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Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month is celebrated in the month of September so as to build awareness about this elusive disease of the female reproductive organ.

About Ovarian Cancer

• Ovarian cancer is the most malignant  of the female cancers and every person assigned female at birth is at risk. It occurs when abnormal cells in the ovaries,  and peritoneum or fallopian tubes grow and multiply out of control.
  • The Female Reproductive System: It contains two ovaries, one on each side of the uterus. The ovaries (almond sized) produce eggs (ova) as well as the hormones estrogen and progesterone.
• Risk Statistics: 
  • World: As per Globocan’s 2022 projections, 
    • Incidence: The number of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer will rise over 55% to 503,448 by 2050.
    • Mortality: The number of women dying from ovarian cancer may increase to 350,956 showing an almost 70% increase from 2022.
  • India: Ovarian cancer is ranked amongst the top three cancers, contributing to 6.6% of all women’s cancers in India.
    • In 2022, India reported 47,333 new ovarian cancer cases and 32,978 deaths
• Symptoms:  A 2004 study reported women with ovarian cancer typically experience these symptoms 20 to 30 times a month.
  • Persistent Bloating, loss of appetite, feeling full quickly, constipation
  • Pelvic/abdominal pain,back pain, persistent fatigue, weight loss,
  • Urinary Symptoms: Urgent or frequent need to urinate, and postmenopausal vaginal bleeding

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• Types: Ovarian cancer is an umbrella term comprising more than 30 different types of cancer which are named after the type of cell they come from. 
  • Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: It begins in the tissue covering the ovary, in the lining of the fallopian tube ( (which deliver eggs from the ovaries to the uterus) and the peritoneum (which lines the abdominal wall and covers the abdominal organs)
  • Germ Cell Ovarian Cancer: It comes from the reproductive cells of the ovaries (eggs)  and is quite rare.
  • Stromal Cells Ovarian Cancer: It comes from connective tissue cell.
  • Small cell carcinoma (SCCO) of the ovary: This is an extremely rare ovarian cancer.
• Cause: Certain lifestyle factors are linked to ovarian cancer risk. 
  • Family history, inherited gene mutations: Ovarian Cancer is the most heritable of all cancers with 65-85% of hereditary ovarian cancer cases involving mutations in the BRCA1 or the BRCA2 genes. 
  • Use of talcum powder containing  asbestos ( known carcinogen) in the genital area
  • Use of chemical hair products with studies showing a possible link between the prolonged use of hair dyes and an increased risk of ovarian cancer.
  • frequent use of hair straighteners, relaxers or pressing products that release formaldehyde gas
  • Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), commonly used to alleviate menopausal symptoms, has been linked to a higher risk of ovarian cancer 
• Detection and Diagnosis: There are no effective screening tests for ovarian cancer. 
  • The CA125 blood test is however useful to monitor ovarian cancer only after diagnosis but is less effective at screening asymptomatic women as it can lead to false positives.
  • Early detection can come from an awareness of risk factors and symptoms and family history with regular consultations with healthcare providers 
• Survival Rates: Five-year ovarian cancer survival rates vary between countries with the  developed countries rates ranging from 36% to 46%.
  • India: The 10-year survival rate is estimated to be 15–30% due to screening at an advanced stage (70-80%) In general, women diagnosed before age 65 have better outcomes than older women.
• Treatment: 
  • Surgery: It is a standard treatment for ovarian cancer to remove as much of the cancer as possible. 
  • Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is often used after surgery, especially for advanced ovarian cancer. Platinum-based drugs like cisplatin or carboplatin are often used. 
  • Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy can be used after surgery to remove any remaining cancer cells. It can also be used to manage symptoms of advanced ovarian cancer, such as abdominal pain. 
  • Hormonal treatment: Some women benefit from hormonal treatment with drugs like anastrozole, letrozole, or tamoxifen. 
• Prevention: The survival rate for patients with ovarian cancer depends on the stage of detection and access to appropriate treatment. 
  • Personalised Risk Management: It includes genetic testing, tailored clinical surveillance, chemoprevention, and prophylactic surgeries, which can reduce the risk of developing ovarian cancer in high-risk women.
  • Detecting Endometriosis: It is a condition where uterine-like tissue grows outside the uterus, has been linked to an increased risk of certain types of ovarian cancer, particularly endometrioid and clear-cell cancers.
  • Genetic Counselling: The process helps identifying individuals at risk for hereditary cancers and provides tailored guidance on preventive measures and potential treatments.

