External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday launched the logo, theme and official website for the fourth edition of the India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-IV), marking a key step towards strengthening India’s partnership with African nations.
The launch event was attended by African ambassadors and stakeholders associated with India-Africa cooperation, underscoring the growing depth of ties between the two sides.
Speaking on the occasion, EAM Jaishankar said the upcoming summit would shape the next phase of India-Africa relations, making them more ambitious, inclusive and future-oriented. He noted that the platform would facilitate the exchange of best practices, sharing of successful development experiences, and discussions on common challenges faced by both regions.
Highlighting the breadth of engagement, EAM Jaishankar pointed to India’s wide-ranging development partnership and capacity-building initiatives across Africa, which are driven by local priorities and ownership. He also emphasised the expansion of cooperation into emerging sectors such as digital technology, fintech and innovation, which are playing a transformative role in African economies.
EAM Jaishankar further underlined collaboration in sustainability-focused global initiatives, including the International Solar Alliance, Global Biofuels Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and the International Big Cat Alliance.
Reaffirming India’s support for Africa’s representation in global governance, EAM Jaishankar cited the inclusion of the African Union in the G20 during India’s presidency in 2023 as a significant milestone. He also highlighted India’s expanding diplomatic presence across the African continent as a reflection of its long-term commitment to the region.
Describing the relationship as rooted in shared history and mutual aspirations, EAM Jaishankar said India and Africa are not only partners in development but also in shaping a better global future.
India will host IAFS-IV on May 31 in New Delhi in collaboration with the African Union Commission, which will bring together leaders from across the African continent, the African Union Commission, along with representatives from regional organizations to strengthen the enduring India-Africa partnership, and layout a roadmap for further expanding cooperation across diverse sectors.
The summit will be held under the theme “IA SPIRIT: India Africa Strategic Partnership for Innovation, Resilience, and Inclusive Transformation”, reflecting the comprehensive nature of the India-Africa partnership.
In the lead-up to the summit, a series of preparatory meetings will be held, including the India-Africa Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on May 29, preceded by senior officials meeting on May 28, which will deliberate on key areas of cooperation between India and Africa.
The India-Africa Forum Summit is an important platform for fostering dialogue with African countries and the AU Commission and advancing mutually beneficial collaboration, guided by the principles of mutual respect, equality, solidarity and shared prosperity. The last edition of the India-Africa Forum Summit resulted in a major expansion of Indian development assistance and capacity building programs for Africa.
The MEA said that the upcoming Summit will be a landmark engagement to further cement close ties of friendship and cooperation between India and Africa, and to strengthen partnership under the South-South framework. It will also be an occasion to showcase good governance and inclusive development initiatives developed over the last decade.
