Mains Practice Questions

Introduction

India’s engagement with Africa in the 21st century reflects a strategic shift from historical solidarity to a mutually beneficial developmental and strategic partnership.

• As the global balance of power evolves, Africa emerges as a geoeconomic opportunity and a geopolitical partner, central to India’s aspirations for energy security, multilateral reform, and South-South cooperation.

Body

• Geoeconomic Dimensions
  • Critical Minerals and Strategic Resources
    • Africa holds 30% of global critical mineral reserves, crucial for India's EV goals (30% EVs by 2030) and clean energy ambitions.
    • Zimbabwe (lithium), South Africa (platinum group metals), DRC (cobalt) are pivotal.
    • India must align its Critical Minerals Mission with Africa’s push for value-added industrialization beyond ‘pit-to-port’.
  • Trade and Market Access
    • Bilateral trade reached USD 98 billion (2022–23); minerals and mining account for USD 43 billion.
    • The AfCFTA opens a single market of 1.3 billion, supporting India’s export diversification.
  • Energy and Infrastructure
    • Africa supplies 15% of India’s oil (e.g., Nigeria, Angola).
    • India’s USD 2 billion commitment under the International Solar Alliance advances energy access and India’s climate diplomacy.
• Geopolitical Dimensions
  • Strategic and Multilateral Alignment
    • Africa’s 54 nations are a crucial voting bloc. India supports UNSC reforms and African Union’s G20 membership (achieved under India’s G20 presidency in 2023).
    • A robust partnership counters rising Chinese influence and promotes a multipolar world order.
  • Maritime and Security Cooperation
    • Eastern Africa is vital to India’s interests in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
    • Initiatives like IMT TRILAT (India-Mozambique-Tanzania) and anti-piracy patrols off Somalia secure maritime trade routes.
  • Diaspora Linkages
    • The 3 million-strong Indian diaspora in Africa bolsters cultural and economic ties.
    • Initiatives like the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas focused on African Indians to deepen this connection.

Key Frictions in the Partnership:

Towards a Strategic Synergy:

• Strategic Minerals Partnership: Co-develop mining assets, supported by an India-Africa Mineral Development Fund.
• Digital & Skill Diplomacy: Launch "Digital Skills for Africa", establish IIT/IIM campuses, and expand ITEC programs.
• Balanced Regional Outreach: Broaden engagement to West and Central Africa with targeted investment missions.
• Agri-Tech and Innovation: Replicate India’s e-NAM model, create Indo-African model farms, and promote agri startups.

Conclusion

Africa is no longer just a partner in moral solidarity, but a strategic collaborator in India’s quest for energy security, global influence, and sustainable development. A geo-economically empowered and geopolitically aligned India-Africa partnership can shape an inclusive global order while securing mutual growth.