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A recent analysis revealed that larger, populous villages benefited far more from electrification compared to smaller hamlets.

About Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gram Jyoti Yojana

• Launch Date: 2005
• Objective:To provide and improve electricity access to Indian villages.
• It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme
• Nodal Agency: The Rural Electrification Corporation (REC)
• Components of the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gram Jyoti Yojana scheme:
  • Separation of electricity lines for agriculture and non-agriculture facilitates judicious rostering of supply to consumers.
  • Strengthening and upgrading the  sub-transmission and distribution (ST&D) network in rural regions. 
  • Rural electrification was approved in 2013 for completing set targets for 12th and 13th plans.  
    • RGGVY was merged into DDUGJY and its budget was carried forward for new schemes. 
• Coverage: The scheme covered all villages except those using non-conventional energy sources under the Ministry of Non-conventional Energy Sources (MNES).
• Eligibility Criteria: Villages with 300 or more residents were eligible for electrification; those with fewer than 300 people were not.
  • Based on 2011 Census: The analysis relied on the 2011 census, the last complete official data available for India.
  • Electrification Status: By 2022, 597,464 villages were electrified. 
    • In India, a village is considered electrified when 10% of households have access to electricity. 

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Salient Features of Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gram Jyoti Yojana

• Subsidy: 90% government subsidy; states contribute 10% through loans or other resources. 
• State Commitments: Guarantee 6-8 hours of daily power and free connections for BPL families.
  

Key Findings from the Study on Electrification in India

• Village Size: Villages with 2,000 or more people experienced significant benefits from electrification.
• Economic Impact of Electrification
  • small villages (around 300 people), per-capita monthly spending saw little to no change.
  • Larger villages (about 2,000 people) experienced a doubling in per-capita spending, increasing by ₹1,428 ($17) per month.
• Unequal Gains for Small Villages
  • Electricity access helps increase GDP nationally but doesn’t benefit small, remote villages as much.
    • Villages with 300 people saw “zero return” after 20 years, with less than a 27% chance of recouping costs.
    • Villages with 1,000 people had a 13% return, just above the cost-effectiveness threshold.
    • Villages with 2,000 people saw a 33% return and a 90% chance of economic benefits exceeding costs.
• Cost-Effective Options for Small Villages
  • Electrifying small villages is costly and has limited impact on poverty reduction.
    • Small solar systems or mini-grids are more affordable options for remote areas.
  • Grid expansion should focus on larger villages to achieve better economic returns.

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Germany, a top arms exporter, has minimal presence in India’s defence market, but Russia’s focus on Ukraine presents an opportunity to enhance ties amid shifting Indo-Pacific dynamics.

Tarang Shakti: A Landmark Multilateral Air Exercise

• First Participation of German Luftwaffe: The German Air Force participated in Indian airspace for the first time during Phase I of Tarang Shakti, hosted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) in August.
  • The “German Luftwaffe” refers to the air force of Germany. 

• Biennial Exercise Announcement: It was announced that Tarang Shakti will become a biennial event.
• Significance of Tarang Shakti: Tarang Shakti served as preparation for Pacific Skies 24. 
  • Pacific Skies 24 is the largest joint air exercise by France, Germany, and Spain in the Indo-Pacific.
• German Air Force’s Perspective on Tarang Shakti
  • Non-Aggression Stance: It was emphasised that the exercise was not targeted against any particular nation but aimed at strengthening partnerships.
  • Operational Scale: The Luftwaffe flew 1.3 million kilometres during Tarang Shakti, comparable to an entire year’s flight hours for one German organisation.

