India’s partnership with Africa is crucial for the development of both India and the Global South, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India. President Droupadi Murmu’s upcoming state visit to three African nations underscores New Delhi’s commitment to strengthening ties with the region.
From October 13-19, President Murmu will visit Algeria, Mauritania, and Malawi, marking the first-ever visit by an Indian Head of State to these countries.
MEA Secretary (Economic Relations) Dammu Ravi highlighted the significance of the visit, particularly in the context of India’s broader engagement with Africa. The trip comes at a time when the African Union has recently become a permanent member of the G20 under India’s presidency, emphasizing Africa’s central role in the Global South and its developmental priorities.
Ravi noted that the partnership with Africa is essential not only for the continent’s progress but also for India and the wider Global South. Economic relations between India and Africa have grown steadily, with trade approaching USD 100 billion annually and investments between USD 70-80 billion.
India’s development cooperation with Africa spans lines of credit, grants, capacity-building efforts, and access to critical minerals, all of which are vital for both regions. The visit also reflects India’s intention to deepen its engagement with Africa following the African Union’s inclusion in the G20 during the New Delhi Summit in 2023, an effort championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Ravi concluded by emphasizing that Africa’s role in international forums like the G20 and the UN will be enhanced through stronger India-Africa collaboration, furthering global development objectives.
