India advocates sustainable, inclusive partnerships with Africa

New Delhi

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized India's commitment to fostering mutually beneficial partnerships with Africa, contrasting it with "extractive" engagement models. Speaking at the Japan-India-Africa Business Forum, he highlighted India's focus on capacity-building, skill development, and technology transfer to promote self-sustaining growth in African nations.

Jaishankar noted that India is Africa’s fourth-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade nearing $100 billion. India has also extended over $12 billion in concessional credit, completing 200 infrastructure projects across the continent in sectors like power, agriculture, and transportation. He stressed that these investments have created jobs and improved livelihoods.

With India's rapid economic growth, Jaishankar positioned the country as a strategic hub for Japanese businesses looking to expand into Africa and the Middle East. He advocated for greater India-Japan collaboration in strengthening resilient supply chains for African markets, particularly in critical and emerging sectors.

He underscored that Africa’s development is vital for global stability and prosperity, and India’s strong ties with the continent make it a natural bridge between regions. He asserted that a partnership combining Japanese investment, India’s industrial capabilities, and Africa’s workforce and market potential could yield significant benefits for all stakeholders.