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India-Germany Defence Cooperation

• Nascent Stage: Despite being among the top global arms exporters, Germany’s defence relationship with India is relatively nascent, but it sees growing opportunities, especially due to the Russia-Ukraine war.
• 2006 Defence Agreement: The Indo-German agreement on security and defence cooperation, signed in 2006, aimed at training, technology transfer, and joint defence projects.
• ThyssenKrupp-MDL Partnership: In 2023, ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. (MDL) signed an MoU for local submarine construction for the Indian Navy, highlighting deepening ties.
  • They have worked for the modernisation of the Indian submarine INS Shankush and have also jointly bid for the $4.8 billion Project 75 (India) programme for the construction of diesel submarines.
  • While TKMS would be responsible for the submarine design, engineering, and consultancy, MDL would manage the construction and delivery to the Indian Navy.  

Key Issues Involved

• Technology Transfer: Technology transfer is one of the major pre-conditions for defence partnerships as India also focuses on manufacturing defence equipment domestically.  While technology transfer is crucial, it could limit high-end technology exchange. 
• Interoperability Challenges: India operates a mix of Russian and Western defence platforms, which poses integration challenges but also offers flexibility in collaborations with European partners like Germany.

Reasons for Germany’s Interest in the Indo-Pacific region

• Strategic Importance of Indo-Pacific: The region hosts nine of the world’s ten largest ports, making it crucial for international trade and security.
  • Germany’s involvement in Indo-Pacific security is driven by its interest in preserving free and stable shipping routes.
• Chinese Aggression: China’s construction of artificial islands and establishment of military bases in the South China Sea threatens regional peace and disrupts sea routes, resources, and fishing rights.
• Economic Ties with China: Despite political concerns, Germany’s substantial trade with China complicates its stance on regional security.
• Germany’s Military Presence as a Political Signal: Germany’s military presence in the Indo-Pacific signifies its commitment to enforcing international rules, even in unregulated waters.
• Post-Russia-Ukraine War Shift: The Russia-Ukraine war and closer Russia-China ties are prompting Europe, including Germany, to shift focus toward the Indo-Pacific as a key geopolitical area.
• Economic Stakes: With 60% of global economic output coming from the region, Germany’s export-driven economy is directly impacted.

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Way Forward

Despite facing global challenges, Germany’s evolving foreign policy now places significant emphasis on a robust partnership with India. This strategic alignment has the potential to not only enhance bilateral relations but also strengthen the European Union’s broader engagement with India.

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Recently, the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife has cleared a controversial transmission line project that sparked protests amid concerns over deforestation in Goa Mollem National Park.

About National Board for Wildlife

• It is a “Statutory Organization” constituted under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
• Its role is “advisory” in nature and advises the Central Government on framing policies and measures for conservation of wildlife in the country.
  • For Example: No alteration of boundaries in national parks and wildlife sanctuaries can be done without approval of the NBWL.
• The Board is responsible for promotion of conservation and development of wildlife and forests
• Members:
  • Chairperson: Prime Minister is the Chairperson
  • Vice-Chairperson: The Minister in charge of the Ministry of Environment & Forests in the Central Government is the Vice-Chairperson. 
  • Member-Secretary to the Board: The Additional Director General of Forests (WL) & Director, Wildlife Preservation is the Member-Secretary to the Board. 
  • 3 parliament members (two from Lok Sabha and one from Rajya Sabha)
  • 5 NGOs
  • 10 eminent conservationists, ecologists and environmentalists
  • Government secretaries of various departments
  • Chief of army staff

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About Mollem National Park

• It is located in Goa and is a 107 sq km area within the Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary.
• Mollem National Park is home to several temples from the Kadamba Dynasty.
• Wildlife: The park is home to many species of snakes, including the King Cobra, Hump-nosed pit viper, Indian rock python, and Malabar pit viper.

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A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Florida, carrying American billionaire Jared Isaacman and three others into orbit to attempt the world’s first private spacewalk.

