Ties with Africa: A Vision for Sustainable Development
Jaishankar Highlights India’s Commitment to Mutually Beneficial Partnerships
New Delhi, February 26, 2025 – India’s engagement with Africa is anchored in long-term development partnerships rather than resource exploitation, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized during his virtual address at the Japan-India-Africa Business Forum on Wednesday.
At a time when global powers vie for influence in Africa, India has positioned itself as a trusted partner, focusing on capacity-building, technology transfer, and infrastructure development. Jaishankar highlighted India’s robust economic ties with Africa, with bilateral trade nearing USD 100 billion and infrastructure investments exceeding USD 12 billion.
A Development-Oriented Approach
Jaishankar contrasted India’s engagement with the exploitative models often seen in Africa, asserting that India’s priority has always been to empower African nations with self-sustaining economic growth.
“India’s approach to Africa has always been guided by a deep-rooted commitment to building long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships. Unlike extractive models of engagement, India believes in capacity-building, skill development, and technology transfer, ensuring that African countries not only benefit from investments but also develop self-sustaining growth ecosystems,” he stated.
India’s contributions to Africa’s infrastructure development include over 200 completed projects across various sectors such as railways, power generation, agriculture, and water supply.
“From drinking water schemes to irrigation projects, from solar electrification to cement and textile factories—India’s presence in Africa is about improving lives, not just conducting business,” Jaishankar added.
India and Japan: A Collaborative Vision for Africa
Jaishankar emphasized the importance of India and Japan’s joint efforts in Africa, grounded in democratic values, transparency, and sustainable development. The two countries have collaborated on key initiatives in infrastructure, technology, healthcare, and education across the continent.
“Japanese investments, India’s solid industrial base and digital capacities, and Africa’s talent and consumption can come together to create beneficial outcomes for all stakeholders,” he noted.
He further highlighted that India and Japan are well-equipped to help African nations build resilient supply chains, particularly in critical sectors such as renewable energy, digital connectivity, and manufacturing.
India’s Leadership in the Global South
Beyond economic engagement, India has taken a leading role in advocating for the Global South, ensuring that developing nations have a stronger voice in international decision-making forums.
Jaishankar pointed to India’s leadership in:
- Voice of the Global South Summits
- India’s G20 Presidency, which facilitated the African Union’s permanent membership in the G20
- Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) and India-Africa Forum Summit, strengthening diplomatic and economic partnerships
“As the Global South emerges as the future driver of economic growth, it is imperative that we ensure its aspirations and interests are fully represented on the global stage,” he remarked.
Human-Centric Development Initiatives
India’s engagement in Africa extends beyond trade and infrastructure—it prioritizes human development.
Jaishankar highlighted key initiatives, including:
- The Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program, providing specialized training in various fields
- The Pan-African e-Network project, facilitating digital connectivity
- e-VidyaBharti and e-ArogyaBharti, offering tele-education and telemedicine in 19 African countries
“Through these initiatives, thousands of African students and professionals have gained access to world-class education and healthcare, ensuring that development is not just about numbers but about people,” he noted.
A Shared Responsibility for Africa’s Future
Jaishankar reaffirmed India and Japan’s commitment to supporting Africa’s sustainable development, emphasizing that Africa’s prosperity is critical for global economic stability.
“The growth and prosperity of Africa will not only benefit its people but also contribute to broader global stability and economic progress. India and Japan, with their complementary strengths, are well-positioned to support Africa’s development in an inclusive manner,” he concluded.
As India expands its presence in Africa, its development-focused model presents a stark contrast to resource-driven engagements by other global powers. With a strong industrial base, digital expertise, and a people-centric approach, India is poised to play a transformational role in Africa’s future.
Inputs from Agencies
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