India's Africa Engagement

What is the issue?

Ahead of BRICS leaders’ summit in South Africa, Indian PM made visits to Rwanda and Uganda.
This is a reflection of the intensity and significance of India's engagement with Africa.

What is the significance?

Rwanda - It is one of the Africa’s fastest growing economies.
After the end of its civil war, it is moving steadily on the path of recovery and national reconciliation.
Rwanda President Paul Kagame is chair of the African Union (an intergovernmental organization of African states).
About 3,000 Indian nationals and PIOs live in Rwanda.
Rwanda's only sugar refinery, only modern textile mill, and a soap and cosmetic factory are all PIO-owned.
India-Rwanda bilateral relations have been cordial and have grown steadily over the years.
In 1999, Rwanda officially opened its mission in New Delhi and posted a charge d’affaires.
In 2001, it appointed its first resident ambassador in New Delhi.
India has taken a decision to open a diplomatic mission in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda.
Uganda - In Uganda, India established its diplomatic presence in 1965.
But the ties dates back to the era when trade began across the Indian Ocean.
Eventually a number of Indians settled in East Africa, and many made Uganda their home.
There are over 30,000 Indians/PIOs in the country.
Uganda is currently chair of the East African Community.
India - Africa - The visit of more than 40 leaders for the 3rd India-Africa Forum Summit in 2015 was a significant event in this regard.
The present visit to African countries takes forward India's engagement with Africa.

What are the outcomes of the visit?

India signed two loan agreements with Rwanda worth $ 100 million each.
It contributes for investments in agriculture and development of special economic zones.
With both Rwanda and Uganda, India signed defence cooperation agreements.

What is China's role?

Chinese President Xi Jinping is also making visits to some of the African States, including Rwanda.
China gave a loan of $126 million to build two roads.

China began its outreach to Africa earlier than India.
The first ministerial meeting of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) was held early in 2000.
Africa, in many ways, has been a learning ground for China’s international role.
Some of it includes the following:

China first took a proactive position on an internationally significant Sudan conflict
It was in Mali that China sent its first combatant unit under the UN peacekeeping framework in 2013
Djibouti will be the first location of the People’s Liberation Army’s overseas base

China's role in the African continent is thus noteworthy as it showcases the future of Chinese power.

Source: Indian Express