Hindu Editorial Analysis : 1-July-2023
The Africa Expert Group (AEG), established by the Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF), recently presented the report titled ‘India-Africa Partnership: Achievements, Challenges, and Roadmap 2030.’ The report examines the transitions taking place in Africa, including demographic, economic, political, and social changes. It emphasizes Africa’s commitment to regional integration, democracy, peace, and progress.
India’s Long History of Partnership with Africa
India and Africa share a long history of partnership, rooted in solidarity and political affinity. This partnership dates back to the early 1920s when both regions were fighting against colonial rule and oppression. After India gained independence, it became a leading voice in supporting African decolonization at the United Nations. India has promoted South-South Cooperation since independence, with the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program being a significant initiative. The ITEC program provides technical assistance and human resource development to other developing countries, with African countries being the largest beneficiaries.
Building African Capacity
India has been instrumental in building African capacity through various initiatives. In 1949, India announced 70 scholarships for students from other developing countries, including Africa, to pursue studies in the country. Additionally, India-Africa cooperation has focused on techno-economic capacity building and skill development, which have been key themes in the India-Africa Forum Summits.
Emerging Challenges: Competition and China’s Role
Africa faces the challenge of competing interests among external partners, including China, Russia, the United States, the European Union, Japan, Türkiye, and the United Arab Emirates. These partners seek market access, energy and mineral security, and political and economic influence. China, in particular, has emerged as a significant player in Africa. With a consistent and robust policy since 2000, China has become Africa’s largest economic partner. The report highlights China’s role as the infrastructure developer, resource provider, and financier in Africa.
Limitations to India’s Approach
India’s model of development cooperation in Africa lacks a clear strategy, leading to comparisons with the Chinese model. India’s development cooperation is often seen as lacking a clear and well-articulated vision for Africa. The Chinese model, based on state-led infrastructure and resource deals, rising debt threats, and lack of domestic capacity building and job creation, is contrasted with India’s approach.
Recommendations: Roadmap 2030
The VIF report puts forward a set of policy recommendations, termed ‘Roadmap 2030,’ to deepen and diversify the India-Africa partnership. These recommendations are categorized into three areas: political and diplomatic cooperation, defence and security cooperation, and economic and development cooperation.
- Political and Diplomatic Cooperation
- Restoration of periodic leaders’ summits through the India-Africa Forum Summit.
- Launching a new annual strategic dialogue between the chairperson of the African Union (AU) and India’s External Affairs Minister.
- Forging consensus among G-20 members on the AU’s entry into the G-20 as a full member.
- Defence and Security Cooperation
- Increasing the number of defence attachés deployed in Africa.
- Expanding dialogue on defence issues.
- Expanding lines of credit to facilitate defence exports.
- Economic and Development Cooperation
- Ensuring access to finance through the creation of an Africa Growth Fund (AGF) to boost India-Africa trade.
- Increasing socio-cultural cooperation through greater interaction between universities, think tanks, civil society, and media organizations in India and select African countries.
- Liberalizing visa measures for African students coming to India for higher education and providing work visas for short periods.
Why In News
The 20-member Africa Expert Group (AEG), initiated by the Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF), has recently unveiled their comprehensive report titled ‘India-Africa Partnership: Achievements, Challenges, and Roadmap 2023’. This insightful report aims to highlight the remarkable strides made in the India-Africa collaboration while identifying key challenges and proposing a strategic roadmap for the year ahead.
MCQs about India-Africa Partnership
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What is the main focus of the report titled ‘India-Africa Partnership: Achievements, Challenges, and Roadmap 2030’?
A. India’s historical partnership with Africa
B. Challenges faced by Africa in the 21st century
C. Recommendations to deepen India-Africa partnership
D. China’s role in Africa’s development
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Which country has emerged as Africa’s largest economic partner?
A. Russia
B. China
C. United States
D. European Union
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What is one of the limitations highlighted in India’s approach to development cooperation in Africa?
A. Lack of financial resources
B. Insufficient diplomatic efforts
C. Absence of a clear strategy
D. Inadequate infrastructure development
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Which area does the ‘Roadmap 2030’ recommendations primarily focus on?
A. Political and diplomatic cooperation
B. Defence and security cooperation
C. Economic and development cooperation
D. Socio-cultural cooperation
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