External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday emphasised India’s commitment to fostering long-term, sustainable partnerships in Africa, focusing on capacity-building, skill development, and technology transfer, rather than extractive models of engagement.
He made these remarks while addressing the Japan-India-Africa Business Forum virtually.
Jaishankar highlighted India’s expanding economic ties with the African continent, stating that bilateral trade has reached nearly USD 100 billion, while infrastructure and connectivity projects worth over USD 12 billion are being undertaken.
“India's approach to Africa has always been guided by a deep-rooted commitment to building long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships. Unlike extractive models of engagement, India believes in capacity-building, skill development, and technology transfer, ensuring that African countries not only benefit from investments but also develop self-sustaining growth ecosystems,” Jaishankar said.
Elaborating on economic engagement, he noted, “India is Africa’s fourth-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching nearly USD 100 billion and growing steadily. India has also made a significant commitment to Africa’s connectivity and infrastructure development, with over USD 12 billion in concessional credit and more than 200 completed projects spread across the continent in areas such as railways, power generation, agriculture, and water supply. India’s development projects in various sectors, such as drinking water schemes to irrigation, rural solar electrification, power plants, transmission lines, cement, sugar & textile factories, technology parks, and railway infrastructure, have generated local employment and, in fact, changed life in Africa.”
He cited India’s shared vision with Japan in strengthening engagement with Africa and beyond, reaffirming their commitment to democratic values, freedom, and the rule of law.
The EAM added “Over the years, our bilateral relationship has evolved into a special strategic and global partnership. Together, we have built strong foundations in areas such as infrastructure, technology, healthcare, and education. Our engagement within the QUAD further complements and reinforces our bilateral engagement in a wide range of areas.”
Also read: ASEAN highway project delayed due to unrest in Myanmar: EAM
Jaishankar also stressed the importance of ensuring that emerging economies, particularly those in the Global South, have an equitable voice in global decision-making.
“As the Global South emerges as the future driver of economic growth, it is imperative that we ensure its aspirations and interests are fully represented on the global stage,” he stated.
Citing India's role in advancing this cause, he pointed to the Voice of the Global South Summits and India’s G20 presidency, which facilitated the African Union’s permanent membership in the G20.
He also mentioned other avenues of cooperation, including the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) and the India-Africa Forum Summit, as key mechanisms for enhancing engagement.
Highlighting India’s commitment to sustainable growth in Africa, Jaishankar referred to initiatives such as the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC), the Pan-African e-Network project, and high-impact community development projects that have strengthened capacities in healthcare, education, and digital public infrastructure.
On India’s e-learning and telemedicine initiatives, he remarked, “The e-VidyaBharti and e-ArogyaBharti network was launched in 2019 for tele-education and tele-medicine. Under this initiative, youth from 19 African countries have enrolled for various courses in undergraduate, postgraduate and diploma courses.”
In his concluding remarks, Jaishankar expressed confidence in the future of India-Japan-Africa collaboration.
“Japanese investments, India’s solid industrial base and digital capacities, and Africa’s talent and consumption can come together to create beneficial outcomes for all stakeholders. The growth and prosperity of Africa will not only benefit its people but also contribute to broader global stability and economic progress. India and Japan, with their complementary strengths, are well-positioned to support Africa’s development in a sustainable and inclusive manner.”
Also read: Jaishankar, diplomats explore Kaziranga on elephant safari
Follow us
