Answer: 

Introduction:

The last few decades have seen extraordinary growth of Asian countries, particularly China, India, Japan, and South Korea. The paradigm is now tilting towards Africa.

Body:

 India’s influence in Africa in recent years:

• India’s influence in Africa in recent years: India’s longstanding ties with Africa and solidarity forged by Mahatma Gandhi against oppressive colonial rule are beneficial in strengthening its influence in Africa.
• Political engagement: India has increased its diplomatic outreach towards Africa by planning to open 18 new embassies. Africa has been the focus of India’s development assistance and diplomatic outreach. India has also hosted several diplomatic forums with Africa to increase its outreach on the continent, such as the India-Africa Forum Summit.
• Economic engagement: India’s duty-free tariff preference scheme for Least Developed Nation (LDCs) launched in 2008 has benefited 33 African states. India was the fourth largest importing partner and the fifth largest export destination for South Africa in 2017-18.
• Grants in aid: After South Asia, Africa is the second-largest recipient of Indian overseas assistance, with Lines of Credit worth billions of dollars. India has also provided grants-in-aid to help Africa in its developmental needs.
• Capacity building: India is investing in capacity building by providing more than $1 billion in technical assistance and training to personnel under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation program.
• Security cooperation: Approximately 6,000 Indian soldiers are deployed in UN peacekeeping missions in conflict zones in Africa. India is also cooperating with African nations on multiple fronts, including disaster relief, counter-terrorism, and military training.
• Medical diplomacy: India has shared COVID-19 management strategies with African countries, providing training webinars aimed at training healthcare professionals from Africa by Indian health experts.

Challenges:

• Competition from other global powers: India faces competition from China and other global powers who have invested heavily in Africa, making it crucial for India to differentiate and strengthen its unique offerings.
• Infrastructure deficit: Limited infrastructure connectivity hampers India’s trade and investment potential, requiring significant investment in sectors such as transportation, energy, and telecommunications.
• Political instability and security concerns: Some African countries experience political instability and security challenges, affecting India’s ability to forge stable partnerships and conduct business effectively.
• Trade barriers: Non-tariff barriers, complex regulatory frameworks, and insufficient trade facilitation measures hinder India’s trade expansion in Africa.
• Limited access to finance: Limited access to affordable finance poses challenges for Indian businesses seeking to invest and expand operations in Africa.

Conclusion:

India’s longstanding ties with Africa and its diplomatic and economic initiatives in the continent have strengthened their relationship. India has been providing grants-in-aid, capacity building, security cooperation, and medical diplomacy to Africa. The India-Africa friendship, based on shared struggles against colonial rule and mutual respect, offers many opportunities for both sides.

DOWNLOAD PDF