India–Africa Forum Summit
Why in News?
The India–Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) is in the news again because India is set to host the India–Africa Forum Summit 2026, marking a major push to revive, deepen, and reorient the India–Africa partnership.
Evolution of the Summit
- Origin: Launched in 2008 in New Delhi to create a structured partnership beyond traditional diplomatic ties.
- Past Summits:
- IAFS-I (2008): Focus on capacity building and trade.
- IAFS-II (2011): Held in Addis Ababa; focus on infrastructure.
- IAFS-III (2015): The largest ever, with all 54 nations attending in New Delhi.
Trade & Economic Cooperation
- Total Trade: India is Africa’s fourth-largest trading partner, with trade volume exceeding $100 billion annually.
- Duty-Free Access: India provides the Duty-Free Tariff Preference (DFTP) scheme to 33 Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in Africa.
- Investment: India is one of the top investors in Africa, with over $75 billion cumulatively invested in sectors like energy, mining, and healthcare.
Development & Education
- ITEC Program: Over 40,000 scholarships are provided annually through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation program.
- IIT Global Campuses: The establishment of IIT Madras in Zanzibar (Tanzania) is a landmark in academic collaboration.
- Tele-Education: The e-Vidya Bharati and e-Arogya Bharati project provides free tele-education and tele-medicine to 48 African countries.
Defence and Security
- AFINDEX: India conducts the Africa-India Field Training Exercise to train African armies in humanitarian mine action and peacekeeping.
- Maritime Security: Focus on the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision, protecting sea lanes in the Indian Ocean.
- Defence Exports: Africa is a major market for Indian-made LCH (Light Combat Helicopters), Tejas jets, and artillery.
Geopolitical Significance
- Global South Leadership: India positions itself as the "voice of the Global South," representing African interests at the UN and WTO.
- Security Council Reform: Africa and India share the goal of reforming the UN Security Council to include permanent seats for their respective regions.
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