India’s engagement with Africa is entering a phase in which historical solidarity must increasingly be matched by economic substance. Shared experiences of colonialism and national liberation have long shaped relations between India and African countries. Mahatma Gandhi, whose political journey in South Africa helped shape his philosophy of non-violent resistance, remains an important symbol of this common history. Yet the future of the relationship will depend less on its moral inheritance than on its ability to deliver tangible benefits to both sides. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s five-day visit to Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire and Ethiopia, from October 6 to 10, sought to advance precisely this transition. Its agenda encompassed trade, agriculture, defence, education, renewable energy, healthcare and digital infrastructure, while reinforcing India’s ambition to give the Global South a stronger voice in international affairs. The tour highlighted the breadth of India’s African engagement. New Delhi is seeking to build partnerships that extend beyond diplomatic declarations to encompass technology, investment, institutional cooperation and practical development. Beyond Historical Ties India’s relations with African countries rest on a substantial reservoir of goodwill. Its own freedom struggle, Gandhi’s legacy and the subsequent solidarity of developing countries have helped establish a political affinity that remains valuable. But historical connections alone cannot sustain a contemporary strategic partnership. African economies are pursuing industrialisation, infrastructure development, agricultural modernisation and greater technological capacity. India, meanwhile, is looking for markets, investment opportunities, reliable partners and wider support for reforming global institutions. These interests offer a basis for cooperation, provided that partnerships are designed around African priorities rather than merely India’s geopolitical ambitions. In Ghana, discussions focused on strengthening the comprehensive partnership established between the two countries in 2025. Jaishankar’s meetings with President John Mahama and other Ghanaian leaders provided an opportunity to explore areas in which bilateral cooperation could be expanded. Agriculture and academic collaboration featured prominently, with agreements intended to deepen research and institutional links. India’s agricultural research capabilities could prove useful to Ghana as it seeks to improve productivity, adapt cropping patterns to changing climatic conditions and strengthen food security. Such cooperation would be most effective if it moved beyond the exchange of expertise to encompass field-level research, technology transfer and training. Climate change is placing growing pressure on agricultural systems across the developing world. India and Ghana could benefit from sharing practical approaches to water management, resilient crops and sustainable farming. Ghana’s interest in closer engagement with the BRICS grouping also fits into the wider diplomatic context. For India, which has championed a greater role for developing countries in global governance, stronger African participation in emerging international platforms could broaden the coalition pressing for institutional reform. The significance of this engagement, however, will ultimately depend on concrete commitments and sustained cooperation. Trade and Investment Côte d’Ivoire, the second stop, offered a different but complementary set of opportunities. Jaishankar’s discussions with Foreign Minister Nialé Kaba centred on expanding bilateral trade, encouraging investment and exploring joint ventures. The ambition to increase trade towards $1.5 billion, as indicated in the account of the visit, points to the economic potential of the relationship. But trade targets are only a starting point. Particular promise lies in local production and processing. Instead of relying exclusively on the exchange of finished goods, Indian and Ivorian businesses could explore partnerships that create value within Côte d’Ivoire, generate employment and develop industrial capabilities. Ethiopia, the final destination, carries considerable diplomatic and strategic importance. Its position in the Horn of Africa and its role as host to the African Union make it a natural partner for India’s broader continental engagement. India’s experience in digital public infrastructure could be particularly relevant to Ethiopia’s development priorities. Cooperation in artificial intelligence, meanwhile, offers scope for training, research and the application of technology to public services. The proposed expansion of specialised training for Ethiopian officials, including in forensic science, media, governance and the development of women and children, could strengthen institutional capabilities. Defence and security cooperation also remain important, given the wider regional environment. Yet the Global South cannot become a meaningful force merely through declarations of shared identity. India must therefore demonstrate that its partnerships deliver measurable gains. India and Africa possess a formidable foundation of historical trust and contemporary common interests. The task now is to turn that foundation into a partnership of practical cooperation, mutual economic benefit and greater influence in a changing world. (The writer is a foreign affairs expert. Views personal.)
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