NEW DELHI, India, May 21 — The upcoming India–Africa Forum Summit is expected to focus on expanding trade, digital cooperation, security partnerships and long-term development ties between India and African countries as both sides seek to deepen engagement amid shifting global economic and geopolitical dynamics.
The summit, returning after an 11-year break, comes at a time when India is positioning itself as a stronger partner for Africa in areas including technology, infrastructure, manufacturing, energy and digital transformation.
According to figures highlighted ahead of the summit, trade between India and Africa has grown to nearly US$100 billion over the past decade, alongside expanding diplomatic and defence ties.
Discussions are expected to centre on how African countries can benefit from India’s experience in digital public infrastructure, including digital identity systems and mobile payment platforms that have significantly expanded financial inclusion in India.
Leaders are also expected to explore ways of aligning Indian investment with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to boost regional integration, industrialisation and intra-African trade.
Security cooperation is also emerging as a major pillar of the relationship, with growing collaboration in defence training, maritime security and institutional capacity building.
The summit is also expected to promote stronger research, innovation and people-to-people exchanges aimed at building broader institutional ties beyond high-level diplomatic engagements.
Analysts say the renewed push for India-Africa cooperation comes as global supply chain disruptions, geopolitical tensions and rising protectionism force countries in the Global South to seek stronger economic and strategic partnerships.
India has increasingly sought to expand its footprint in Africa in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture, renewable energy, digital technology and education, while African countries are looking for diversified partnerships to support economic growth and development.
The summit is expected to bring together African heads of state, ministers, policymakers and business leaders in New Delhi later this month.
