Jaishankar Shares India-Africa Cooperation Roadmap with African Envoys

India-Africa Cooperation Roadmap Shared with African Envoys

New Delhi | August 6, 2026 – External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar participated in the 'Africa Day 2026' celebration in the national capital. He shared a detailed roadmap for future cooperation with African Heads of Mission and senior representatives of the diplomatic community stationed in India. The primary objective of this significant meeting was to further strengthen and deepen strategic, economic, and defense relations between India and the entire African continent.

According to an official statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs, the Minister highlighted the importance of the strong ideological and historical bonds established between the two sides. He stressed that the relationship between India and Africa is not merely diplomatic or economic, but deeply rooted in historical connections, cultural similarities, and a shared legacy of struggles against colonialism.

He stated that the collective struggle for independence by both sides has today evolved into an unbreakable and trusted partnership on the global stage.

Strengthening Partnerships in Trade and Investment

Dr. Jaishankar specifically highlighted the growing figures in India-Africa bilateral trade and investment. He noted that India is today one of Africa's largest trade and investment partners. According to statistics, bilateral trade between the two sides has reached USD 93 billion, while India's cumulative investment in Africa has exceeded USD 80 billion.

The External Affairs Minister described the continent's young population and abundant natural resources as being on the cusp of transformation, which he sees as a complement to India's innovation-driven development journey.

Inclusive Development and Debt Assistance

The External Affairs Minister emphasized that India prioritizes inclusive and demand-driven development cooperation with Africa, aiming to enhance local capabilities and meet national priorities. In this regard, he announced that the Indian government has provided over 190 'Lines of Credit' (LOCs) amounting to more than USD 10 billion for various projects in over 40 African countries.

To date, over 220 projects worth USD 4.5 billion have been successfully completed, with many others in various stages of development.

Focus on Food Security and Humanitarian Aid

Reiterating India's commitment to the 'Global South', Jaishankar stated that at a time when the impact of global conflicts is rapidly increasing on developing countries, the India-Africa partnership is also focused on food security. He cited recent examples of grain supplies to countries such as Burkina Faso, Mozambique, Lesotho, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Botswana, and Sierra Leone.

He noted that India's experience in reviving the production of millets would be highly beneficial for African countries. Furthermore, as a symbol of solidarity, medicines, vaccines, medical equipment, and disaster relief materials have been sent to over 25 African countries in the past five years.