India and African countries are moving towards strengthening their relations, especially with regard to strategic partnerships. Industry leaders, diplomats and policymakers on Monday gathered in New Delhi for the India-Africa Dialogue 2026, which served as a curtain raiser for the 4th Indo-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS).
The India-Africa summit is scheduled to be held in the last week of May. The theme of the fourth gathering is strategic partnership, innovation, flexibility and comprehensive transformation.
To pave the way for IAFS 2026, the India-Africa Dialogue, hosted by the Ethiopian Embassy in New Delhi, focused on the need to deepen cooperation and unite the Global South, especially amid global uncertainty.
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Molalene Asfaw, Charge d’Affairs of the Embassy of Ethiopia, highlighted Ethiopia’s role as the diplomatic capital of Africa and the country’s role as a bridge between Africa and global partners, such as India.
Focusing on the youth in India and African countries, the Ethiopian diplomat said that India and Africa are well placed to drive growth.
Ambassador Asfaw added that Africa’s role in renewable energy, climate change and innovation, coupled with India’s economic growth, has helped both partners become a major voice in the global economy, as well as on the global political stage.
The Ethiopian envoy added that the shared vision of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and India’s Vixit Bharat helps in establishing a better partnership. He added that the goal of the India-Africa Forum summit remains that contributors arrive as guests but leave as partners.
Trade and economic relations are in focus
Senior Indian officials, such as Sudhakar Delilah, Secretary (Economic Relations), Ministry of External Affairs, and Rajesh Agarwal, Commerce Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, highlighted the importance of economic and trade relations between India and Africa.
Speaking in New Delhi, Dalila added that the upcoming summit will help strengthen India-Africa relations and enhance its cooperation in the South-South partnership. The Economic Relations Minister also noted that the challenges of the colonial era and the shared history between India and Africa pave the way for a stronger partnership in the modern world.
The leaders of the two governments also reaffirmed New Delhi’s commitment to deepening economic relations with Africa and increasing trade and investment flows.
Among other speakers of the evening, Nirmal Kumar Minda, President, ASSOCHAM, also called for sustained dialogue and stronger institutional cooperation to unleash the full potential of India-Africa economic relations.
India-Africa relations Brief overview
Bilateral trade between India and African countries has exceeded US$100 billion, with Indian investments in the continent exceeding US$75 billion.
India is also among Africa’s leading trading partners, ranging from manufacturing, agriculture, infrastructure and pharmaceuticals.
Moreover, India’s support for the inclusion of the African Union in the Group of Twenty (G20) has not only brought African voices to the fore but also highlighted India’s role as an advocate for the Global South.
