India and Africa: Relations Beyond Rhetoric

India and Africa share a deep-rooted historical relationship, making their connection an ideal talking point in speeches. However, it is crucial to critically evaluate the depth and extent of their engagement to derive useful policy insights. India has consistently engaged with African nations, often in ad hoc fashion, standing as a steadfast advocate for their emancipation from colonial rule.

Through the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), India has consistently championed the core concerns of African countries, particularly the Least Developed Countries (LDCs), in various international forums such as GATT/WTO, the UN/CHOGM, and climate change negotiations. India's dedication to Africa became even more evident during its G20 presidency in 2023, where it ensured the African Union (AU) became a permanent member of the G20, garnering immense appreciation and affection across the continent.

India has been instrumental in developing the skills, institutions, and infrastructure of the African continent through extensive capacity-building assistance and the "Share and Care" approach. This assistance has immensely benefited African nations by creating skilled manpower, modern institutions, and infrastructure in the fields of education and defence.

Indian teachers and professors were highly esteemed, especially by those who studied in India between the 1960s and 1980s. Unfortunately, this effective mode of engagement has decreased, and it is essential to revive it. Several African leaders fondly remember their Indian teachers even after 40 to 50 years, and countless military officers trained in India have gone on to become heads of government and state in their respective countries.

Thousands of Africans have been trained under the fully-funded Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme and have risen to prominent positions.

Another significant capacity-building effort by India is the training of about 80 women annually in solar panel installation, affectionately referred to as "Solar Mamas." These women return home to electrify their communities and illuminate at least 50 houses each. Moreover, India has launched several connectivity and capacity-building programs, guided by former President APJ Abdul Kalam's vision, such as the Pan-Africa e-Network initiative.

Focusing on telemedicine, tele-education, e-governance, and connectivity among African heads of state, the initiative involved five leading Indian universities and 12 super-speciality hospitals, fully funded by the Indian government under NEPAD. The programme, upgraded and expanded under the Modi government as e-Vidya Bharati and e-Arogya Bharati, has benefited over 7,000 students since its inception in the 1950s.

India has consistently encouraged African students to pursue higher education, training, and capacity building in Indian institutions, leading to a student population of over 55,000 African students currently residing in India. Additionally, India has a long history of defense cooperation with various African nations and participation in UN peacekeeping operations, notably in Congo since 1960.

In South Sudan, India's role has been widely appreciated for preventing genocide. Indian women police personnel also made remarkable contributions in Liberia, garnering praise from President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf for their exceptional work. Currently, India trains numerous Africans in its defense institutions and peacekeeping operations, contributing to counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency efforts.

Establishing National Defence Colleges in countries like Nigeria, India has actively engaged with the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) devised by the OAU to address issues like genocide and ethnic cleansing. Moreover, India's active involvement in anti-piracy operations along the East Coast of Africa, particularly in Somalia and the Gulf of Aden, has ensured free lines of communication and trade.

With the US-Africa Command (AFRICOM) focusing on the Gulf of Guinea, India must strategically consider maritime domain awareness initiatives to secure sea lanes of communication. The significant Indian diaspora in Africa, numbering about three million people of Indian origin, also plays a crucial role in fostering people-to-people connections and contributing to economic growth through various leadership positions.