Introduction
In recent years, India has emerged as a pivotal player on the global stage, asserting its influence across various domains, from economics and trade to diplomacy and geopolitics. One area where India's impact is becoming increasingly significant is its relationship with the African continent. As the world order undergoes a tectonic shift, India's strategic outreach to Africa not only strengthens its position as a counterweight to China's dominance but also reflects its aspiration to reshape the global power dynamics.
PM Modi, South African President Ramaphosa - Business Standard
India's Growing Influence and Soft Power Projection
At the recently held event "Developed India @2047: An Intellectual Deliberation" organized by Friends of Shimla, India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar articulated the country's ascendant trajectory. He highlighted India's burgeoning status as a global economic powerhouse and a manufacturing hub, poised to attract major corporations like Apple, which has already shifted a significant portion of its phone production to the subcontinent.
Jaishankar underscored India's inherent strengths, citing its stable and democratic governance as a catalyst for the nation's flourishing startup ecosystem, boasting an impressive 111 unicorns. He also emphasized India's pivotal role during the COVID-19 pandemic, where it supplied vaccines to 101 countries, embodying the spirit of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" (the world is one family). Furthermore, India's leadership of the G20 and its promotion of global brotherhood have solidified its position as a beacon of hope amidst China's declining credibility due to its inhumane policies and increasing global interference. Jaishankar also highlighted India's remarkable infrastructure development, with the country constructing 30 kilometers of roads, 14 kilometers of rail tracks, and 8 airports daily, cementing its status as a technological and infrastructural giant.
India's inclusion of the African Union in the G20
One of the most significant developments in India's diplomatic outreach is its pivotal role in facilitating the African Union's long-awaited inclusion in the G20. During a recent G20 Summit, the President of the African Union conveyed a long-standing grievance to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, lamenting the repeated deferral of the African Union's inclusion by successive chairpersons, despite repeated promises.
Modi's assurance that the African Union's inclusion would be realized under India's leadership marked a significant commitment to addressing a key concern of the African nations. This move reflects India's growing influence and proactive stance in global diplomatic affairs, positioning itself as a champion of inclusivity and a voice for the developing world. The genesis of this landmark decision can be traced back to the 'Voice of the Global South' summit in January and subsequent discussions in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the headquarters of the African Union. With only South Africa previously represented in the G20, the inclusion of the African Union provides a much-needed platform for the continent's collective voice to be heard on the global stage.
India's move garnered widespread support from world leaders, including the US and French Presidents, who affirmed their endorsement. Officials hailed the decision as a "right step" towards a "just, fair, more inclusive and representative global architecture and governance," aligning with India's commitment to incorporate the priorities of African countries into the G20 agenda during its presidency. This diplomatic coup not only strengthens India's engagement with Africa but also bolsters its aspirations for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), for which it seeks the support of the 55 African nations.
Historical Ties and Shared Struggles
India and Africa share a unique bond forged by their historical resistance to colonialism and imperialism, exemplified by iconic leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela. This shared legacy serves as a foundation for their future cooperation, as both regions advocate for a multipolar world order, rejecting dominance by Washington and Beijing. Their collective call for a more balanced global power structure highlights their mutual commitment to independence and regional empowerment.
Moreover, the political, economic, and demographic challenges that India has navigated resonate deeply with many African nations today. India's journey towards balancing Western-style democracy with nationalism, protectionism with free trade, and strategic autonomy with global integration serves as a model for African countries grappling with similar issues. This alignment not only strengthens their bilateral relations but also positions India as a valuable partner in Africa's development journey, reflecting a robust synergy between the two regions.
Rising Trade and Economic Cooperation
The deep-rooted historical, cultural, and geopolitical ties between India and Africa have paved the way for a robust trade and economic partnership. Currently, India ranks as Africa's third-largest trading partner, trailing only behind China and the European Union (EU). Despite a temporary setback during the COVID-19 pandemic, bilateral trade has been on a steady rise since 2016-2017, with Indian exports to Africa surpassing imports for the first time in 2022-2023.
India's exports to Africa predominantly consist of manufactured goods like petroleum and pharmaceuticals, while imports from Africa primarily comprise raw materials such as crude oil from Nigeria. Similar to China, India, despite possessing substantial coal reserves, relies heavily on imports of oil and gas to sustain its rapid economic growth, prompting a foray into global energy markets. Recent geopolitical developments have further underscored Africa's significance in India's energy security strategy, leading to a concerted effort by New Delhi to diversify its energy sources. Nations like Nigeria, Angola, Algeria, and Equatorial Guinea have emerged as key suppliers of oil to India, highlighting Africa's growing role in meeting India's energy needs.
Moreover, India has emerged as one of Africa's largest creditors. Through lines of credit extended by India's Export-Import Bank, a plethora of projects spanning agriculture and infrastructure development have been initiated across the African continent. Indian companies have emerged as vital sources of foreign investment, catalyzing economic growth and development in numerous African nations.
Conclusion
India's rising prominence on the global stage and its strategic engagement with Africa represent a pivotal shift in the balance of power. By fostering closer ties with the African continent, India not only strengthens its economic and geopolitical clout but also positions itself as a counterweight to China's dominance. This multifaceted relationship, rooted in shared historical struggles and a commitment to a multipolar world order, holds the potential to reshape global dynamics and empower both regions to chart their path towards self-reliance and sustainable development.
As India continues to assert its leadership on the global stage, its inclusive approach and commitment to representing the interests of the developing world will undoubtedly solidify its position as a beacon of hope and a champion of equitable global governance.
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