Answer

India’s engagement with the Global South, especially Africa, is rooted in a shared post-colonial history and solidarity from the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). Since independence, India has developed ties with African nations, supporting economic growth, healthcare, and capacity building. However challenges such as inconsistent implementation raise questions about sustaining this partnership effectively.

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Contribution of India to the Global South

• Economic Engagement and Trade: India’s trade with Africa exceeds $80 billion, focusing on sectors like pharmaceuticals, machinery, and textiles, making India one of Africa’s top trading partners.
  For example: Through the Duty-Free Tariff Preference Scheme (2008), India offers African nations preferential access to its market, boosting trade and economic growth.
• Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Support: India provides affordable medicines to Africa, particularly for HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis, enhancing healthcare accessibility across the continent.
  For example: Under Vaccine Maitri (2021), India supplied COVID-19 vaccines to African nations, supporting Africa’s pandemic response and showcasing India’s commitment to global health.
• Capacity Building and Education: India offers scholarships and training programs to African students and professionals, strengthening human capital and skill development across the continent.
  For example: The Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program trains thousands of African professionals each year in areas like engineering, IT, and healthcare.
• Digital and Technological Collaboration: India shares its expertise in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) with Africa, promoting financial inclusion and better governance.
  For example: India’s DPI partnership has helped African countries adopt Aadhaar-inspired ID systems and UPI-based payment models, transforming public services by improving efficiency and transparency
• Defence and Maritime Security Cooperation: India collaborates with African countries on defence training and maritime security, addressing issues like piracy and terrorism in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
  For example: India regularly conducts joint military exercises with African nations like IBSAMAR (South Africa) and Exercise Bright Star (Egypt), bolstering security and maritime cooperation in the region.

India’s Inconsistent Commitment to Africa

• Delayed Project Implementation: Several Indian-backed infrastructure projects in Africa face delays due to bureaucratic hurdles and funding gaps, reducing their impact on regional development.
  For example: Concerns have emerged over delayed project execution and the lack of strategic focus, hindering the India-Africa Development Fund’s ability to deliver promised assistance effectively.
• Comparative Influence of Competitors: India’s initiatives often appear reactive rather than proactive, especially compared to China’s extensive infrastructure investments across Africa.
  For example: China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in Africa has been more visible, putting pressure on India to step up its involvement.
• Partial Fulfilment of Financial Commitments: India’s financial pledges during summits sometimes face budgetary constraints, leading to only partial fulfilment of announced funds.
  For example: At the India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS), India pledged $10 billion in credit but faced challenges in disbursement, affecting project completion.
• Policy Shifts and Limited Follow-Through: Shifting domestic priorities sometimes redirect India’s focus away from Africa, impacting the consistency of its commitments.
  For example: With the India-Africa Forum Summit held last in 2015, the lack of a recent summit indicates a need for renewed focus.
• Scope of Developmental Assistance: India’s assistance is viewed as limited in scale, especially compared to resource-intensive projects by other global powers, affecting its competitiveness.
  For instance: While India focuses on soft power through education and healthcare, African leaders express interest in greater infrastructure development.

Way Forward 

• Strengthen Project Management: India should implement robust project monitoring mechanisms to ensure timely delivery of projects, enhancing its credibility and reliability.
• Increase Financial Commitments and Fulfilment: Allocating adequate budgets to African projects and improving fund disbursement would demonstrate India’s long-term commitment.
  For instance: Creating an India-Africa Infrastructure Fund can ensure consistent financial support for infrastructure and development.
• Promote Indigenous Solutions for African Needs: Collaborating with African nations to provide customised solutions in sectors like agriculture and renewable energy will increase India’s appeal as a partner.
  For example: Expanding agricultural cooperation through the India-Africa Agriculture Partnership can enhance food security in the region.
• Strengthen Diplomatic Engagement: Hosting consistent high-level dialogues will reaffirm India’s dedication to Africa and build stronger diplomatic ties.
  For instance: Holding the next India-Africa Forum Summit soon can reset priorities and strengthen bilateral cooperation.
• Encourage Private Sector Participation: Incentivizing Indian businesses to invest in Africa would diversify engagement and reduce dependence on government-led initiatives.
  For instance: Expanding the India-Africa Trade Council would create a platform for businesses to engage and invest in African markets.

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By adopting a proactive and sustained approach in Africa, with clear financial commitments, enhanced diplomatic presence, and adaptable solutions, India can establish itself as a dependable partner to Africa and the Global South. 

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