India advances strategic partnerships in Africa and Qatar

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is conducting a diplomatic tour of Africa, beginning with a visit to Ethiopia to advance a strategic partnership. Speaking in Addis Ababa, Jaishankar emphasized that future partnerships must “help create capabilities, not promote dependencies” and called for a reformed United Nations Security Council that provides fair representation for Africa.

He highlighted the alignment between India’s ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision and Africa’s ‘Agenda 2063,’ stressing the importance of self-reliance, infrastructure, and technology. The visit follows a December 2025 visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which elevated bilateral relations to a strategic partnership.

Separately, India and Qatar held their 6th Foreign Office Consultations in New Delhi. The two nations reviewed their multifaceted strategic partnership, covering trade, investment, energy, security, and consular affairs. They also discussed regional developments in West Asia and agreed to hold the next round of consultations in Doha.