External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Wednesday described the relationship between India and Africa as “truly special,” highlighting shared values, historical ties, and mutual development goals at the Africa Day 2025 celebrations in New Delhi.
Addressing the event, Jaishankar said, “Our relationship, our connect, our empathy is truly special. Many of you would be aware of the deeply held view in this country that our independence would not be complete until Africa secured hers. Today that logic extends to development, to prosperity, and to progress as well. When we speak of food, health, and energy security, it is not just a concern about our national prospects. It is equally about the challenges that Africa faces and the solutions that could emerge from international partnerships.”
Jaishankar expressed India’s commitment to development of Africa by keeping India’s market open, sharing experiences with the digital revolution to support Africa’s development, improving delivery of public services, spreading education and digital literacy in Africa, strengthening African agriculture and working with African nations to keep the oceans open and free for the benefit of all nations.
During his address, the external affairs minister recalled the COVID-19 pandemic and criticized the vaccine apartheid and travel restrictions that disproportionately affected Africa. He underscored the urgent need for stronger global partnerships to address shared challenges in food, health, and energy security.
On the Global South, the EAM said India and Africa are its pillars, asserting that those who question its relevance do not understand it. He also noted Africa’s growing transformation and affirmed India’s support during its G20 presidency for granting full membership to the African Union.
The foreign minister reiterated India’s call for greater African representation in global institutions, including the UN Security Council, in line with the Ezulwini Consensus.
India has expanded its diplomatic presence in Africa to 46 missions and has trained over 37,000 Africans under the ITEC and ICCR scholarship programs. Initiatives such as IIT Zanzibar and various IT and training centers reflect India’s commitment to education and capacity-building.
Jaishankar also underlined support for the African Union’s Agenda 2063, stating India’s approach is inclusive and demand-driven—focused on local capacity building and self-sustaining ecosystems.
He highlighted India’s USD 700 million grant assistance to African nations, including health equipment, ambulances, Jaipur Foot prosthetics, and food grains, demonstrating India’s enduring partnership in times of need.
ANI