The current Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, champions the Indian government’s foreign policy toward Africa called “multi-alignment foreign policy.” It emphasizes the Indian government’s role to engage with regional multilateral institutions and the use of strategic partnerships. It has allowed India to boost its economic development and national security, while at the same time also allowing India to maintain economic and political ties with African states. This has been essential for most African countries’ infrastructural and economic development, through both Indian government loans and grants given out through the Special Commonwealth Africa Assistance Program (SCAAP). Current statistics indicate that India is now Africa’s third-largest trading partner, accounting for over seven percent of Africa’s trade output, calculated at over $70 billion. Africa has been the source of India’s demands for oil, gold, ores, and gas, among other items. Various multinational companies of Indian or African origin operate in Africa and India. As technological changes have ensued, many of these now operate in areas of IT, farm machinery, and transportation. The list is endless and includes such companies as SAB Miller, Old Mutual, Sasol, Tata Motors, Mahindra, Bharti Airtel, and United Breweries. These have helped to create employment opportunities.
In security matters, India has also assisted African countries to fight against terrorism through the provision of arms and training of military personnel. India also participates in UN-led peacekeeping missions across Africa. As the COVID-19 pandemic has continued to affect the globe, the relatively developed India has also used its economic muscle, medical equipment, and medicine, to assist African countries. The availability of Indian-manufactured drugs has also been essential in the fight against the HIV and AIDS pandemic in Africa. These relations must surely continue, as they remain beneficial to the peoples of both India and Africa, not just at the elite level.
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