India’s involvement in Africa is still incapable of threatening China’s influence, not only in terms of partnership commitments, but also in terms of consistency in project delivery and persistence in engagements. However, given its geographic and cultural proximity to Africa, as well as the appeal of its cuisine and cinema among Africans, India’s cultural and people-centred diplomacy may be a key advantage in the long run.
In recent years, Africa has witnessed varied visits and new initiatives from many global powers seeking more influence on the continent. However, while China, Russia, the United States and the European Union are the major global influences on the continent in terms of economic engagements, geopolitics, and public perception, moves from various African nations indicate a desire to maintain relationships with various global players while prioritising partnerships based on win-win economic dealings.
https://studies.aljazeera.net/en/analyses/its-quest-more-engagement-continent-can-india-match-china-africa