More on News

• Onboard crew members: Isaacman, Gillis, Poteet and Menon 
• The spacewalk’s main aim is to test the spacesuits, developed by SpaceX.

About Polaris Dawn Mission

• Polaris Dawn will be the first non-government effort to perform a spacewalk approximately 700 kilometers (435 miles) above Earth.
• The mission will involve orbiting through the Van Allen Belts.

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• Research Focus
• • The Polaris Dawn mission will focus on researching the effects of space radiation on human biology.
  • This includes studying its impact on eyesight and brain structure and addressing risks such as Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS).
  • The mission will also investigate decompression sickness (DCS) which is a condition caused by nitrogen gas bubbles damaging human tissue.

About Van Allen Belt

• Discovered in the 1950s: Located beyond low-Earth orbit, these radiation belts were discovered in 1958 by astrophysicist James Van Allen who helped uncover the key to enabling exploration of the outer solar system. 
  • Van Allen calculated that it was possible to fly through the weaker regions of radiation to reach outer space.
• Formation: The Earth’s magnetosphere traps the high energy radiation particles and shields the Earth from the solar storms and the constantly streaming solar wind that can damage technology as well as people living on Earth.
  • These trapped particles form two belts of radiation, known as the Van Allen Belts, that surround the Earth like enormous donuts. 
  • The outer belt: It is made up of billions of high-energy particles that originate from the Sun. Situated at altitudes ranging from 15,000 to 20,000 kilometers above the Earth’s surface
  • The inner belt: It results from interactions of cosmic rays with Earth’s atmosphere. Located between 680 and 3,000 kilometres above the Earth’s surface
• Significance: Astronauts must fly though the Van Allen Belts to reach outer space, so it is important to fly through this region quickly to limit their exposure to radiation.

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India has positioned digital public infrastructure (DPI) as a technology-enabled instrument for inclusive and sustainable development.

About Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)

• DPI refers to the digital platforms and systems that enable the delivery of public services, such as identification, payments, health, education, and governance.
  • It can be understood as an intermediate layer in the digital ecosystem. 
• It sits atop a physical layer (including connectivity, devices, servers, data centers, routers, etc.), and supports an apps layer (information solutions to different verticals, e-commerce, cash transfers, remote education, telehealth, etc.). 
• DPI can help solve global challenges such as poverty reduction, climate resilience, and digital transformation by improving the efficiency, transparency, inclusion, and innovation of public service delivery.
• Three Pillars of DPI– DPI has 3 broad objectives- identity, payments and data management. 
  • India, through its India Stack Platform, has become the first country to develop all the three foundational pillars of DPI.

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• Categories of DPI: DPIs can be broadly grouped into two categories: 
• • Foundational DPIs: Aadhaar, UPI, and Data Empowerment and Protection Architecture (DEPA) are developed to create robust digital rails and span the domains of digital identity systems and payment infrastructure, and data exchange platforms.
  • Sectoral DPIs: It provides specialized services tailored to the needs of specific sectors. 
    • Examples include the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, which is the rails for the provision of universal health coverage. 
  • A notable DPI success story is the CoWIN platform, which utilized Aadhaar-based authentication to facilitate the administration of more than 2.2 billion Covid-19 vaccines.

India and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)

• India, through India Stack, became the first country to develop all three foundational DPIs through JAM Trinity Initiative (JAM stands for Jan Dhan Yojana, Aadhaar and Mobile number): 
  • Jan-Dhan Accounts ensure access to various financial services like availability of basic savings bank account, access to need based credit, remittances facility, insurance and pension to the excluded sections i.e. weaker sections & low income groups.
    • Real-time fast payment: India ranks 1 for Real-time payments globally, with 89.5 Bn payment transactions in 2022 (76.8% YoY growth (2021-2022)). 
• Digital identity (Aadhar): Till date, 1.3+ Bn Aadhaar cards have been issued and 15 Bn Aadhaar based E-KYC verification has been done.
• Platform to safely share personal data: BHIM-UPI has emerged as the preferred payment method among users. 
  • UPI has set a new record of processing over 9 Bn transactions (worth $ 179 Bn) in May ’23 . 
  • UPI accounts for 75% of the total retail digital payments in India.

