Evolving India–Africa Relations: Continuity and Change

Image: Flickr, Daniel Incandela
Image: Flickr, Daniel Incandela

India’s relations with African countries are time-tested and historical; nevertheless in recent years the affiliation has been revitalised.

Both continuity and change feature in India’s evolving relations with Africa. India’s engagement with Africa is not only directed towards aiding India’s energy strategy, but has broader goals. Indeed, India’s foray into Africa may be seen as a continuation of the past trend of supporting weaker allies. The trends in trade, the diverse investment profile, as well as various initiatives to augment technical assistance, training and capacity building in Africa, suggest a strategy that has married components of the earlier idealistic policy with strands of pragmatism.

The views expressed in this publication/article are those of the author/s and do not necessarily reflect the views of the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA).

22 Feb 2011