India welcomes Africa as a partner in fostering new patterns of cooperation. India's Viksit Bharat 2047 development objective is consistent with the African Union's Agenda 63 vision, which seeks to convert Africa into a global powerhouse in the future. At the last India-Africa Forum Summit in 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that India's development aspirations and Africa's 'lofty vision for its future are aligned'. As India prepares to host the 4th India-Africa Forum Summit later this year, the vision for Africa in India's policy formulations warrants consideration.
The post-liberalization era saw an increase in India's economic interaction with Africa. Individual African countries' desire for economic progress and increased trade and investment drove this interest. Africa is rapidly changing into a more integrated market, with the GDP expected to increase from 3.3% in 2024 to 4% in 2026.
India has set ten guiding principles for its involvement with Africa, including development partnerships, attractive trade, and support for Indian investment in Africa. India-Africa bilateral trade reached $103 billion in FY 2025, representing 17% year-on-year growth, with Indian exports to Africa accounting for $45 billion and imports for $58 billion.
India is one of Africa's top five investors, with approximately $ 75 billion in considerable investment. Indian business magnets like Tata, Adani, Reliance, and Birlas invest in Africa in industries such as construction, mining, water, agriculture, hospitality, telecommunications, manufacturing, infrastructure, and energy.
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