Mains Practice Questions

Introduction

India–Africa relations are deeply rooted in shared struggles against colonialism, the principles of South–South cooperation, and solidarity through forums like the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). Over time, this partnership has evolved into a strategic, multidimensional relationship encompassing trade, investment, digital cooperation, and climate action.

Body: 

• Historical Solidarity
  • Anti-colonial bonds: Mahatma Gandhi began his political journey in South Africa, creating moral linkages in freedom struggles.
  • Afro–Asian solidarity: Bandung Conference (1955), NAM, and South–South cooperation symbolised resistance against colonialism and Cold War blocs.
  • People-to-people ties: A 2–3 million Indian diaspora across 46 African countries strengthens cultural affinity and India’s soft power.
• Digital Cooperation
  • India’s expertise in Digital Public Goods (UPI, Aadhaar, CoWIN, DigiLocker) aligns with Africa’s leapfrogging potential in ICT.
  • Examples:
    • India’s support to Rwanda’s digital ID system.
    • Pan-African e-Network expanded into e-VidyaBharati & e-ArogyaBharati (tele-education & telemedicine).
    • UPI launched in Namibia for financial inclusion.
• Trade and Investment Cooperation
  • Economic complementarity: Africa’s resources + India’s demand in energy, minerals, agriculture.
  • Trade: $98 billion in 2022–23, making India Africa’s 3rd largest trading partner.
  • Investment: $70+ billion FDI, esp. in telecom (Bharti Airtel), agriculture, manufacturing.
  • Policy Support: Duty-free tariff preference for 33 LDCs; pharma supplies (India provides 20% of Africa’s generics).
• Climate and Green Cooperation
  • Shared vulnerabilities: Droughts in Africa; floods and heatwaves in India.
  • International Solar Alliance (ISA): 30+ African members; India committed $2 billion for African solar projects.
    • Examples: Solar electrification projects in Mozambique and Uganda with Indian assistance.

Challenges: 

• Geopolitical Competition: China’s BRI offers quicker financing and visible infrastructure; India’s initiatives lag in scale.
• Institutional weakness: India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) has not convened since 2015, no permanent mechanism unlike China’s FOCAC.
• Political instability: Coups in Mali, Niger, Sudan disrupt ongoing projects.
• Trade Barriers: Logistics hurdles keep trade below potential.
• Capacity Gaps: Execution delays in LoC projects (e.g., railways in Ethiopia, sugar plants in Kenya) reduce India’s credibility.

Way Forward

• Institutionalize Dialogue Mechanism: Regularize IAFS every 3 years with a permanent secretariat.
• Strengthening Digital Partnership: Launch an India–Africa Digital Fund to expand fintech and e-governance.
• Enhancing Human Capital: Expand ITEC, vocational training, and leverage diaspora networks.
• Joint Advocacy for Multilateral Reforms: Jointly push for UN reforms and equitable climate finance.

Conclusion: 

“When two civilizations that once resisted domination walk together, they do not just reclaim history—they script the future of justice and equity in the global order.” By blending historical solidarity with modern pillars of digital, trade, and climate cooperation, India and Africa can together shape an equitable multipolar world order and rejuvenate South–South cooperation.