Reviving India-Africa relations in a fragmented world

The recalibration occurs in a global order marked by the war in Ukraine, instability around Iran, disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, and the resurgence of protectionist trade policies, influencing energy security, supply chains, and market access for both regions.

Analysts identify four priority areas: (1) digital public infrastructure for governance and public service delivery; (2) engagement with AfCFTA to facilitate market access and regulatory harmonisation; (3) strengthened security cooperation, including defence dialogues and technology transfers; (4) rethinking institutional frameworks to reflect contemporary priorities and promote equitable development and resilience.

Despite advances, the India–Africa partnership has often been episodic and heavily state-centric, with limited involvement from the private sector and civil society, highlighting the need for more inclusive and multi-stakeholder engagement.

Indian institutions have established physical presence in Africa, including an Indian Institute of Technology campus in Tanzania and the National Forensic Sciences University campus in Uganda, signaling co-creation of the knowledge system.

There have been multiple structured defence dialogues and training programs. India is exporting defence equipment to Mauritius, Seychelles, and Mozambique, with additional defence attachés appointed to deepen military-to-military ties.

India has missions covering more than 45 African countries, expanding political engagement, development cooperation, and people-to-people links.

The summit returns after an 11-year gap and is described as more of a diplomatic necessity than a celebratory festival. It is viewed as an opportunity to reposition Africa at the center of India’s foreign policy and recalibrate the partnership amid a rapidly shifting, fragmented global order.

Trade between India and Africa reached approximately $100 billion in 2024–25, reflecting broader economic exchanges and a diversification of sectors beyond resource trade.