National News | President Draupadi Murmu Dr Jagdeep Singh New Delhi President Draupadi Murmu’s visit to three countries – Algeria, Mauritania and Malawi set new benchmarks in India-Africa relations. This was the first visit by an Indian Head of State to three African countries.
India’s approach towards African nations reflects the thousands of years of historical, political, economic and cultural ties between the African continent and India. India’s historical relations have been primarily with East Africa.
However, with the expansion of diplomatic and trade representation today, India has developed relations with most African countries. India became Africa’s fourth largest trading partner. India has voluntarily taken steps to improve relations with the African continent.
Africa is an attractive market for Indian companies
With projected GDP growth of 4% in 2023 and bilateral trade reaching $98 billion in 2022-23, Africa is an attractive market for Indian companies. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) creates an integrated market of 1.3 billion people, improving export and investment possibilities.
Africa’s 54 nations form an important group in international forums, which is important for India’s aspirations for greater global representation. India’s support for African representation in the UN Security Council and the African Union’s permanent membership in the G-20 during India’s presidency in 2023 highlights this strategic partnership.
Africa supplies about 15% of India’s oil demand and Africa’s eastern coast is vital to India’s maritime interests in the Indian Ocean. Joint defense agreements and naval exercises, such as the India-Mozambique-Tanzania trilateral exercises, enhance regional security and protect maritime trade.
The Indian diaspora in Africa, numbering 3 million, fosters strong cultural and economic ties. Initiatives like Pravasi Bharatiya Divas aim to harness the influence of this community for mutual benefit.
Africa is known as the “blind” continent. Because it could not be discovered for a long time. Africa includes the largest desert, highland areas, does not have many natural ports and the climate is hot and humid, which prevented foreigners from entering and exploring the continent.
The historical and civilizational ties between India and African nations, the political and emotional solidarity against colonialism, the goodwill among our citizens and the genuine spirit of cooperation among developing countries: the past, present and future partnership between India and the African continent and so on. Examples are used to define and celebrate relationships.
Currently, India and African countries are giving maximum emphasis on development of sectors like health, digital and green development: External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar
From the days of common struggle against colonialism to the multifaceted partnership of the 21st century based on cooperation between developing countries, India-Africa relations have come a long way, said External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar. had said that currently, India and African countries are giving maximum emphasis to the development of sectors like health sector, digital and green development.
The Government of India has always paid attention to the political priorities and needs of African countries. India has provided assistance in education, health services, agriculture, defense and security, science and technology, capacity building and infrastructure development to strengthen ties with Africa. The COVID-19 pandemic has further strengthened this development partnership, which is following the trend. path shown by the ‘Kampala Principles’.
These ten principles were discussed in detail by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his speech in the Parliament of Uganda in 2019. Broadly speaking, these ten principles clarify India’s vision on development cooperation with African countries. Even during the Covid-19 pandemic, India stood firmly behind Africa.
Both sides had easily completed the task of repatriating their citizens present in each other’s countries through special flights. Apart from this, despite the shortage of vaccines in the country, India tried with all its capacity to provide Corona vaccine to African countries.
This includes providing $5 million in assistance to 25 African countries and providing 3.965 million doses of locally manufactured Covid-19 vaccines to 42 African countries. India’s progress model, development packages for African countries, provides technology and skills. construction and development of infrastructure that are in line with the needs and priorities of African countries.
Another specialty of this is that compared to China and some other Western countries, India provides this help unconditionally. Investment relations between India and Africa are also improving rapidly. In addition to the green sector, this investment is also made in traditional industries. India’s total trade with Africa between April 1996 and May 2023 was $89.5 billion.
Investment relations between India and Africa are also improving rapidly.
India has also made maximum investments in Mauritius, Mozambique, Sudan, Egypt and South Africa. The investment relationship between India and Africa is also improving rapidly. In addition to the green sector, this investment is also being made in traditional industries. India’s total investment in Africa between April 1996 and March 2022 was $73.9 billion.
In this way, India has become the fourth country that invests the most in Africa. If you want to take your trade and investment relationship with Africa further, you will need to take an integrated approach. This means that African countries must be guided by global trends. GVC values aim to strengthen Africa’s connectivity and infrastructure and mobilize trade and financial capital to Africa.
There are many opportunities for the Indian private sector to open second and tertiary hospitals and laboratories in Africa. Africa’s pharmaceutical industry is still in its nascent stage and this is a huge opportunity for the Indian pharmaceutical industry.
Because Indian pharmaceutical companies can offer generic medicines at very low prices. According to Razaul Karim Laskar, a scholar of Indian foreign policy, “African countries are currently at a stage of development where India can provide them with the most suitable technology at competitive prices. ” Is.
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