Delhi’s Africa policy will have Indian Ocean emphasis

Subject

Outlook for India-Africa relations.

Significance

Delhi is devoting increasing attention to its relations with Africa, especially as it vies with Beijing for greater influence across the continent. Earlier this year, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa took the salute at India’s Republic Day parade.

Impacts

• If re-elected, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will likely undertake more trips to Africa in the first year of his second term.
• Delhi’s plans for military facilities in Mauritius and the Seychelles are likely to encounter further local resistance.
• India will aim to deepen ‘South-South’ connections in other parts of the world.