India Increasing Diplomatic Footprints In Africa

India is expanding its diplomatic footprint in Africa by establishing new embassies in countries where it previously had no representation. These new missions, planned in a phased manner until 2021, will be located in the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Togo, Djibouti, Sao Tome and Principe, and Burkina Faso. This move coincides with ongoing efforts to strengthen India-Africa relations through initiatives such as the India-Africa Summit, the Asia-Africa Growth Corridor (AAGC), and India's involvement with the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

In a separate gesture of goodwill, India gifted 200 locally bought cows to villagers in Rwanda as part of the Girinka Programme, a social protection scheme aimed at promoting brotherhood and economic empowerment by providing cows to the poorest residents, who then pass on the first female calf to a neighbor.

India's Diplomatic Push into Africa: A Multifaceted Strategy

India's decision to significantly increase its diplomatic presence in Africa in 2019, marked by the establishment of new embassies across the continent, represents a calculated and multifaceted strategy aimed at solidifying its position as a key partner in Africa's growth story. This expansion, encompassing nations like the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Togo, Djibouti, Sao Tome and Principe, and Burkina Faso, goes beyond mere symbolic representation; it signifies a deeper commitment to engaging with African nations on political, economic, and socio-cultural fronts. The move is intrinsically linked to India's broader foreign policy objectives, which include securing access to vital resources, enhancing trade and investment opportunities, and strategically countering the growing influence of other global powers, particularly China, on the African continent.

The historical context of India-Africa relations is crucial to understanding the significance of this diplomatic surge. The ties between India and Africa stretch back centuries, rooted in ancient trade routes and shared experiences of colonialism. Mahatma Gandhi's early activism against racial discrimination in South Africa laid the foundation for a strong sense of solidarity and mutual support. Post-independence, India championed the cause of decolonization and actively supported African liberation movements. The Bandung Conference of 1955, a landmark event that brought together newly independent Asian and African nations, further solidified the bonds of Afro-Asian solidarity and paved the way for the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), which provided a platform for developing countries to cooperate on issues of mutual concern.

In recent decades, India has recognized Africa's growing strategic importance in the global arena. The continent's vast reserves of natural resources, its rapidly growing population, and its increasing economic potential have made it a focal point for major global powers. India's engagement with Africa has therefore intensified, with a focus on strengthening economic ties, providing development assistance, and promoting cultural exchange. The India-Africa Summit, held periodically, serves as the official platform for high-level dialogue and cooperation between India and African countries. These summits have resulted in numerous agreements and initiatives aimed at boosting trade, investment, and development cooperation.

The establishment of new embassies is a critical component of this broader strategy. A diplomatic mission serves as a country's official representation in another nation, responsible for promoting its interests, providing consular services to its citizens, and facilitating communication and cooperation between the two governments. By increasing its diplomatic presence in Africa, India aims to enhance its ability to engage with African governments and businesses, monitor developments on the ground, and respond effectively to emerging challenges and opportunities.

The choice of countries where India is establishing new embassies is also significant. Several of these nations are located in strategically important regions of Africa. For example, Djibouti, situated on the Horn of Africa, is a crucial maritime hub and hosts a Chinese naval base. Establishing a diplomatic presence in Djibouti allows India to monitor Chinese activities in the region and safeguard its own maritime interests. Similarly, Somalia, despite its ongoing security challenges, is a strategically important country due to its location on the Indian Ocean. An Indian embassy in Somalia can help to promote stability and security in the region and counter the threat of piracy and terrorism.

The decision to open an embassy in Burkina Faso, a country that maintains diplomatic relations with China, also highlights India's strategic considerations. By establishing a presence in Burkina Faso, India can gain a better understanding of China's activities in the country and compete for influence. The new embassies will provide a platform for India to promote its own development model, which emphasizes sustainable and inclusive growth, and to offer alternative sources of financing and investment to African countries.

The Asia-Africa Growth Corridor (AAGC) is another key initiative that underscores India's commitment to strengthening its economic ties with Africa. The AAGC, a joint project between India, Japan, and African countries, aims to promote development and connectivity between Asia and Africa through infrastructure projects, skills development, and people-to-people exchanges. The initiative is seen as an alternative to China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which has been criticized for its lack of transparency and its potential to create debt traps for developing countries.

