Jaishankar positions India-Africa ties as a stabilising force in global turmoil, highlighting shared history, strategic alignment and a future-focused partnership rooted in equality and cooperation, reports India Daily Newsdesk
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has underscored the growing importance of India’s relationship with Africa, describing the partnership as a steadying force in an increasingly volatile global environment.
Speaking at the unveiling of the logo, theme and official website for the upcoming India-Africa Forum Summit IV, Jaishankar said ties between India and African nations go far beyond conventional development cooperation. Instead, he framed the relationship as a collaborative effort to shape global outcomes at a time marked by geopolitical uncertainty and economic strain.
His remarks come against the backdrop of multiple international crises, including prolonged tensions in West Asia and shifting power dynamics across regions. In this context, Jaishankar said the India-Africa partnership sends a wider signal of “stability” and “reliability” to the international community, emphasising solidarity during periods of disruption.
The minister described the forthcoming summit, scheduled for late January, as a key moment to recalibrate and deepen engagement. He said it offers a platform to craft a more ambitious and inclusive framework that reflects contemporary priorities, including sustainable development, technological advancement and economic resilience.
At the event, attended by African ambassadors and senior diplomats, officials unveiled a logo symbolising the partnership’s ethos. The design features a lion set against interlinked maps of India and Africa, accompanied by the theme ‘Enduring Partnership Shared Vision’. The imagery, Jaishankar noted, reflects both strength and interconnectedness, reinforcing the long-standing ties between the regions.
Africa now occupies a central place in India’s foreign policy outlook, the minister said, pointing to a steady expansion in diplomatic outreach. India has opened 17 new missions across the continent in recent years, taking its total presence to 46. This expansion, he added, marks a significant step in strengthening engagement at both political and grassroots levels, enabling closer coordination on trade, development and security.
Jaishankar stressed that the relationship is anchored in principles of equality, mutual respect and shared growth. He highlighted that the partnership is not hierarchical but collaborative, shaped by common aspirations and aligned priorities. This approach, he argued, distinguishes India’s engagement model and resonates with the developmental goals of African nations.
Tracing the historical foundations of the relationship, the minister said ties between India and Africa are rooted in centuries of civilisational exchange, spanning trade, culture and migration. These connections were later reinforced during the anti-colonial struggles of the 20th century, when India expressed solidarity with African nations seeking independence.
He noted that this shared legacy of resistance and resilience continues to inform present-day cooperation. According to Jaishankar, both regions draw upon similar experiences in navigating development challenges, which strengthens their ability to collaborate on solutions tailored to their specific contexts.
Looking ahead, the minister highlighted the alignment between India’s long-term national vision and Africa’s continental ambitions. He pointed to India’s ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ roadmap and Africa Agenda 2063 as complementary frameworks that aim to deliver inclusive growth, economic transformation and sustainable progress.
India has also positioned itself as a strong advocate for Africa’s enhanced role in global governance. Jaishankar cited the inclusion of the African Union in the G20 during India’s 2023 presidency as a landmark development. He said the move reflected a broader commitment to ensuring that the voices of the Global South are represented in shaping international decision-making processes.
Beyond diplomatic coordination, India’s engagement with Africa has increasingly focused on development partnerships and capacity-building initiatives. These include infrastructure projects, education and training programmes, as well as cooperation in healthcare and digital innovation.
Security collaboration also remains a key pillar of the relationship. Jaishankar highlighted the importance of defence and maritime cooperation, particularly in the Indian Ocean Region, where both India and African coastal states share an interest in safeguarding trade routes and ensuring regional stability. He referred to India’s “MAHASAGAR” vision, which seeks to promote security and growth for all in the maritime domain.
