India and Africa strengthen historic diplomatic and capacity-building ties

India and Africa maintain a historic relationship rooted in advocacy for African emancipation and support within international forums such as the UN, WTO, and climate change negotiations. A significant recent milestone occurred during India’s 2023 G20 presidency, where India successfully advocated for the African Union to become a permanent member of the G20.

India has historically provided extensive capacity-building assistance through its “Share and Care” approach, focusing on education, defense, and infrastructure. This includes the ITEC programme, which has trained thousands of Africans for professional roles, and specialized initiatives like the training of “Solar Mamas” to work on solar panels. While these engagements have historically produced many African heads of state and government, there is a noted need to revive these effective modes of engagement to strengthen modern ties.