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Significance of DPI

• Scalability: DPIs enable large-scale participation, evidenced by India’s over 1.3 billion Aadhaar enrolments and more than 10 billion UPI transactions monthly, showcasing their capability to handle vast numbers.
• Platform Role: DPIs serve as foundational platforms that allow seamless integration and interaction for building digital applications and services , enhancing overall functionality.
• Public-Private Collaboration: They encourage innovation through public-private partnerships, fostering rapid development and value creation by leveraging the infrastructure.
• Network Effects: As multi-sided platforms, DPIs benefit from network effects, where the value on one side (e.g., users) increases with the growth of participants on the other side (e.g., services), driving exponential utility.
• Innovation: DPI can foster innovation and collaboration across sectors and countries, by creating a common platform for data exchange, interoperability, and reuse. 
• • Account Aggregator framework enables consent-based data sharing among financial service providers, enhancing consumer choice and convenience .
• Sustainable Development Goals: DPI can support the achievement of the SDGs, by addressing urgent challenges such as poverty reduction, climate resilience, and digital transformation. 
  • The National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) aims to enhance healthcare access, affordability, and quality, supporting SDG-03 to ensure healthy lives and well-being for all.
• Economic Growth: A recent report led by Nasscom indicated that DPIs could propel India towards an $8 trillion economy by 2030, a monumental step towards achieving the country’s ambitious $1 trillion digital economy target.
• Global Leadership In DPI: India launched the “One Future Alliance (OFA)” initiative during the G-20 summit, aimed at fostering collaboration in DPI for global digital growth, thus taking global leadership. 

Challenges associated with Digital Public Infrastructures (DPIs) include

• Market Concentration: DPIs can foster monopolies or oligopolies, where a few dominant players capture most of the market. 
  • Example, UPI payment system has resulted in a duopoly, limiting competition and potentially stifling smaller players from entering the market.
• Data Exploitation: Firms operating within DPIs can collect and leverage vast amounts of user data to expand into related sectors, such as retail lending. 
  • This unchecked access to data creates an unfair competitive advantage, raising concerns about the balance between innovation and anti-competitive practices.
• Regulatory Gaps: The absence of comprehensive regulatory frameworks around DPIs poses significant risks to data privacy, security, and system interoperability. Without clear rules and governance, DPIs can be exploited by private firms,
• Innovation Concerns: Government-supported DPIs might unintentionally entrench private entities without sufficient regulatory oversight.
• Privatisation Risks:  The involvement of private firms in DPIs raises concerns about the privatisation of public data and the absence of clear frameworks for risk-reward sharing. 
  • The lack of contractual or regulatory oversight can result in public data being exploited for private gain.
• Cyber-Attack: DPI is vulnerable to cyber-attacks and data breaches that compromise sensitive data and transactions.
  • Between June, 2018 and March, 2022, India’s banks recorded 248 successful data breaches by hackers and criminals.
• Digital Inequality: India has a digital divide where many lack access to digital infrastructure such as smartphones and internet connectivity, particularly in rural areas.
• Infrastructure: One of the biggest challenges is the lack of proper infrastructure, including internet connectivity, electricity, and hardware.

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Way forward

• Clear Role Delineation: There is a need to clearly define the roles and responsibilities of both public and private entities involved in DPIs. This ensures accountability and transparency, especially given the scale and complexity of these systems. 
• Governance Frameworks: Governance models need to be governed akin to Model Concession Agreements used in infrastructure projects like highways and ports. 
  • These frameworks can offer structured oversight for public-private partnerships in DPIs, ensuring that the public interest is safeguarded.
• Techno-Legal Balance: There is a need to implement a robust system of checks and balances that protects public interest without hampering private innovation. 
• Soft Law Instruments: Soft law guidelines should be employed, which focuses on encouraging industry best practices rather than enforcing rigid rules. These could include principles such as data encryption, access control, and mandatory user consent for data usage
• Segmented Governance: There is a need to adopt a tailored governance approach by separating DPI elements that require statutory or contractual regulation from those governable through soft law.
• Strengthening Cybersecurity Framework: Strengthen cybersecurity to protect digital assets and prevent cyber attacks on important information like Aadhaar and banking data.
• Improve Digital Literacy: To enable citizens to fully utilize digital services and platforms, as many are unaware of their benefits or lack the necessary skills to access and use them.

