Indo-African Relationship amid South-South Cooperation

India-Africa relationship has strengthened in recent times, with the African Union’s induction into the G-20 group as the 21st member under India’s presidency. Africa has been a central focal point in India’s engagement with the Global South. India has positioned itself as a legitimate voice for the welfare of the countries of Africa, as the founding father of NAM and an active participant in the G-77 deliberations.

What is the history of India-Africa Relationship?

Historical Cultural and Trade Relationship- Trade relationship existed between the Indus Valley and the contemporary African civilisations. There was a development of ‘monsoon culture‘ through the trade culture, with the close association of people from both continents. The colonial phase saw the forceful migration of indentured labourers or girimitiyas to British colonies in Africa.

Historical Political Relationship- Gandhiji’s tools of civil disobedience and non-cooperation were tested on the soil of Africa. India and Africa used this ideological and historical ties in a decolonised world to oppose neo-colonialism. India and Africa also collaborated in the Bandung conference to advance the agenda of the Global South, which ultimately led to the formation of NAM.

What are the areas of Cooperation between India-Africa amid South-South Cooperation?

1. Political cooperation-
a. Regionalisation and reorientation of global governance norms on the 21st century have produced many strong political institutions amid the south-south Cooperation. For ex- Asia Africa Growth corridor (AAGC), Build Back Better (B3W), Blue Dot Network, ADB.
b. India and Africa have converged on the UNSC membership expansion, and India has supported the Ezulwini Consensus.
c. India has also stepped its engagement in regional organisations like ECOWAS, African continental Free trade Agreement, BRICS, OIC, NDB etc.

2. Economic cooperation-
a. India has increased its investments in Africa to boost Africa’s economic growth and reduce the poverty levels in the global south. For ex- EXIM Bank’s Focus Africa Programme, India-Africa Partnership project, India-Southern African Customs Union Preferential Trade Agreement.
b. Overall trade between India-Africa has touched $100 bn in 2022-23.
c. 22.5% India’s FDI outwards flow is towards Africa. India’s current investment in Africa is around $32 bn with companies like ONGC Videsh making investments in India. 

3. Security cooperation- India-Africa share security cooperation synergies on issues like curbing piracy, humanitarian and Disaster Relief (HADR) and maritime security.

4. Climate change and Technology cooperation- India and Africa have been cooperating in the climate change domain through organisations like ISA and CDRI. These organisations have also helped India extend its soft power influence in the region of Africa.

5. P2P cooperation- India has provided Africa with India’s skilled workforce like engineers, trained nurses, digital public infrastructure and health care equity.

What is the significance of India-Africa Relationship?

1. Huge Economic Potential: The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) provides a wide scope to create the largest free trade area in the world by geography and an opportunity to lift 30 million people out of extreme poverty. It can help promote India-Africa bilateral trade and investment under AfCFTA.

2. Potential for Indian Businesses- There are opportunities in services trade with Africa in the fields of Information Technology (IT), Mobile payment solutions, banking, and financial services.

3. Infrastructure Development in the African Continent- India has the world’s third-largest start-up ecosystem. Thus, it could count on its strengths to fortify the digital infrastructure in Africa. It can contribute to the achievement of the continent’s Agenda 2063.

4. Achievement of Common Agendas- Most African nations are developing in nature just like India, which creates a common understanding on multiple issues. India and Africa share common grounds on reformation of the UNSC, Climate change agreements, Trade Issues and WTO negotiations.

5. Soft Power- Successful transformation of Africa into a ‘continent of growth‘ from the ‘continent of darkness‘ would enhance India’s soft power and leadership position in the global south.

What are the Challenges in India-Africa Relationship?

1. Africa as ground of Geopolitical contest- There is sharpening of competition among at least half a dozen external partners such as China, Russia, the United States, the European Union, Japan, Türkiye and the United Arab Emirates. The competition is mainly for strengthening their relations with parts of Africa to ensure market access, gain energy and mineral security, and increase political and economic influence.

2. Increasing Chinese assertiveness- China has emerged as ‘the infrastructure developer’, ‘the resource provider’, and ‘the financier.’ It has invested enormously in Africa in terms of money, materials and diplomatic push. Since 2007, Chinese leaders have visited the continent 123 times, while 251 African leaders have visited China. This has limited India’s room in the region’s geopolitical arena.

3. Lack of clear strategy on the part of India- India’s model of development cooperation in Africa lacks a clear strategy in comparison with the Chinese Model. India also lacks the deep pockets as Chinese to invest deeply into the African economy.

4. Lack of Focus- Geopolitical tensions in Asia and the imperative to consolidate its position in the Indo-Pacific region have compelled India to deviate from greater focus on the India-Africa relationship. Instead, India concentrated on its ties with the United Kingdom, the EU, and the Quad powers.

5. Racial Attacks- Incidents of racial attacks on African nationals have severely dented India’s image in the region.

What Should be The Way Ahead to Strengthen India-Africa Relations?

1. Strengthen Political and Diplomatic Cooperation- India must restore periodic leaders’ summits through the India-Africa Forum Summit. India must establish a dedicated secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for African affairs.

2. Enhance Defence and Security Cooperation- India must increase the number of defence attachés in Africa and expand dialogue on defence issues. India must also strengthen maritime collaboration and extend Lines of Credit to facilitate defence exports.

3. Deepen Economic and Development Cooperation- India must promote India-Africa trade through the creation of an Africa Growth Fund (AGF) to enhance access to finance. India must also implement measures to improve project exports and enhance cooperation in the shipping domain.

4. Increase Socio-Cultural Cooperation- There must be facilitation of greater interaction between Indian and African universities, think tanks, civil society, and media organisations. India must establish a National Centre for African Studies and rename Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) and Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) scholarships after famous African figures.

5. Implementation of the ‘Roadmap 2030’ and PM’s 10 guiding principles- India must establish a special mechanism for implementing the ‘Roadmap 2030‘ through collaboration between the MEA and the National Security Council Secretariat. 

By following this roadmap and implementing the recommended measures, India can further strengthen its partnership with Africa, contribute to its growing global stature and leadership among the countries of global south.