Jaishankar Pushes Stronger India-Africa Ties, Calls for Self-Reliance and Fair Global Representation

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has called for a stronger India-Africa partnership based on self-reliance, fair representation in global institutions and shared economic growth, highlighting cooperation in trade, healthcare, digital governance and emerging technologies.

Addressing a gathering at the Adwa Memorial Museum in Addis Ababa on Friday, Jaishankar said India and Africa shared a history of solidarity and a common aspiration to shape their own futures. He stressed that industrialisation, a key development priority for both sides, should not be undermined by markets being flooded with cheap goods or by restrictions on market access.

India’s trade and investment ties with African countries span manufacturing, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, energy, mining, agriculture, infrastructure, financial services and information technology.

Highlighting India’s development assistance, Jaishankar said New Delhi had supported more than 220 projects across Africa in areas such as electricity, water, agriculture, railways, healthcare, manufacturing and public infrastructure. More than 70,000 African students and professionals had received support through Indian capacity-building initiatives over the past decade.

He identified digital governance, India Stack, space technology, drones and artificial intelligence as emerging areas of cooperation. During his visit, Jaishankar toured Ethiopia’s Science Museum and highlighted the shared vision of “AI for All” to advance development and prosperity.

He also underscored India’s contribution to Africa’s health security through vaccine support, pharmaceutical investments and the gifting of Bhabhatron cancer treatment machines.

Jaishankar separately met Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali and Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos to discuss cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure, security, education and digitalisation.

Ethiopia is the final stop on Jaishankar’s three-nation African tour, which also included Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. His visit underlines India’s efforts to translate longstanding solidarity with Africa into practical cooperation in development, technology and international diplomacy.