As was expected, the third India-Africa Forum Summit, which ended on October 29, was all the way a grand Modi show.
As was expected, the third India-Africa Forum Summit, which ended on October 29, was all the way a grand Modi show.
With a riot of colours, sounds and fascinating pageantry, the atmosphere resembled a virtual carnival. The representation of 54 African countries was higher than at similar summits in China, Japan and the US. Decked up camels stood at the entrance of the summit venue. Many heads of states and their spouses donned Indian attire; the Swaziland King — who chooses a new queen every year on his birthday out of 5,000 virgins, topless maidens performing reed dances — wore a Indian kurta-pyjama and jacket and his queen wrapped up in a silk sari.
Sushma Swaraj, too, had her day in the arc lights. For her dinner on October 27, the Darbar hall at the Taj Palace Hotel was transformed into a mini-Rajasthan; sofas gave way to khatiya (cotts) minus the mattresses and mudas (chairs made of straw); coconut water, jamun, guava and pomegranate juices were offered in bamboo glasses; soup was served in kullads (clay cups) and dinner in shining Rajasthani brass thalis with katoris. The cultural programme also reflected Rajasthani flavour.
Earlier, Ms Swaraj made a strong plea for UN reforms and inclusion of India and Africa in the expanded UNSC, stressing that the current 70th session of the UNGA was the “opportune time” for concrete results. In his inaugural speech at the summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi too reiterated the known Indian arguments which he had forcefully put across in the UNGA in September.
Why this irresistible obsession with the UNSC permanent seat None can question India’s legitimate claim but is it worth spending so much effort and energy on
India will not leapfrog nor will her abject poverty and numerous problems of underdevelopment disappear if we somehow gatecrash in the select club. Conversely, if we are able to surge ahead with economic progress and address developmental and social challenges in a holistic manner, our voice will still be heard even if we aren’t a permanent member of the UNSC. So, for the next 10 years, why not focus on implementation of Mr Modi’s visionary initiatives: Make in India, Digital India, Start-Up Konnect, Swachchh Bharat, smart cities, bullet trains, world class infrastructure and ease of doing business If our GDP grows at 9-10% for 10 years, can we still be left out of the UNSC Highly unlikely.
Mr Modi’s speech, comprehensive and persuasive with many punch lines, once again underlined his oratorical skill. His emphasis on historical connections, youth which comprise two thirds of the population in India and Africa, digital connectivity, ITC, science and technology, clean energy, particularly solar energy, was on predictable lines. He also underlined the importance of blue economy and blue skies and sought African cooperation in addressing international terrorism, maritime security, climate change and WTO negotiations and significance of food security for Indian and African people.
Both Mr Modi and Ms Swaraj described Africa as India’s development partner and claimed that India’s relations with Africa were anchored on sustainable development. Mr Modi claimed that business consideration didn’t decide India’s relations with Africa; it was the emotional connect that mattered.
However, on the ground in Africa today, when foreign countries and companies have to compete with each other for space, emotional connect is fast evaporating like camphor.
The concrete takeaway for Africa was the announcement of $10 billion in the next five years as concessional credit and $600 million as developmental grant which included $100 million for India-Africa Development Fund and $10 million for India-Africa Health fund and 50,000 scholarships.
Since 2008, India has already given $7.8 billion in development assistance and trained 25,000 young students/officials. Repeated emphasis on skill development, capacity-building and sharing India’s knowledge an experiences rather exploiting African resources, distinct from the Chinese thrust, seemed to resonate well with African leaders.
Africa, 10 times bigger than India accounts for 10.9 per cent India’s global exports and 8.8 per cent of India’s global imports. Bilateral trade, amounting to $8.2 billion on 2004, has risen to $75 billion in 2014 and may touch $100 billion in 2015. Goods from 34 African countries are allowed almost duty-free. Indian companies have invested roughly $32 billion in Africa in telecommunications, hydrocarbons, agriculture, manufacturing, IT, water treatment and supply, drugs and pharmaceuticals, coal, automobiles, floriculture and textiles sectors.
In the last decade, India has offered approximately $9 billion in concessional credits and supported 140 projects in 40 African countries.
AU represents the whole of Africa (except Morocco) but there is no monolithic African voice. Depending on prevailing domestic circumstances and developmental needs, members look for different sources of support. While Mr Modi’s appeal for an India-Africa united stand on the UN reforms, climate change negotiations and WTO is well-advised, only time will tell if such a stand will actually emerge.
Whether we like it or not, Nehru is the most admired Indian leader in Africa after Gandhi and non-alignment isn’t a dirty word.
When the dust has settled, the moot issue will be how do we make this relationship sustainable. It will require sustainable interest and focus and sustainable institutional mechanism to follow through and implement numerous offers made by the Indian Prime Minister. Charity begins at home. If the Prime Minister can’t, let EAM and MoS visit African countries regularly.
Shouldn’t the MEA ensure that all IFS officers serve in Africa At present, all blue-eyed IFS officers try to avoid Africa. Economic ministries must also focus on sustainable development if we want India-Africa relations to be a win-win relationship for both. Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas is a laudable concept but it is easier said than done.
Surendra Kumar is a former ambassador
