My Perspective on Indo-Africa Move

A centuries-old link defines the relationship between India and Africa as the continent always attaches great significance to the contribution of India during its fight against colonialism, apartheid and imperialism.

- Aklilu Kebede

However, it was the establishment of the India-Africa Cooperation Forum in 2008 that restored the friendship between the two regions.

 

Envisaging anticipations

In such kind of a strategic partnership, both sides envisage some anticipation as an outcome. For the sake of easy articulation, India expects import of oil and gas, which is vastly abundant in Africa, to fulfill its energy security needs. Similarly, with the growing number of its high population, India faces shortage of pulses, a food security deficit it plans to fill by importing bulk of pulses from Africa, which has acres of uncultivated land that can easily grow these crops.

Local needs and global potential

As the Indian economy is growing fast, its manufacturing industries are targeting local needs as well as potential in international markets. Africa, with its billion-people population will come into the picture in due course.

Therefore, I see no harm if India looks at Africa as a potential market for its products.

Africa- the second home for Indians

Africa is a second home to many Indians since centuries. Different sources mention that close to 2-7 million Indian Diasporas are currently living in Africa. While Indian citizens work in Africa they benefit both themselves and Africa using their skill, knowledge and experience in various sectors. At the same token, Indian economy also benefits because the Diaspora members remit millions and millions of dollars every year to the Indian economy.