External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized India’s commitment to building long-term, sustainable partnerships with Africa through capacity-building, skill development, and technology transfer, rather than extractive models.
Addressing the Japan-India-Africa Business forum virtually on Wednesday, Jaishankar highlighted India’s deepening economic ties with Africa, noting that bilateral trade has reached nearly USD 100 billion, alongside infrastructure and connectivity projects worth over USD 12 billion.
“India’s engagement with Africa has always been guided by a deep-rooted commitment to mutually beneficial partnerships. Unlike extractive models, India prioritizes capacity-building, skill development, and technology transfer, ensuring that African nations not only benefit from investments but also develop self-sustaining growth ecosystems,” Jaishankar said.
He further underscored India’s expanding economic presence in Africa, stating, “India is Africa’s fourth-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching nearly USD 100 billion and growing steadily. Additionally, India has invested over USD 12 billion in concessional credit, completing more than 200 infrastructure projects across Africa in sectors such as railways, power generation, agriculture, and water supply. Our development projects—including drinking water schemes, irrigation, rural solar electrification, power plants, transmission lines, cement, sugar, and textile factories, technology parks, and railway infrastructure—have created local employment and significantly improved lives in Africa.”
Jaishankar also emphasized the shared vision of India and Japan in strengthening engagement with Africa and beyond, reaffirming their commitment to democratic values, freedom, and the rule of law. “Our bilateral relationship has evolved into a special strategic and global partnership. Together, we have built strong foundations in areas such as infrastructure, technology, healthcare, and education. Our collaboration within the QUAD further complements and reinforces our engagement across various sectors.”
Speaking on the role of the Global South, he stressed the need for emerging economies to have a greater voice in global decision-making. “As the Global South emerges as the future driver of economic growth, it is essential that its aspirations and interests are fully represented on the global stage,” he said.
Jaishankar cited India’s leadership in this effort, particularly through the Voice of the Global South Summits and its G20 presidency, during which it successfully facilitated the African Union’s permanent membership in the G20.
He also highlighted key avenues for cooperation, including the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) and the India-Africa Forum Summit, as crucial mechanisms for enhancing engagement.
Reiterating India’s focus on fostering sustainable growth, Jaishankar pointed to various initiatives supporting Africa’s development, such as the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program, the Pan-African e-Network project, and high-impact community development projects that have strengthened capacities in healthcare, education, and digital infrastructure.
Discussing India’s e-learning and telemedicine initiatives, he said, “The e-VidyaBharti and e-ArogyaBharti network was launched in 2019 to support tele-education and telemedicine. Under this initiative, youth from 19 African countries have enrolled in undergraduate, postgraduate, and diploma courses.”
Jaishankar expressed optimism about India-Japan-Africa collaboration. “Japanese investments, India’s strong industrial base and digital capabilities, and Africa’s talent and growing consumer market can come together to create mutually beneficial outcomes. Africa’s growth and prosperity will not only uplift its people but also contribute to global stability and economic progress. India and Japan, with their complementary strengths, are well-positioned to support Africa’s development in a sustainable and inclusive manner.”
(ANI)
