India's approach towards Africa has been guided by a deep-rooted commitment to build mutually-beneficial partnerships, unlike "extractive" models of engagement, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Wednesday, amid China's relentless attempts to expand influence in the continent.
India and Japan, with their complementary strengths, are well-positioned to support Africa's development in a sustainable and inclusive manner, he said.
The external affairs minister was delivering a lecture at the Japan-India-Africa Business Forum.
"India's approach to Africa has always been guided by a deep-rooted commitment to building long-term, mutually-beneficial partnerships," he said.
"Unlike extractive models of engagement, India believes in capacity-building, skill development and technology transfer, ensuring that African countries not only benefit from investments but also develop self-sustaining growth ecosystems," he added.
India is Africa's fourth-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching nearly USD 100 billion and growing steadily, Jaishankar noted.
India has also made significant commitment to Africa's connectivity and infrastructure development, with more than USD 12 billion in concessional credit and over 200 completed projects spread across the continent in areas such as railways, power generation, agriculture, and water supply, he said.
Jaishankar said India's development projects sectors such as power plants, transmission lines, cement, sugar and textile factories, technology parks and railway infrastructure generated local employment and changed lives in Africa.
India's deep and longstanding engagement with Africa can make it a natural bridge, whether geographically or in the industrial value chain, he argued.
"With India set for continued rapid economic growth, it serves as an ideal hub for Japanese companies seeking to expand into Africa and the Middle East," he said.
"Japanese investments, India's solid industrial base and digital capacities and Africa's talent and consumption can come together to create beneficial outcomes for all stakeholders," he added.
Jaishankar is of the view that India and Japan can also collaborate to strengthen resilient supply chains for African countries, particularly in critical and emerging sectors.
"The growth and prosperity of Africa will not only benefit its people but also contribute to broader global stability and economic progress," he said.
"India and Japan, with their complementary strengths, are well-positioned to support Africa's development in a sustainable and inclusive manner," he said.
