The Vice president of India recently concluded a visit to Botswana, Malawi, and Zimbabwe from November 1-5. Numerous agreements were signed over this period, spanning various domains of cooperation. India’s relationship with Africa has flourished due to multiple parameters such as shared struggles against colonialism, stan against racism, and similar post-independence developmental issues.
Importance of Africa to India: Economic Engagements
Trade between India and Africa is flourishing. Africa’s least developed countries have been offered duty-free market access by India under the Duty Free Tariff Preferences scheme. Furthermore, India stands out as a large market for African goods and services. Currently, the India-Africa trade estimate sits at around $70 billion, and it shows high potential for growth, possibly even reaching $100 billion in the next 2-3 years.
Assistance And Capacity Building Programmes
India has been extending assistance to various infrastructure projects in many African countries via lines of credit. The commitment was made official during the India Africa Forum Summit in 2008 where India committed $7.5 billion to African infrastructure. This agreement covers 137 projects across more than 40 countries. India has also provided technical assistance and training amounting to over a billion dollars under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program. Additionally, E-Vidya Bharati and E-Arogya Bharati are two prominent programs being implemented in African countries.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| India-Africa Trade Estimate | $70 billion |
| Projection for Next 2-3 Years | $100 billion |
| Funds Committed to African Infrastructure (2008) | $7.5 billion |
| Technical Assistance Provided | Over $1 billion |
Security And Global Cooperation
India and Africa have always been active partners in the field of security. India has participated in nearly all UN peacekeeping operations in Africa and is one of the largest contributors to the Peacekeeping mission in the continent. Furthermore, India maintains military-to-military cooperation activities with around a third of the 54 African nations.
On a global level, India and Africa’s perspectives align on the issue of United Nations Security Council reform. India provides leadership to Least Developed Countries in the World Trade Organization and climate forums. The International Solar Alliance initiative is popular amongst African countries, with many becoming part of this initiative.
India Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) & E-VBAB Network Project
The India–Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) holds importance as the official platform for African-Indian relations. The summit occurs every three years starting from 2008. India continuously strengthens its ties with the 54 African states through the African Union (AU) at these summits.
One instrumental project aiding in this cause is the E-VBAB Network Project. This project aims to upgrade existing technology and expand the Pan-African e-Network Project. It primarily focuses on linking educational institutions and hospitals in India with those in the participating African countries. The project is funded completely by the Indian government and is open to all partner countries in Africa.
India’s Relationship With Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Malawi
India established diplomatic relations with Botswana immediately after its independence in 1966. Diamonds play a crucial role in trade between these two countries. Botswana’s GDP is comprised largely of diamond exports, which make up 40% of its GDP and almost 70% of its export earnings. In turn, India’s diamond cutting and polishing industries significantly depend on the supply of rough diamonds from Botswana.
Historical links between India and Zimbabwe date back to the era of the Munhumutapa Kingdom when Indian merchants traded textiles, minerals, and metals. India actively supported Zimbabwe’s fight for freedom, with Former Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi attending Zimbabwe independence celebrations in 1980.
India established diplomatic ties with Malawi in 1964, marking the year Malawi gained independence.