Engagement of External Powers in Africa: Takeaways for India

As multiple foreign powers compete in Africa, there is a need to understand the geopolitical landscape, and analyse the various policies, strategies and motivations of each country. Where lies India in this great strategic game? India has a unique relationship with the continent, with respect for equality, mutual benefit, and need-based assistance. By deepening India-Africa cooperation, bolstering economic relations and leveraging new digital, space and medical technologies, the relationship between India and the African nations can be better cemented, despite the global competition at play.

The Government of India has been paying greater attention to the India-Africa engagement since 2014, but Africa still struggles to be considered a top priority, in the fullest sense. The need is for assessing correctly the nature of ‘the third scramble’ for Africa i.e., to examine the broader geopolitical landscape where about a dozen foreign powers have been engaged in mutual competition, while expanding and deepening their cooperation with the continent. Four distinct categories of Africa’s external partners are: China, the West, Asia and others. A critical analysis of their policies and strategies reveals that all of them are guided by a spectrum of motivations such as assisting Africa, benefitting from its resources and markets, and seeking geopolitical influence. But the exact mix of these motivations varies from country to country.

India’s relationship with Africa, when viewed in the longer historical perspective, makes it unique, for its faith in equality and mutual benefit, need-based assistance, and a partnership that respects Africa’s agency. But this engagement needs constant sustenance.

Key takeaways for India:

The India-Africa Forum Summit should be held every three – not five – years.
Cultivation of economic relations should be accorded the highest priority.
A 21^st century complexion may be imparted to the partnership by leveraging digital, medical and space technologies.
A strong plea has also been made for giving India’s Africanists necessary resources to enable them to undertake deeper studies of important but complex developments unfolding in Africa today.

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Amb. Rajiv Bhatia is Distinguished Fellow, Foreign Policy Studies Programme, Gateway House.

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