India-Africa Growth Partnership to Boost Global South, Says VP Jagdeep Dhankhar
India’s growth partnership with Africa is poised to play a pivotal role in global rebalancing and strengthening the Global South, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar said . Addressing the 19th CII India-Africa Business Conclave, Dhankhar highlighted India’s position as Africa’s fourth-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching $85 billion and investments totaling $75 billion. He emphasized the vast potential for further collaboration in diverse areas.
Dhankhar noted that India has invested over $12.37 billion in 206 infrastructure projects across 43 African countries, impacting millions of lives. He also underscored India’s commitment to Africa through capacity-building initiatives, training, and educational opportunities, aligned with the African Union’s priorities, including this year’s focus on "Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century".
“India, the largest democracy on the planet, most vibrant and home to one-sixth of humanity, has nurtured its bonds with Africa in people-to-people relations, extending e-Visa facilities to 33 African countries”, the Vice President said during his address. He highlighted the deep-rooted ties between India and Africa, forged by shared histories, common struggles, and mutual aspirations for a just and equitable global order. These connections make the partnership stronger than ever.
Dhankhar praised India’s advancements in digital technology, which have revolutionized public services and set global benchmarks. He pointed to the collaborative potential of India’s technological expertise with Africa, particularly through initiatives like 'India Stack', which can offer tech-based solutions across the continent. The Vice President also mentioned India’s space program as an avenue for cooperation, providing Africa with innovative tools to achieve sustainable development.
Looking ahead, Dhankhar expressed optimism about the upcoming India-Africa Forum Summit IV, which aims to set a contemporary agenda for cooperation between the two regions. He emphasized that India’s exponential economic rise in the last decade has been globally recognized and offers valuable opportunities for Africa.
“India is an economy on the rise, and the deliberations here will surely translate into actionable outcomes that will benefit both sides”, Dhankhar added, reinforcing the importance of the India-Africa growth partnership in shaping a harmonious and balanced global future.
The conclave showcased India’s commitment to deepening its ties with Africa, not just through trade and investment but also by building stronger socio-economic and technological collaborations, reinforcing the vision of a united and prosperous Global South.
