“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. (Answer in 150 words)

India’s African engagement combines development partnership, trade, capacity building and diplomatic solidarity, while avoiding a formal-donor hierarchy.

Influence

• Lines of Credit, ITEC training, scholarships, digital and telemedicine initiatives support capacity building.
• India supplies affordable pharmaceuticals, vaccines, generic medicines and agricultural technology.
• Trade, investment, diaspora links and cooperation in maritime security and counter-terrorism have expanded.
• India advocates Global South concerns, reform of global institutions and African representation.

Challenges

• Chinese finance, limited Indian resources, distance, project delays and uneven commercial presence constrain reach.
• Debt-sensitive, demand-driven and locally owned projects are essential.

Keywords: constitutional values; governance; public institutions; accountability; inclusive development.