External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has reaffirmed India’s long-term commitment to Africa and the wider Global South…reports Asian Lite News Desk
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Africa, saying the relationship should be built not only for the present but for future generations.
Addressing a gathering at the Foreign Service Institute of Ghana in Accra on India, Africa and the Global South, Jaishankar spoke about the challenges facing diplomacy amid a changing global landscape and highlighted the importance of cooperation despite differences in national interests.
“In today’s turbulent times, the challenge before diplomacy is to manage competition without allowing it to become confrontation, and to promote cooperation even when interests diverge,” he said.
Jaishankar outlined India’s economic and technological transformation, pointing to developments in infrastructure, digital technology, manufacturing and entrepreneurship. He said these changes were contributing to India’s growing role in the global economy.
The minister also linked national security with supply chain resilience and technological capability, stressing the importance of being able to produce essential goods while maintaining international cooperation.
He highlighted the shared challenge facing India and Africa of turning their youthful populations into productive, skilled and empowered citizens.
“Our growing scientific and technological capabilities demonstrating vision, commitment and cost effectiveness. And the importance of widely sharing benefits of technology. The imperative of supply chain resilience, including of fuel, food, fertilizer and finance. As well as the Global South’s right to industrialise,” EAM Jaishankar stated.
Jaishankar said India’s foreign policy was guided by strategic autonomy and argued that international partnerships should provide countries with greater room for manoeuvre.
“We believe that partnerships should expand our options, not restrict them,” he said.
He also reiterated India’s efforts to strengthen the representation of developing countries in global institutions. Referring to India’s G20 presidency, he pointed to the inclusion of the African Union in the grouping.
“It was witnessed in the inclusion of the African Union in the G20 during India’s presidency,” he said.
Jaishankar said India supported a reformed global order that would contribute to development and prosperity in Africa and across the Global South.
He highlighted the breadth of India’s existing engagement with African countries, including trade, infrastructure, capacity development, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, agriculture, healthcare and clean energy.
“An India with greater capabilities is a more serious and effective partner. We carry Africa in our hearts and will build a partnership not just for today but for generations to come,” EAM stated.
During his visit, Jaishankar also interacted with members of the Indian community and friends of India in Ghana. He praised their contribution to strengthening relations between India and Ghana.
Following the interaction, Jaishankar posted on X: “Delighted to interact with members of the Indian community and friends of India in Accra. Spoke about how India is seen as a friend and a reliable & effective partner in Ghana. Also appreciated the contributions of the community in deepening our special bonds with a valued partner,”
Jaishankar, Ghana’s Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu also planted a Frangipani (Plumeria) sapling as part of initiatives highlighting environmental sustainability.
“Joined FM Ghana Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and Minister of Education Haruna Iddrisu in planting Frangipani (Plumeria) sapling, a tribute to ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ and Ghana’s ‘Tree for Life’ initiative. A symbol of our commitment to sustainable development. A symbol of our commitment to sustainable development,” he posted on X.
The visit underlined India’s emphasis on expanding its engagement with Ghana and Africa while strengthening cooperation with countries of the Global South.
