India and Africa: Relations Beyond Rhetoric

India and Africa are bound by a historic and deep-rooted relationship that extends beyond diplomatic pleasantries. While often highlighted in speeches, the true extent and depth of engagement require objective assessment to inform future policy. India has consistently, though sometimes sporadically, engaged with African nations, emerging as a strong advocate for their liberation from colonial rule.

Through platforms like the Non-Alignment Movement (NAM), India has championed the core interests of African countries, particularly the Least Developed Countries (LDCs), in international arenas such as GATT/WTO, the UN, CHOGM, and climate change negotiations. A significant recent achievement was India's role in facilitating the African Union's permanent membership in the G20 during its 2023 presidency, an act that garnered immense goodwill across the continent.

Beyond political advocacy, India has made substantial contributions to Africa's capacity building. Through its "share and care" approach, it has assisted in developing skilled workforces and modern institutions in education and defense. Many African leaders and professionals fondly recall their Indian teachers and the training received in India, with dozens of military officers trained there rising to become heads of state. The fully funded ITEC program has also equipped thousands of Africans for responsible positions.

Innovative programs like the "Solar Mamas" initiative train women to install solar panels, enabling them to electrify communities and homes upon their return. Furthermore, India is exploring technological collaborations in emerging sectors through Centers of Excellence and partnerships with countries like France, Japan, and the UAE. The Pan-Africa e-network, initiated under President APJ Abdul Kalam, pioneered tele-medicine, tele-education, and e-governance across 48 African nations, utilizing Indian universities and hospitals. This program has since been enhanced under the current government as e-Vidya Bharti and e-Arogya Bharti, with thousands of students completing their studies.