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By Dr. Denis Foretia (Download PDF)
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Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, colleagues, and friends, All protocols duly respected.

It is an honor to be here today to discuss a topic of great significance: India-Africa Relations: and how to Strengthen this Strategic Cooperation. I want to first extend my sincere gratitude to the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) and the Center for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP) for bringing us together for this critical conversation.

Now, the relationship between India and Africa is one of history, of mutual respect, and of shared aspirations. It is a partnership built on the values of solidarity, of economic cooperation, and cultural exchange.

Today, as we navigate an evolving global landscape, strengthening strategic cooperation between India and Africa is not just a diplomatic necessity—it is an opportunity to unlock immense potential for both regions.

As former Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru once said, “We live in a world where no single nation can develop fully in isolation. We are all interdependent.”

This interdependence is particularly evident in the growing economic and political ties between India and Africa.

And today, I want to use the remaining time that I have, to explore albeit superficially, the historical foundations of this relationship, some of the key areas that have driven this cooperation, the challenges faced, but more importantly to put on the table some of opportunities that I believe we must actively seize.

Historical Foundations of India-Africa Relations

Now, India and Africa have a long-standing relationship that predates modern nation-states. Trade, migration, and cultural exchanges between India and Africa can be traced back centuries. Indian merchants and traders were present in East Africa many centuries ago, engaging in commerce that connected the Indian subcontinent with the African coast.

During the colonial era, India and many African nations found themselves under British rule, leading to common struggles against colonial oppression.

One of the most significant figures linking our histories is Mahatma Gandhi, whose political activism began in South Africa before he returned to India to lead its independence movement. His philosophy of nonviolent resistance influenced African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana, Nelson Mandela of South Africa, and Julius Nyerere of Tanzania.

Following independence, India became an ardent supporter of Africa’s decolonization movements, advocating for African nations in global forums such as the United Nations and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). This early solidarity laid the foundation for the strong diplomatic and economic ties we see today. It was strengthened by India’s leaders: Jawaharlal Nehru; Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi. This has grown over the last two decades with various prime ministers.