India's Strategic Engagement with Africa: Building Sustainable Partnerships

India focuses on long-term partnerships with Africa via capacity-building, skill development, and technology transfer, not extractive models. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted India’s role in infrastructure and trade at the Japan-India-Africa Business Forum. The collaboration also emphasizes shared democratic values and the Global South's active participation in global decision-making.

In a virtual address at the Japan-India-Africa Business Forum, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted India's commitment to forging sustainable, long-term relationships with Africa. Contrary to extractive engagement models, India prioritizes capacity-building, skill enhancement, and technology transfers, fostering self-reliant growth ecosystems across African nations.

Jaishankar underscored India's robust economic ties with Africa, with bilateral trade reaching almost USD 100 billion, complemented by infrastructure and connectivity projects valued at over USD 12 billion. India's investments span sectors like railways, power generation, and agriculture, which have generated employment and transformed local communities.

The Minister also touched on India and Japan's shared vision for engaging with Africa, anchored in democratic principles and global partnerships. He emphasized the importance of the Global South's voice in international decision-making, citing India's active role through forums like the Voice of the Global South Summits and its G20 presidency, which facilitated the African Union's permanent membership in the G20.