Evolving IndiaAfrica Relations: Continuity and Change

This research paper by Ruchita Beri for the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) examines the evolution of India's relations with African nations. It analyzes the transition from an early policy based on ideological support for decolonization and non-alignment to a more pragmatic approach centered on economic diplomacy, energy security, and capacity building. The document details trade growth, diverse investment patterns across various sectors, and technical cooperation initiatives, while discussing the geopolitical drivers and challenges India faces in its engagement with the continent.

• India's engagement with Africa has shifted from an ideological focus on anti-colonialism and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) toward a pragmatic strategy of economic diplomacy and 'enlightened national interest'.
• Bilateral trade between India and Africa grew significantly from $967 million in 1990–91 to $39 billion in 2008–09. By 2008–09, Africa accounted for 8% of India's total exports and 8.4% of its total imports.
• Energy security is a primary driver of India's foreign policy in Africa, with crude petroleum making up 58.6% of India's total imports from the continent in 2008–09. India sources approximately 18% of its crude oil imports from Africa.
• India utilizes the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme, launched in 1964, to provide training, consultancy, and project assistance, particularly in agriculture, to African countries.
• Indian investment in Africa is diversified across multiple sectors, including hydrocarbons, mining (copper and iron ore), agriculture, pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, and IT.
• India seeks to leverage its relations with African nations to gain support for its ambition to secure a permanent seat on the reformed United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
• India faces diplomatic challenges in Africa, including balancing its traditional principle of non-interference in internal affairs with the need to be a responsible global stakeholder, and competing with other emerging powers like China and Brazil.

APA

Beri, R. (2011). Evolving IndiaAfrica Relations: Continuity and Change. South African Institute of International Affairs. https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Occasional-Paper-76.pdf

Chicago

Beri, Ruchita. Evolving IndiaAfrica Relations: Continuity and Change. South African Institute of International Affairs, 2011. https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Occasional-Paper-76.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Beri |first1=Ruchita |title=Evolving IndiaAfrica Relations: Continuity and Change |publisher=South African Institute of International Affairs |date=February 2011 |url=https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Occasional-Paper-76.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{beri2011evolving, author = {Beri, Ruchita}, title = {{Evolving IndiaAfrica Relations: Continuity and Change}}, institution = {South African Institute of International Affairs}, year = {2011}, month = feb, url = {https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Occasional-Paper-76.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }