“If the last few decades were of Asia’s growth story, the next few are expected to be of Africa’s.” In the light of this statement, examine India’s influence in Africa in recent years.

African development - its integral part of India's foreign policy

• M. Jaishankar

In the recent times, India has shown deep inclination towards its African policy in multiple sectors.

Reasons for growing salience of Africa

◦ Securing the Indo-pacific region - that extends from east Africa to the south China sea.

◦ Climate change through joint implementation initiatives by India in Africa.

◦ Countering China as China has military presence in Djibouti.

◦ Diaspora : One of the largest Indian diaspora resides in Africa.

◦ Market : Africa is a big market for India's pharma & automobile sector.

◦ Access to natural resources like uranium, gold, crude, etc.