India’s engagement with Africa was in focus in New Delhi as diplomats, policymakers, and analysts met to assess the state of the partnership and the gap between political intent and economic delivery.
The conference, India–Africa Partnership in a Changing Global Order, was organised by the Chintan Research Foundation and the USANAS Foundation, against the backdrop of supply chain disruptions, major power competition, and renewed emphasis on the Global South.
In opening remarks, Shishir Priyadarshi, President of the Chintan Research Foundation, and Abhinav Pandya, Founder and CEO of the USANAS Foundation, underlined the historical foundations of the partnership and emphasised trade as a central pillar of future engagement, alongside stronger global institutions and security frameworks to support South–South cooperation.
India–Africa trade crossed $100 billion in 2024–25, with participants noting ambitions on both sides to significantly expand volumes by the end of the decade. Speakers underlined that progress would depend on aligning Indian engagement with Africa’s continental integration agenda under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
South Africa’s High Commissioner to India, Anil Sooklal, argued that India’s approach must increasingly operate at a continental level rather than rely solely on bilateral ties. He identified food security, agriculture, and skills development as sectors where cooperation could scale more rapidly.
Participants also noted that while Indian companies are diversifying into African markets, investments would need to be better integrated with local value chains to generate sustainable outcomes.
India’s experience with digital public infrastructure featured prominently, with speakers highlighting its low-cost, scalable design and emphasis on capacity building. Several participants suggested these features could be adapted to African contexts.
At the same time, delegates stressed that cooperation should focus on partnership rather than replication, with training, local skill development, and knowledge transfer seen as central to long-term engagement.
Africa’s critical mineral reserves and India’s growing renewable energy ambitions were discussed as areas of mutual interest amid ongoing volatility in global supply chains.
Officials from the Ministry of External Affairs highlighted the importance of South–South coordination in climate negotiations and clean energy development. In his keynote address, Sudhakar Dalela, Secretary (Economic Relations), Ministry of External Affairs, said turbulent global conditions underscored the need for cooperation among developing economies on energy transition and climate action.
Speakers welcomed the African Union’s inclusion in the G20 during India’s presidency as a step toward broader representation in global governance. At the same time, they noted that institutional mechanisms underpinning India–Africa engagement have slowed in recent years.
The India–Africa Forum Summit has not been held regularly, and participants called for clearer timelines and sustained follow-through.
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