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Conclusion

Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) has revolutionised service delivery through platforms like Aadhaar, UPI, and CoWIN. While DPIs enhance access and efficiency, challenges like market concentration and data privacy must be addressed. A balanced approach, with clear roles and flexible regulation, can ensure DPIs continue to drive innovation while protecting public interest.

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Recently, China hosted its ninth Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit, drawing over 50 African leaders to Beijing.

Overview of China-Africa Summit 2024

• Financing Offer: Chinese President Xi Jinping announced $51 billion in soft loans, grants, and investments to African nations.
  • This package focuses on fostering cooperation in key areas such as trade connectivity, green development, industrial chain collaboration, and health.
• Human Capital Development: 
  • Provision of 60,000 training opportunities for women and youth.
  • Invitation for 1,000 African political party members to visit China.
  • Training for 7,000 African military and police personnel.
• Trade Benefits: Zero tariff treatment for 100% of tariff lines for all 33 African Least Developed Countries (LDCs), aimed at boosting African exports to China.

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About Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC)

• Inception: The FOCAC began with its first summit in Beijing in 2000.
• Summits: Since then, more summits have been held in Beijing, Ethiopia, Egypt, South Africa, and Senegal.
• Membership: FOCAC includes 53 African countries, representing the entire continent except Eswatini, which maintains diplomatic ties with Taiwan, opposing Beijing’s “One China” policy.
• Purpose: Over the past 24 years, FOCAC has become an effective platform for dialogue, interaction, and cooperation between China and African nations.
  • Despite occasional reservations, African countries view the forum as a useful way to strengthen ties with China. 

Main Elements of the Beijing Declaration of the Latest Summit

The document, largely influenced by Chinese drafting, is structured into six sections.

• Jointly Negotiated Document: It promotes synergy between China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Africa’s Agenda 2063, and the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
  • It also incorporates China’s Global Development Initiative (GDI), Global Security Initiative (GSI), and Global Civilization Initiative (GCI), along with a review and outlook for FOCAC.
• Commitment to Governance and Development: Both China and Africa are committed to enhancing exchanges on governance, modernization, and poverty reduction based on their respective civilizational characteristics.
  • China supports Africa’s inclusion in the G20 and both sides stand for a multipolar world, and reforms to strengthen the UN.
• Economic Partnership: China has recognized progress in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and is ready to sign a framework agreement for economic partnership.
• China’s Flagship Initiatives: The GDI, GSI, and GCI are embedded in the joint strategy, aimed at fostering comprehensive security and development.
  • China supports increased UN funding for Africa’s independent peacekeeping, counterterrorism, and maritime security efforts.
• FOCAC Next Summit: The tenth FOCAC summit is confirmed to be held in 2027 in Congo.

Major Concerns Associated with China- Africa Growing Cooperation

The growing cooperation between China and Africa has led to both opportunities and concerns. Here are some of the major concerns:

• Debt Dependency: Many African nations have taken on significant debt to finance infrastructure projects under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), this could lead to “debt-trap diplomacy”. 
  • Several countries, like Zambia and Djibouti, have faced challenges in managing their debt, raising concerns over financial stability.
• Loss of Sovereignty: If African countries are unable to repay loans, there are concerns that China could take control of strategic assets like ports or mines, threatening national sovereignty.
  • China’s increasing economic presence may give it leverage in the political and economic decisions of African countries.
• Environmental Impact: Many projects, particularly in mining and infrastructure, have been criticized for damaging ecosystems and contributing to deforestation, water pollution, and biodiversity loss.
• Trade Imbalance: Africa’s role in the supply chain often revolves around raw material exports, while value-added industries remain underdeveloped, stunting local economic growth.
• Governance and Transparency Issues: Many deals between African governments and Chinese companies or banks are not transparent. 
  • This lack of openness raises concerns about corruption and the terms of the agreements, which may not always favor African interests.
• Security Implications: China’s growing economic influence is often accompanied by a rising military presence, such as the establishment of its first overseas military base in Djibouti. 
• Surveillance and Data Concerns: Chinese tech companies’ growth in Africa raises concerns over potential Chinese control and surveillance, risking data privacy and security.

