The year 2023 was a good year for India’s foreign policy. The country ably used its G20 presidency to solidify its position as the leader of the Global South. Securing a permanent membership for the African Union (AU) in the G20, a platform which has traditionally been dominated by the most powerful countries of the world, was the hallmark of India’s presidency. The induction of the AU into the high table implies that Africa, a continent which has hitherto been marginalised in global affairs, will now be able to contribute and shape global affairs. Prime Minister Modi’s much-appreciated personal intervention through phone calls to G20 leaders was on expected lines as he has described the continent to be his top priority on several occasions.
India and Africa have a time-honoured partnership based on shared values and the country enjoys considerable goodwill within Africa. India’s trade with Africa has grown from US$ 68.5 billion in 2011-12 to US$ 90.5 billion in 2022-23 and Indian investors have also expanded their footprint in Africa. India is now one of the top five investors in Africa with cumulative investments worth US$ 73.9 billion between 1996 to 2022. Together, India and Africa have also made effective contributions to protect the interests of developing countries at international fora, particularly the World Trade Organisation (WTO). They moved joint proposals such as the Agriculture Framework Proposal and more recently, India and South Africa proposed an intellectual property right waiver for COVID-19 vaccines at the WTO.
https://www.orfonline.org/research/time-for-a-new-chapter-in-india-africa-relations
Time for a new chapter in India-Africa relations
