Relevance for UPSC (GS Paper II – International Relations) • Source: The Hindu

News

A decade after the India–Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-III, 2015), India is reviewing its engagement with Africa. With 17 new missions, $100+ billion trade, and deeper capacity-building programmes, the need is to convert goodwill into tangible outcomes.

Why Africa Matters

• Africa will host 25% of world population by 2050; major future market.
• India’s cumulative investment: ~$75 billion.
• Key initiatives:
  
  • ITEC, Pan-Africa e-Network, e-VIN.
  • India–Africa Maritime Exercise (2025) with nine African navies.
  • Exim Bank credit to ECOWAS for infrastructure.

Way Forward: Connect, Build, Revive

1. Connect finance to outcomes: Improve implementation of Lines of Credit; reduce delays.
2. Build digital partnership: Create an India–Africa Digital Corridor (UPI, DPI, health-tech).
3. Revive institutions: Hold the next IAFS and strengthen regular high-level dialogues.

Which of the following are part of India’s Africa engagement?

1. Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC)
2. Pan-Africa e-Network Project
3. India–Africa Maritime Exercise

Correct answer:
A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 and 3 only 

C. 1 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: D