The 2nd India-Africa Defence Dialogue, held on the sidelines of DefExpo 2022 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, brought renewed focus on the increasing ties between India and Africa. This exchange underlines the essential relationship between the two parties and explores common strategies for enhancing defence and security cooperation.
Details of the India-Africa Defence Dialogue
The overarching theme of the dialogue was centred on “Adopting Strategy for Synergizing and Strengthening Defence and Security Cooperation”. One of the main outcomes was the adoption of The Gandhinagar Declaration, which proposed an increase in cooperation in areas of mutual interest, such as training, capacity building of African defence forces, and provision of humanitarian aid during disasters. In addition to these discussions, a volume on India-Africa Defence cooperation was released
India–Africa Security Fellowship Programme
The IADD encouraged further research into security issues, offering fellowships to experts from African countries under the India-Africa Security Fellowship Programme.
The Current State of India-Africa Relations
India has extended a significant sum in loans and grant assistance to Africa, totalling over USD 12.3 billion in concessional loans and USD 700 million in grants. India has also completed 197 projects across Africa, with a further 65 under execution and 81 at the pre-execution stage.
Specific Projects and Assistance
The range of projects and assistance spans education, healthcare, infrastructure and more. In Gambia, India has constructed the National Assembly building and contributed to water supply, agriculture, and food processing initiatives. Meanwhile, India is actively involved in a hydro-power project in Zambia as well as healthcare initiatives and vehicle supply.
COVID-19 Assistance and Human Resource
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, India provided significant medical assistance to 32 African countries and worked internationally for equitable access to vaccines. India also utilized educational initiatives, providing scholarships and launching tele-education and tele-medicine networks.
Help & Relief Assistance
India has a history of aiding African countries in times of environmental distress; it provided relief to cyclone-hit Mozambique and flood victims in Madagascar, and supported Mauritius during an oil spill.
Energy Collaboration
The International Solar Alliance is a platform that promotes the rapid development of clean energy technologies, followed by the ‘One Sun One World One Grid’ initiative, which further promotes solar and renewable energy. Clean and green energy have been an increasingly prominent aspect of India’s development programmes in Africa.
Trade and Economic Relations
India’s bilateral trade with Africa reached a new high of USD 89.5 billion in 2021-22. India, with cumulative investments at USD 73.9 billion from 1996-2021, is among the top five investors in Africa. Through the Duty-Free Tariff Preference Scheme, India has made its market accessible to African countries, with 33 Least Developed Countries in Africa benefiting from the scheme.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question
A previous question from the UPSC Civil Services Examination addressed the India-Africa Summit that originated in 2008 in New Delhi and has been held every three years since, alternating between India and Africa. This forum was created to renew and boost relations between India and African countries.
India’s Perspective on Rising Natural Resource-rich Africa
With the rise of natural resource-rich Africa, India sees significant economic potential and opportunities for mutually beneficial growth and development.
Pros and Cons of India’s Increasing Interest in Africa
India’s increasing interest in Africa presents numerous advantages and challenges. This interest provides prospects for growth, cooperation, and exchange, yet it is vital to critically examine and address potential negatives.
