February 26th 2025.
New Delhi: On Wednesday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized India's ongoing commitment to building mutually beneficial partnerships with Africa, setting it apart from "extractive" models of engagement. He spoke at the Japan-India-Africa Business Forum and highlighted the potential for India and Japan to support Africa's sustainable and inclusive development.
Jaishankar noted the deep and shared commitment of India and Japan to enhance their bilateral engagement while also collaborating to promote Africa's economic growth. "Our relationship with Japan is based on democracy, freedom, and the rule of law, and we share a common vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. Over the years, our bilateral ties have evolved into a special strategic and global partnership," he stated.
He also mentioned the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, which comprises India, Japan, the US, and Australia, as a complement to bilateral cooperation in various sectors. "As the Global South emerges as a future driver of economic growth, it is crucial to ensure that its aspirations and interests are fully represented on the global stage," he added. Jaishankar also highlighted India's role in securing the African Union's full membership in the G20 during its presidency.
The minister reiterated that India's engagement with Africa is based on long-term, sustainable partnerships. "India's approach to Africa has always been guided by a deep-rooted commitment to building long-term mutually beneficial partnerships. Unlike extractive models, 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," he said.
Jaishankar pointed to key initiatives such as the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation program, the Pan African e-Network Project, and High Impact Community Development Projects, which have strengthened Africa's education, healthcare, and digital infrastructure. He also highlighted India's position as Africa's fourth-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching nearly $100 billion.
"India has made a significant commitment to Africa's connectivity and infrastructure development, with more than $12 billion in concessional credit and over 200 completed projects across the continent, including railways, power generation, agriculture, and water supply," he said. India's development projects in Africa, such as power plants, transmission lines, cement, sugar, and textile factories, have generated local employment and transformed communities.
Jaishankar emphasized India's potential to serve as an ideal hub for Japanese companies seeking to expand into Africa and the Middle East. "Japanese investments, India's strong industrial base and digital capacities, and Africa's talent and growing consumer base can come together to create beneficial outcomes for all stakeholders," he stated. He also highlighted the potential for India and Japan to strengthen resilient supply chains for Africa, particularly in critical and emerging sectors.
"The growth and prosperity of Africa will not only benefit its people but also contribute to broader global stability and economic progress," Jaishankar said. With India and Japan leveraging their complementary strengths, he reaffirmed that both nations are well-positioned to support Africa's development sustainably and inclusively.
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