“If the last few decades were of Asia’s growth story, the next few are expected to be of Africa’s.” In the light of this statement, examine India’s influence in Africa in recent years. (UPSC 2021)

Africa is emerging as the next major growth frontier, and India has deepened its role there through trade, finance, technology and security. Its approach is increasingly partnership-based rather than extractive.

• Trade and investment: India-Africa trade reached USD 93.69 billion in FY 2025-26, with a near-balanced exchange of manufactured exports and African commodities.
• Development finance: Under IDEAS, India has extended 196 Lines of Credit worth over USD 12 billion to 42 African countries for energy, transport, agriculture and IT.
• Diplomacy and multilateralism: India helped secure African Union membership in the G20 and has expanded its missions across the continent.
• Technology and skills: Cooperation on UPI-type payments, digital public infrastructure, ITEC training and IIT Madras Zanzibar builds local capacity.
• Security: Through SAGAR and maritime exercises, India supports anti-piracy, naval training and ocean security.

Thus, India’s influence in Africa is visible as a mix of economic engagement, development support and South-South solidarity. To remain credible, it must ensure faster project delivery, more African jobs and greater private investment.