India's Africa policy needs continuity, Pg11

Key Highlights:

• The 4th India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS IV) is scheduled for May 28-31, aiming to redefine India's engagement with Africa.
• IAFS IV, originally planned for 2020, was delayed due to the Covid pandemic and global diplomatic shifts.
• Mahamoud Ali Youssouf's appointment as chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) signals potential for renewed partnerships.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated in 2018 that African priorities would guide India’s engagement.

Detailed Insights:

• The summit occurs amidst increased global competition for partnerships in Africa, including engagements from the EU, Japan, South Korea, Germany, and China.
• India's earlier three-tier Africa framework, encompassing bilateral, regional, and pan-African levels, requires reinstatement to enhance engagement.
• Inviting the AUC chairperson for annual visits and hosting the AU's annually rotating country chair for state visits would deepen political engagement and geographic diversity.
• Re-engaging with Africa’s Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and establishing an annual Track 1.5 India-Africa Strategic Dialogue could provide continuity.
• Engaging with the AUC allows India to share its expertise in digital public infrastructure, public health, financial inclusion, and capacity building.
• Periodic consultations between Indian officials and the African diplomatic corps, along with a mid-cycle review, would help monitor and recalibrate priorities.

Key Concepts Involved:

• African Union Commission (AUC): Plays a central role in shaping African positions on global issues.
• Regional Economic Communities (RECs): Regional groupings of African states that promote economic integration.
• Track 1.5 Dialogue: Integrates policymakers, AUC leadership, and domain experts for strategic discussions.