Relevance: GS Paper 2 (International Relations)
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Why has this article surfaced?
Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a tour of Rwanda, Uganda and South Africa which reiterates the growing importance of Africa for India and will go a long way towards revitalising relations with the continent.
The increasing African connection
This is Modi’s third visit to the continent. He visited Seychelles and Mauritius in 2015, followed by a tour of Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania and Kenya in 2016.
The current visit, along with earlier initiatives, such as the high profile Third India-Africa Forum Summit in 2015 and the launch of the Asia Africa Growth Corridor in 2017, demonstrate the high priority that India accords to the continent.
Rwanda: Increasing strategic importance
There are a number of reasons for according importance to Rwanda.
- First, Rwanda is one of the fastest growing economies in Central Africa.
- Second, President Paul Kagame is the current chair of the African Union. He has supported several initiatives for African integration and reform.
- Third, Rwanda has moved ahead of India to become the third largest troop contributor to United Nations Peace Keeping operations.
- Fourth, Rwanda is one of the least corrupt countries in Africa. Globally ranked 45th on the index, Rwanda is way ahead of India which is ranked 81st. Hence there is a lot India can learn from Rwanda in the fight against corruption.
- Finally, Rwanda is one of the most pro-women countries in the world. According to the World Economic Forum, Global Gender Gap Report, Rwanda is among the top five countries with respect to gender equality.
Uganda: Rebuilding economic and diaspora ties
Uganda’s importance for India rests on three factors.
- First Uganda is estimated to have oil reserves of 6.5 billion barrels. As an energy deficit country, it is quite natural for India to be interested in energy cooperation with Uganda and opportunities for expanding this cooperation in future do exist.
- Second, Uganda is important regionally, as President Yoweri Museveni is the current chair of the East Africa Community (EAC). The EAC is a regional organisation of six partner states that include Uganda, Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and South Sudan. Museveni is one of Africa’s longest serving leaders and has been credited for the revival of the grouping.
- Finally, Uganda is home to around 30,000 people of Indian origin. Before their forced exodus during the Idi Amin regime in 1972, Ugandan Indians dominated the economy and accounted for about 90 per cent of the country’s tax revenue. Since their return from exile in the mid-1980s at the invitation of Museveni, Ugandan Indians have started to regain prominence in the economy. Currently, they account for 65 per cent of Uganda’s tax revenues.
South Africa: BRICS Summit
- Modi’s last stop was Johannesburg, South Africa, the venue of the 10th annual BRICS Summit.
- The visit to South Africa was also important bilaterally, as 2018 marks the 25th anniversary of the re-establishment of diplomatic ties.
- Here it is to be noted that the Johannesburg BRICS summit was held in the backdrop of the tariffs imposed by the United States on China.
- In his address, Xi Jinping sought the support of India and other BRICS partners in the fight against President Trump’s unilateralism and protectionist tendencies.
- South Africa, on the other hand, was more interested in seeking more investment in the African continent for sustainable development.
- The Johannesburg declaration reflected the BRICS partners’ efforts to adopt a coordinated stance on global issues.
- It reaffirmed the importance of multilateralism and sent a clear message against trade protectionism.
- It also factored in India’s interests by calling for a comprehensive approach to dealing with terrorism.
Significance of PM’s Africa visit
Prime Ministers Modi’s Africa tour is significant for four reasons.
- First, it allayed some of the criticism relating to India’s visibility deficit on the continent. These visits demonstrate the Modi government’s desire to have a high level dialogue with the African leadership.
- Second, the visit highlights the growing importance of Africa in India’s larger foreign policy framework.
- Third, this tour may enhance business cooperation between India and African countries.
- Finally, the visit to the three African countries has resulted in a greater understanding of mutual concerns and priorities.
Conclusion
In order to retain its immense goodwill on the continent, India should ensure that it delivers at the earliest on the promises made during this visit.