The AAGC focuses on four main pillars: development and cooperation projects, quality infrastructure and institutional connectivity, capacity and skill enhancement, and people-to-people partnerships. Under the development and cooperation projects pillar, the AAGC aims to promote sustainable and inclusive development in Africa by investing in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and education. The quality infrastructure and institutional connectivity pillar focuses on building high-quality infrastructure projects, such as roads, railways, and ports, that will connect African countries to each other and to the rest of the world. The capacity and skill enhancement pillar aims to provide training and skills development opportunities to African youth, empowering them to participate in the continent's economic growth. The people-to-people partnerships pillar promotes cultural exchange and tourism between Asia and Africa, fostering greater understanding and cooperation.

India's involvement with the African Development Bank (AfDB) is another important aspect of its engagement with Africa. India has been a member of the AfDB since 1982 and has contributed significantly to the bank's capital. The AfDB provides financing, technical assistance, and policy advice to African countries to promote economic and social development. India's membership in the AfDB allows it to participate in the bank's decision-making processes and to influence its lending policies. India also benefits from the AfDB's expertise and knowledge of the African continent.

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is a landmark agreement that has the potential to transform the African economy. The AfCFTA, which came into effect in 2021, aims to create a single market for goods and services across the African continent, facilitating the movement of people and promoting economic integration. The AfCFTA has the potential to boost intra-African trade, create jobs, and accelerate economic growth. India has expressed its support for the AfCFTA and is exploring ways to deepen its trade and investment ties with Africa in the context of the agreement.

The AfCFTA is expected to increase intra-African trade by as much as 52% by 2022, according to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). This increase in trade will create new opportunities for African businesses and entrepreneurs, and will help to diversify the continent's economies. The AfCFTA is also expected to attract foreign investment to Africa, as businesses seek to take advantage of the larger market and the reduced trade barriers.

However, the AfCFTA also faces a number of challenges. One of the main challenges is the lack of infrastructure in many African countries. Poor roads, railways, and ports make it difficult to transport goods across the continent, which increases the cost of trade. Another challenge is the lack of harmonization of regulations and standards across African countries. This makes it difficult for businesses to comply with the different requirements in each country, which can discourage trade.

India can play a significant role in helping Africa to overcome these challenges. India has a wealth of experience in developing infrastructure and harmonizing regulations, and it can share this expertise with African countries. India can also provide financing and technical assistance to help African countries to implement the AfCFTA.

Beyond these large-scale initiatives, India's engagement with Africa also extends to grassroots development projects. The gift of 200 cows to villagers in Rwanda as part of the Girinka Programme is a prime example of this. The Girinka Programme is a social protection scheme that aims to reduce poverty and improve nutrition by providing cows to poor families. The program is based on the traditional Rwandan practice of giving cows as a sign of friendship and solidarity. Under the Girinka Programme, each family that receives a cow is required to pass on the first female calf to a neighbor, thereby spreading the benefits of the program throughout the community.

The Girinka Programme has been highly successful in Rwanda, and it has been credited with reducing poverty and improving nutrition among participating families. The program has also helped to promote social cohesion and strengthen community bonds. India's support for the Girinka Programme demonstrates its commitment to supporting grassroots development initiatives in Africa and its understanding of the importance of local solutions to local problems.

The underlying interests driving India's increased engagement with Africa are multifaceted. Economically, Africa represents a vast and largely untapped market for Indian goods and services. As India's economy continues to grow, it needs access to new markets to sustain its growth momentum. Africa also possesses abundant natural resources, including oil, gas, minerals, and agricultural products, which are essential for India's economic development. By strengthening its economic ties with Africa, India can secure access to these resources and diversify its sources of supply.

Strategically, India views Africa as a key partner in its efforts to promote a multipolar world order. India believes that the world should not be dominated by any single power, and it seeks to build alliances with other countries to counterbalance the influence of major powers such as the United States and China. Africa, with its growing economic and political clout, is an important player in this multipolar world order. By strengthening its ties with Africa, India can enhance its own influence in global affairs and promote its vision of a more just and equitable world.

Furthermore, India is concerned about the growing influence of China in Africa. China has invested heavily in Africa in recent years, and it has become a major trading partner and source of financing for many African countries. India views China's growing presence in Africa with some concern, as it believes that China's economic and political influence could undermine India's own interests in the region. By increasing its engagement with Africa, India hopes to counter China's influence and maintain its own strategic advantage.

The stakeholder positions on India's increased engagement with Africa are diverse and complex. India views its engagement with Africa as a mutually beneficial partnership that will promote economic development and stability on both sides. African countries generally welcome India's increased engagement, as they see it as an opportunity to attract foreign investment, access technology and expertise, and diversify their economies. China, while officially welcoming India's engagement with Africa, is likely to view it with some concern, as it could potentially undermine China's own influence in the region. Other global powers, such as the United States and the European Union, are also likely to be watching India's engagement with Africa closely, as it could have implications for their own interests in the continent.

