India - Africa Multi-Faceted Relations: An Overview
Dr. R. Uthaya Suriyan, Associate Researcher, French Institute of Pondicherry, Puducherry, India
ABSTRACT
People of India have always felt certain sympathy for Africa, for the dreams and aspirations of its peoples, respect for the often forgotten fact that Africa is a cradle of human civilization, a desire to participate in all of Africa’s struggles against colonialism, apartheid, against poverty and disease. Both India and the countries of Africa have a shared historical experience, both have had common goals and visions, both have fought for noble common causes, have suffered for similar aims, and both have triumphed over similar odds. Both India and Africa have now embarked together upon a journey towards economic emancipation. In the international arena both India and Africa have common interest in building a new world order which will be more responsive to the aspirations of the developing countries. The continent of Africa, embracing one fifth of the world’s land area, encompassing fifty-four independent nations and sustaining a population of about 510 million, has for many decades been a pre-eminent concern of India’s foreign policy. Africa is also home to quite a few expatriate Indians. Africa, which accounts for nearly half the membership of the Non-Aligned Movement and one-third of the United Nations, with vast human and natural resources and enormous economic potential, occupies a prominent place in India’s foreign policy and diplomacy, more particularly in the context of South-South cooperation. India-Africa cooperation at various levels dates back to centuries. Over the last few decades, India and Africa have been close allies in the struggle against colonialism and racial discrimination and have been privileged partners in the growth and evolution of the Non- Aligned Movement. The regions share a common commitment to the ideals of peace, non-alignment and economic justice. The present research paper highlighted India Africa multi faceted relations in various aspects
Keywords: Economic emancipation, Foreign policy, Diplomacy, Socio- political and Economic transformations.
