India-Africa relations enter new strategic stage: ‘South-South cooperation’ and multi-sector partnerships take center stage India News

Speakers at a conference titled ‘India-Africa Partnership in the Changing Global Order’ held in the national capital on Monday stressed that relations between the two regions were entering a more strategic phase.Addressing the occasion, Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs (Economic Relations) Sudhakar Dalela said, “We are living in turbulent times, with disruptions in supply chains, calling for South-South cooperation in energy transition and climate action.” He emphasized the importance of Africa in India’s economic diplomacy and reiterated that this partnership embodies the principle of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’.Conference speakers noted that increasing global competition and Africa’s own integration efforts, particularly through the African Continental Free Trade Area, are changing the framework for engagement. India’s trade with Africa has crossed $100 billion in 2024-25, and both sides aim to double it to $200 billion by 2030, underscoring the need for a clearer and more cohesive policy roadmap.South Africa’s High Commissioner to India Anil Shukral emphasized that cooperation in agricultural innovation, food security, skills and capacity building are priorities for the next India-Africa Forum Summit. Ambassador Anil Wadawa said cooperation in technology, ports and infrastructure was about “building a future together in a changing global order”.Delegates also pointed to opportunities in renewable energy, critical minerals and digitalisation, while calling for stronger institutional mechanisms and regular summits. Overall, participants concluded that India’s relationship with Africa has evolved into a multifaceted partnership but requires sustained policy attention to realize its full potential.The conference, organized by the Chintan Research Foundation in partnership with the USANAS Foundation, brought together diplomats, policymakers and academics to assess the trajectory of the bilateral relationship. The discussion highlighted how historical solidarities rooted in anti-colonial struggles and the legacy of the Bandung Conference intersect with today’s development and strategic priorities.