The broader implications of India's increased engagement with Africa are significant. Politically, it could lead to closer political cooperation between India and African countries on issues of mutual concern, such as climate change, terrorism, and global governance. Diplomatically, it could strengthen diplomatic relations between India and African countries, leading to increased trade, investment, and cultural exchange. Economically, it could boost economic growth in both India and Africa, creating jobs and improving living standards.

From a security perspective, increased cooperation could lead to enhanced security cooperation, particularly in maritime security. The Indian Ocean is a vital trade route, and both India and Africa have a shared interest in ensuring its security. India and African countries could cooperate on maritime patrols, intelligence sharing, and counter-piracy operations. Humanitarian efforts could also be bolstered, with India's support for development initiatives improving living standards and promoting social development in African communities.

However, there are also potential challenges associated with India's increased engagement with Africa. One challenge is the risk of increased competition with China for resources and influence. Another challenge is the need to ensure that India's engagement with Africa is sustainable and inclusive, and that it benefits all segments of society. India must also be sensitive to the concerns of African countries and avoid imposing its own development model on them.

The future outlook for India-Africa relations is bright. India's engagement with Africa is likely to continue to grow in the coming years, driven by its economic interests, strategic considerations, and commitment to South-South cooperation. This could lead to even closer political, economic, and security ties between India and African countries. As Africa continues to develop and integrate into the global economy, it will become an increasingly important partner for India. The foundation of shared history, mutual respect, and converging interests provides a strong basis for a long-term and mutually beneficial relationship. The success of this partnership, however, will depend on India's ability to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead and to ensure that its engagement with Africa is sustainable, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of African countries.

The concept of a "diplomatic footprint" is central to understanding India's strategic move. A diplomatic footprint refers to a country's overall diplomatic presence and influence in another region or country. It is typically measured by the number of embassies, consulates, and other diplomatic missions that a country maintains in a particular location, as well as the size and expertise of its diplomatic staff. A larger diplomatic footprint allows a country to better represent its interests, engage in negotiations, provide consular services to its citizens, and gather information about the political, economic, and social conditions in the host country.

Increasing its diplomatic footprint in Africa allows India to more effectively pursue its foreign policy objectives in the region. With more embassies and consulates on the ground, India can better monitor developments, engage with African governments and businesses, and provide assistance to Indian citizens living or traveling in Africa. A larger diplomatic presence also signals India's commitment to its relationship with Africa and its willingness to invest in the region's future.

The Asia-Africa Growth Corridor (AAGC) represents a key mechanism for translating diplomatic engagement into concrete economic outcomes. The AAGC is an economic cooperation agreement between India, Japan, and African countries that aims to promote development and connectivity through infrastructure projects, skills development, and people-to-people exchanges. The AAGC is not simply a collection of isolated projects; it is a comprehensive framework for promoting sustainable and inclusive development in Africa.

The AAGC is designed to complement China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), but it differs from the BRI in several important ways. First, the AAGC emphasizes quality infrastructure that meets international standards and is environmentally sustainable. Second, the AAGC focuses on skills development and capacity building to empower African youth and promote local ownership of development projects. Third, the AAGC promotes people-to-people exchanges and cultural understanding to foster stronger relationships between Asia and Africa.

The AAGC has the potential to transform the economic landscape of Africa by connecting African countries to global markets, promoting trade and investment, and creating jobs. The AAGC can also help to reduce poverty and improve living standards in Africa by investing in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and education.

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is another transformative initiative that India is keen to support. The AfCFTA is a free trade area among members of the African Union that aims to create a single market for goods and services, facilitate the movement of people, and promote economic integration. The AfCFTA has the potential to boost intra-African trade, attract foreign investment, and accelerate economic growth across the continent.

The AfCFTA is expected to create a market of over 1.3 billion people with a combined GDP of over $3 trillion. This makes the AfCFTA one of the largest free trade areas in the world. The AfCFTA is expected to reduce trade barriers between African countries, making it easier for businesses to trade across borders. This will lead to increased trade, investment, and economic growth.

India can play a significant role in supporting the AfCFTA by providing technical assistance, financing, and investment. India can also share its experience in developing and implementing free trade agreements with African countries. By supporting the AfCFTA, India can help to create a more prosperous and integrated Africa, which will benefit both India and Africa.