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Major Concerns Associated with China- Africa Growing Cooperation for India and the World

The growing cooperation between China and Africa has global implications, affecting various regions, including India. 

Major Steps Taken by India to Boost India- Africa Ties

India has taken several significant steps to strengthen its ties with Africa, recognizing the continent’s strategic importance. 

• India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS): India initiated the India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) in 2008 as a platform for dialogue and cooperation between India and African nations. 
• Development Assistance and Lines of Credit (LoC): India has become the second-largest issuer of credit to Africa, after neighboring China. 
  • Over the last ten years, the country has extended $32bn in credit across 42 African nations. India has also opened up 195 project-based lines of credit worth about $12 billion across Africa.
• Focus on Education and Health: India has been supporting the establishment of institutions like the Pan African E-Network, aimed at tele-education and telemedicine.
• Duty-Free Tariff Preference (DFTP) Scheme: To support African countries, particularly the Least Developed Countries (LDCs), India has implemented the DFTP scheme, which allows African countries to export their goods to India at reduced or zero tariffs.
• Defense and Security Cooperation: India provides naval training, maritime surveillance support, and anti-piracy assistance to countries like Kenya and Tanzania.
• UN Peacekeeping Operations: India is a key contributor to United Nations peacekeeping missions in Africa. 
  • Indian forces have been deployed in conflict zones such as Congo, Sudan, and South Sudan, showcasing India’s commitment to Africa’s peace and security.
• Support in Multilateral Platforms: India and Africa share common interests on global issues such as climate change, reforming international institutions like the UNSC, and promoting multilateralism. 
  • India has consistently supported Africa’s demand for greater representation in global governance structures.
• Focus on Global South Solidarity: India views Africa as a key partner in strengthening the voice of the Global South. 
  • India and African nations collaborate in platforms such as BRICS, the G77, and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) to advocate for equitable global governance.
• Pharmaceutical Exports: India is one of the leading suppliers of affordable generic medicines to Africa. 
  • During the COVID-19 pandemic, India supplied vaccines to several African countries as part of its Vaccine Maitri (Vaccine Friendship) initiative.

Way Forward for India in Response to Growing China-Africa Cooperation

• Strengthen Strategic Partnerships: This involves leveraging platforms like the India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) to enhance bilateral cooperation. 
  • Emphasizing areas of mutual interest such as trade, investment, and technology transfer can help India remain a key player in Africa.
• Expand Development Assistance: To counterbalance China’s significant financial investments, India should increase its lines of credit and development aid to Africa. 
  • By scaling up initiatives, India can build stronger, long-term relationships with African countries and position itself as a preferred partner.
• Enhance Trade Relations: Building on the Duty-Free Tariff Preference (DFTP) scheme, India should work towards increasing trade volumes with African countries. 
• Address Debt Diplomacy: India should work with international financial institutions and African nations to develop solutions to the debt challenges exacerbated by China’s investments. 
  • By offering alternative financial support and debt relief mechanisms, India can help stabilize Africa’s financial situation. 
• Support Regional Integration: By engaging with regional organizations and frameworks, India should support African regional integration efforts, such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). 
• Focus on Capacity Building: Expanding education and training programs, similar to the Pan African E-Network, can solidify India’s role in Africa. 

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Conclusion

India must intensify strategic partnerships, enhance aid, and support regional integration to effectively counterbalance China’s growing influence in Africa and solidify its own role.

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