BRINGING GEO-ECONOMICS BACK IN: THE INDIA–AFRICA FORUM SUMMIT, MODI’S NEW FOREIGN POLICY AGENDA AND THE IMPLICATIONS FOR AFRICA

The document analyzes the shift in Indian foreign policy under Prime Minister Narendra Modi toward a more assertive, geo-economic approach. It examines how India integrates Africa into its strategic calculations, particularly regarding energy security, maritime security in the Indian Ocean, and competition with China. The paper details the history of the India–Africa Forum Summit (IAFS), the use of lines of credit (LOCs) for infrastructure, and the potential for aligning Indian engagement with Africa's Agenda 2063 and the Africa Integrated Maritime Strategy.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign policy is characterized by a more proactive and assertive stance, emphasizing economic diplomacy and the role of the Indian diaspora to carve out a stronger role for India in a geostrategic space stretching from the Suez to the Pacific.
• India's engagement with Africa is increasingly driven by the need for energy security and the desire to diversify its energy sources, leading to investments in the oil and mining sectors, such as the state-owned ONGC Videsh Ltd's stake in Sudan.
• The India–Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) has evolved from a restricted participation model based on the 'Banjul Formula' to a more inclusive approach under Modi, who invited all African states to the third summit.
• India utilizes concessional lines of credit (LOCs) via the Exim Bank of India to fund African projects, though these are criticized by some African officials for primarily benefiting Indian suppliers since 75% of goods and services must be sourced from India.
• India's strategic interest in the Indian Ocean region, articulated through the SAGAR ('security and growth for all in the region') philosophy, involves enhancing maritime security and counter-terrorism cooperation to balance China's growing presence and naval base construction.
• To build a sustainable partnership, India's engagement should align with Africa's own strategic frameworks, including Agenda 2063, the Africa Integrated Maritime Strategy (AIMS), and the Programme on Infrastructure Development for Africa (PIDA).

APA

Sidiropoulos, E., & Alden, C. (n.d.). BRINGING GEO-ECONOMICS BACK IN: THE INDIA–AFRICA FORUM SUMMIT, MODI’S NEW FOREIGN POLICY AGENDA AND THE IMPLICATIONS FOR AFRICA. South African Institute of International Affairs. https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/SAIIA-Working-Paper-20151023-Indian-FP-under-Modi-FINAL.pdf

Chicago

Sidiropoulos, Elizabeth, and Chris Alden. BRINGING GEO-ECONOMICS BACK IN: THE INDIA–AFRICA FORUM SUMMIT, MODI’S NEW FOREIGN POLICY AGENDA AND THE IMPLICATIONS FOR AFRICA. South African Institute of International Affairs, n.d. https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/SAIIA-Working-Paper-20151023-Indian-FP-under-Modi-FINAL.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Sidiropoulos |first1=Elizabeth |last2=Alden |first2=Chris |title=BRINGING GEO-ECONOMICS BACK IN: THE INDIA–AFRICA FORUM SUMMIT, MODI’S NEW FOREIGN POLICY AGENDA AND THE IMPLICATIONS FOR AFRICA |publisher=South African Institute of International Affairs |url=https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/SAIIA-Working-Paper-20151023-Indian-FP-under-Modi-FINAL.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{sidiropoulosndbringing, author = {Sidiropoulos, Elizabeth and Alden, Chris}, title = {{BRINGING GEO-ECONOMICS BACK IN: THE INDIA–AFRICA FORUM SUMMIT, MODI’S NEW FOREIGN POLICY AGENDA AND THE IMPLICATIONS FOR AFRICA}}, institution = {South African Institute of International Affairs}, url = {https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/SAIIA-Working-Paper-20151023-Indian-FP-under-Modi-FINAL.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }