This book explores the emergence and assertion of Africa as a significant actor and stakeholder in global affairs and the transformation of the India–Africa relationship.
Beginning from this strategic perspective, the book presents an in-depth exploration of India–Africa partnership in all its critical dimensions. It delineates the historical backdrop and shared colonial past to focus on and contextualise the evolution of the India–Africa engagement in the first two decades of the 21st century. The book scrutinises the unfolding international competition in Africa in depth, which includes global actors such as the EU, US, and Japan, among others, focusing especially on China's growing influence in the region. Further, it dissects objectively the continental, regional and bilateral facets of India–Africa relations and offers a roadmap to strengthen and deepen the relationship in the coming decade.
This volume will be very useful for students and researchers working in the field of international relations, foreign policy, governance, geopolitics, and diplomacy.
List of tables
Foreword by Krishnan Srinivasan
Preface
Acknowledgements
List of abbreviations
1 Africa in transition
2 India-Africa relations in 20th century 3 Africa, dancing with global actors
4 Africa-China tango
5 India-Africa engagement in 21st century 6 Continental dimensions
7 Regional dimensions
8 Bilateral aspects
9 Sociocultural and people-related bonds
10 Africa 2020, an assessment
11 The next decade
Bibliography
Index
Biography
Rajiv Bhatia is Distinguished Fellow, Gateway House. He served as India's High Commissioner to Kenya, South Africa and Lesotho, and as Ambassador to Myanmar and Mexico. He was Director General of the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) from 2012–15 and Visiting Fellow at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS) from 2011–13. He is an illustrious scholar-diplomat, an active figure in India's strategic community, and a prolific commentator on foreign policy. His previous two books, India in Global Affairs: Perspectives from Sapru House (2015) and India-Myanmar Relations: Changing contours (2016) drew critical acclaim.
‘Rajiv Bhatia offers, in a capsule, the Afro-Indian fusion that has evolved over millennium, and that is undoubtedly shaping future global dynamics. A must read for any scholar, policymaker and strategist keen on trends that will define our tomorrow.’
Ambassador Dr. Monica Juma, EGH, Cabinet Secretary for Defence, Republic of Kenya
‘Diplomat-scholar Rajiv Bhatia presents a masterly dissertation on the past, present and future of the India-Africa relationship. His passion for Africa is transparent. Bhatia offers thoughtful strategic choices for India as it confronts the multiple challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.’
Lalit Mansingh, former Foreign Secretary, Government of India
‘In this eminently readable study, Ambassador Rajiv Bhatia has captured the essence of multilayered and multi-dimensional nature of complex ties between India and Africa since the past two decades. As a scholar-diplomat, the author’s passionate and praxiological commitment to promote Indo-African ties has incontestably made this exercise uniquely worthy of consideration by scholars, policy makers and graduate students.’
Rajen Harshé, leading Indian scholar in African and international relations studies and a former and the first Vice Chancellor of the Central University of Allahabad.
‘This beautifully written account of relations between two increasingly important actors – Africa and India – captures both Bhatia’s passion for Africa and his deep knowledge of a continent he experienced at first hand. His sharp and frank analysis scrutinises not only the relationship but also how it plays out in the context of the growing interest of other actors in Africa, not least China.’
Elizabeth Sidiropoulos, Chief Executive, The South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA)
