New Delhi (India), February 26: India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the country’s commitment to fostering long-term, sustainable partnerships with Africa through capacity-building, skill development, and technology transfer, rather than relying on extractive models. He made these remarks while addressing the Japan-India-Africa Business Forum virtually on Wednesday.
Jaishankar highlighted India’s growing economic ties with Africa, noting that bilateral trade has reached nearly USD 100 billion. He also pointed to India’s involvement in infrastructure and connectivity projects worth over USD 12 billion across the continent. These initiatives are designed to build local capacities and support self-sustaining growth ecosystems in African countries.
“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 benefit not just from investments but also from developing their own growth ecosystems,” Jaishankar said.
He went on to underline India’s role as Africa’s fourth-largest trading partner and its active contribution to the continent’s development. “India has provided more than USD 12 billion in concessional credit, leading to over 200 completed projects in areas such as railways, power generation, agriculture, and water supply,” he added. These development projects, which include drinking water schemes, rural solar electrification, and power plants, have generated significant local employment and made lasting improvements in various sectors.
Jaishankar also spoke about India’s collaboration with Japan in strengthening engagement with Africa, emphasizing shared values such as democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. “Our bilateral relationship has evolved into a special strategic and global partnership, with significant strides made in infrastructure, technology, healthcare, and education,” he noted. He also highlighted the importance of the QUAD (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) in complementing the growing India-Japan-Africa ties.
The External Affairs Minister emphasized the need for emerging economies, particularly those in the Global South, to have a 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,” Jaishankar said, pointing to India’s efforts through initiatives like the Voice of the Global South Summits and the G20 presidency, which led to the African Union’s permanent membership in the G20.
India’s support for Africa’s development has also been bolstered by initiatives such as the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) and the Pan-African e-Network project. Jaishankar highlighted India’s e-learning and telemedicine programs, which have provided youth from 19 African countries with access to undergraduate, postgraduate, and diploma courses. “The e-VidyaBharti and e-ArogyaBharti network, launched in 2019, is aimed at tele-education and tele-medicine,” he said.
In conclusion, Jaishankar expressed optimism about the future of India-Japan-Africa collaboration, highlighting the potential of Japanese investments, India’s industrial base and digital capacities, and Africa’s talent. He stressed that this synergy could lead to significant benefits for all parties involved and contribute to global stability and economic progress.