The Girinka Programme in Rwanda is a microcosm of India's broader approach to development assistance in Africa. The Girinka Programme is a social protection scheme where poor families receive cows from the government and are obligated to pass on the first female calf to a neighbor, promoting social cohesion and economic empowerment. This program demonstrates India's support for grassroots development initiatives in Africa and its commitment to empowering local communities.

The Girinka Programme has been highly successful in Rwanda, and it has been credited with reducing poverty, improving nutrition, and promoting social cohesion. The program is based on the traditional Rwandan practice of giving cows as a sign of friendship and solidarity. The Girinka Programme is a model for other African countries that are looking to implement social protection schemes.

India's support for the Girinka Programme reflects its belief that development should be driven by local needs and priorities. India is committed to working with African countries to develop and implement development programs that are tailored to their specific circumstances.

The African Union (AU) plays a critical role in shaping the political and economic landscape of Africa. The AU is a continental organization that promotes unity, integration, and development among African countries. The AU has the power to implement sanctions, deploy peacekeeping forces, and negotiate international agreements on behalf of its member states.

The AU has played a key role in promoting peace and security in Africa. The AU has deployed peacekeeping forces to several countries, including Somalia, Sudan, and the Central African Republic. The AU has also mediated in conflicts between African countries.

The AU has also played a key role in promoting economic integration in Africa. The AU has launched several initiatives to promote trade, investment, and infrastructure development. The AU is also working to harmonize regulations and standards across African countries.

India has a strong relationship with the AU. India has provided financial and technical assistance to the AU. India has also supported the AU's efforts to promote peace and security in Africa.

The African Development Bank (AfDB) is a key partner for India in promoting economic development in Africa. The AfDB is a multilateral development bank that provides financing, technical assistance, and policy advice to African countries to promote economic and social development. The AfDB has the power to lend money, provide grants, and invest in projects across various sectors.

The AfDB has played a key role in financing infrastructure projects in Africa. The AfDB has financed projects in sectors such as transportation, energy, and water. The AfDB has also financed projects that promote education, healthcare, and agriculture.

India has been a member of the AfDB since 1982. India has contributed significantly to the AfDB's capital. India also benefits from the AfDB's expertise and knowledge of the African continent.

India's historical support for the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa provides a valuable precedent for its current engagement with Africa. India played a key role in the international campaign against apartheid, providing moral and material support to the African National Congress (ANC). This demonstrates India's long-standing commitment to solidarity with African nations and its support for their struggles against colonialism and oppression.

India was one of the first countries to impose sanctions on South Africa in protest against apartheid. India also provided training and education to ANC activists. India's support for the anti-apartheid movement helped to isolate South Africa internationally and to put pressure on the South African government to end apartheid.

India's support for the anti-apartheid movement is a testament to its commitment to human rights and its solidarity with African nations. This historical precedent provides a strong foundation for India's current engagement with Africa.

India's official position is that it is committed to strengthening its partnership with Africa and supporting its development. India's underlying interests include securing access to resources, expanding trade and investment opportunities, and countering China's influence. India has taken actions such as opening new embassies, providing development assistance, and promoting economic cooperation.

African countries' official position is that they welcome India's increased engagement and seek to benefit from its development assistance and investment. Their underlying interests include attracting foreign investment, accessing technology and expertise, and diversifying their economies. They have taken actions such as signing agreements with India on trade, investment, and development cooperation.

China's official position is that it is promoting its own economic and diplomatic ties with Africa. Its underlying interests include securing access to resources, expanding its market, and increasing its global influence. China has taken actions such as investing heavily in infrastructure projects, providing concessional loans, and building diplomatic relations.

The political implications of India's increased engagement with Africa include increased Indian influence in Africa and potential for closer political cooperation. The diplomatic implications include strengthened diplomatic relations between India and African countries. The security implications include potential for increased security cooperation, particularly in maritime security. The humanitarian implications include India's support for development initiatives improving living standards and promoting social development. The economic implications include increased trade and investment flows between India and Africa, with the potential for economic growth and job creation.

Related ongoing issues include China's Belt and Road Initiative in Africa, India-China competition for influence in Africa, the African Union's efforts to promote regional integration, and India's focus on South-South cooperation. Historical connections include India's historical support for African liberation movements, the Bandung Conference of 1955, which promoted Afro-Asian solidarity, and the Non-Aligned Movement, which provided a platform for developing countries to cooperate.

The future outlook is that India's engagement with Africa is likely to continue to grow in the coming years, driven by its economic interests, strategic considerations, and commitment to South-South cooperation. This could lead to closer political, economic, and security ties between India and African countries.