India’s influence in Africa has surged, marked by diplomatic engagement, trade ties, and development partnerships. Investments in infrastructure, healthcare, and education showcase India’s commitment. The Pan-African e-Network, collaborations in renewable energy, and strategic alliances underscore India’s evolving role in fostering Africa’s growth and development.
UPSC Mains General Studies Paper – 2 Mains 2021
UPSC Mains Civil Services IAS Exam Question Paper – 2021
Approach
- Start with a brief intro of this above statement regarding the above statement.
- Discuss on India’s influence in Africa in recent years.
- Discuss on issues during india influence in africa.
- Conclusion accordingly.
Answer
Introduction
- The past few decades witnessed remarkable growth in Asia, propelled by countries such as China, Vietnam, and India.the pace of Asian growth is now slowing down, and a new narrative is emerging, with countries in Africa taking centre stage.Africa is expected to be a major growth story in the coming decades, and India has recognized the potential for partnership and collaboration with African nations.
Body
India influence in Africa region: India and Africa have witnessed significant opportunities for cooperation and partnership across various domains. The following areas highlight the potential for enhancing bilateral relations between the two regions:
- Economic cooperation: India has expanded its economic ties with African countries through trade, investment, and development projects. While trade between India and Africa has grown, there exists a significant trade imbalance. India’s imports from Africa far exceed its exports to the continent. The trade between India and Africa has witnessed remarkable growth, with the bilateral trade volume reaching $62 billion in 2018, compared to $39 billion recorded during 2009-10.
- Development assistance: India has been actively involved in providing development assistance to African countries. It has extended lines of credit, grants, and technical assistance to support infrastructure development, capacity building, and human resource development in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, and renewable energy.
- Diplomatic engagement: India has strengthened its diplomatic engagement with African countries through high-level visits, bilateral agreements, and participation in multilateral forums. The India-Africa Forum Summit, held in 2015, further reinforced the partnership and provided a platform for enhanced cooperation across various sectors. Among all regions, Africa ranks as the second-largest beneficiary of India’s overseas assistance, receiving substantial Lines of Credit (LOC) worth nearly $10 billion. These LOCs are spread across 100 projects in 41 countries, making up nearly 40% of the total LOC provided globally.
- Educational and cultural exchanges: India has been promoting educational and cultural exchanges with Africa. It offers scholarships and training programs to African students, facilitating knowledge-sharing and human capital development. Cultural events, exhibitions, and festivals are organised to promote people-to-people interactions and strengthen cultural ties.
- Building Capacities through E-governance: India is actively investing in capacity building initiatives, dedicating over $1 billion to provide technical assistance and training through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program. Traditionally, 40% of the program’s training and capacity building slots have been reserved for Africa, fostering human resource development in the region.
- Strategic partnerships: India has formed strategic partnerships with African nations to address common challenges and pursue mutual interests. Areas of collaboration include agriculture, healthcare, information technology, renewable energy, and maritime security.
- Promoting Digital Inclusion: Recognizing the importance of bridging the digital divide in Africa, India has invested $100 million in the Pan-African E-Network. Leveraging its expertise in information technology, this initiative aims to enhance connectivity and access to information across the continent.
Conclusion
- Hence, we can say that India’s growing influence in Africa reflects its strategic intent to broaden its global footprint and tap into Africa’s potential. As Africa’s growth trajectory gains momentum, India’s engagement is expected to continue expanding, fostering a mutually beneficial partnership between the two regions.
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