New Delhi: The Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses has launched the fifth India-Africa Strategic Dialogue (IASD) in New Delhi. The two-day event, themed “India and Africa: Partnership in the Next Decade,” began on Tuesday and will conclude on Wednesday.
In his welcome address, the director general of MP-IDSA, Sujan R Chinoy, observed that amidst growing trade protectionism and self-centred policies globally, India and Africa could collaborate to construct a values-based future for humankind and forge a stronger global consensus to achieve the UN’s sustainable development goals.
The 5th Edition of the India-Africa Strategic Dialogue #IASD2025 on the theme “#India and #Africa: Partnership in the Next Decade” has begun. Inaugural session is graced by H.E. Amb @AnilSooklalji, @MEAIndia Sec ER Dammu Ravi and DG @IDSAIndia @SujanChinoy pic.twitter.com/kvUa4SBXGB
— Manohar Parrikar IDSA, New Delhi (@IDSAIndia) March 25, 2025
Chinoy emphasized that India seeks to engage with African nations as an equal partner on matters of mutual interest. He noted significant potential for deepening cooperation beyond information technology, educational centres and e-learning, particularly in non-traditional security domains, including counterterrorism, peacekeeping, military training, and food and energy security.
“Piracy and disruption in the Red Sea are matters of common concern,” he added.
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India’s substantial contributions to UN peacekeeping operations in Africa, the Indian Navy’s initiatives to strengthen maritime cooperation with African countries, and the “Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions” (MAHASAGAR) initiative demonstrate how the India-Africa partnership remains anchored in principles of equality, mutual respect and mutual benefit. Chinoy noted that India is invested in Africa’s prosperity as envisaged in the African Union’s “Agenda 2063”.
Anil Sooklal, high commissioner of South Africa to India, highlighted the historical ties between India and Africa in his special remarks. He stressed the need to build upon the strong foundation between the two regions by expanding cooperation across all fronts. “India and Africa need to be more cohesive and reclaim their rightful places on the global stage and amongst the global community of nations,” he stated.
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Sooklal commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech in Uganda in 2018, which outlined India’s vision of engagement with Africa, as a concrete step towards enhancing stronger India-Africa ties. He observed that Modi’s vision aligns with the African Union's “Agenda 2063”.
Describing Africa as the “most marginalised continent”, Sooklal acknowledged that the continent needs to address its fault lines and develop greater cohesion. He emphasized that in India, Africa has a trusted friend, and leaders from both regions should collaborate to chart a path forward. Sooklal highlighted the importance of viewing the India-Africa partnership inclusively, with the private sector driving momentum.
Delivering the keynote address, Dammu Ravi, secretary (economic relations) at the Ministry of External Affairs, echoed similar sentiments. He advocated that India and Africa should work together to build more robust, diverse and resilient business relations, redefine engagement parameters and explore new sectors for cooperation. “India is committed to deepening trade and investments with Africa and increasing knowledge and technology transfer,” he added.
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Ravi encouraged the use of local currencies, barter systems and technology financing as alternatives to boost trade with the African continent.
Describing security as “one of the dimensions of development,” Ravi noted that countries forging partnerships with Africa should broaden the scope of security by promoting education, capacity building, technology transfer, skill development and food security. He concluded that India’s approach to Africa has always been guided by a deep-rooted commitment to building long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships.
The objective of the India-Africa Strategic Dialogue is to build upon existing partnerships between African countries and India, and to explore new areas of convergence for mutual engagement.
The dialogue brings together more than 20 distinguished experts and policymakers from India and Africa to deliberate on trade, investment, defence and maritime security, multilateral partnerships and energy security.
