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INDIA: AFRICA’s influence on the global stage is on the rise, with an increasing recognition of its critical role in shaping international conversations and decisions, Observer Research Foundation (ORF) Vice-President-Studies and Foreign Policy, Professor Harsh Pant said.
According to Prof Pant, the continent’s growing diplomatic power is evident as it seeks greater representation in key global institutions, such as the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
He was speaking during the familiarisation visit for journalists from East and Southern Africa, organised by India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
He said for decades, Africa has called for a seat at the UNSC, arguing that its lack of representation is a legacy of post-World War II power structures that no longer reflect today’s geopolitical realities.
“The African Union (AU) has been at the forefront of this call, pushing for at least one permanent seat for the continent in the UNSC,” Prof Pant said.
Prof Pant said that the current UNSC structure is outdated, reflecting the world order of the 20th century rather than the current global distribution of power.
He pointed out that it is a travesty that an entire continent like Africa remains unrepresented in a body that makes critical global decisions.
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Prof Pant also highlighted how India, having faced similar challenges, has strongly advocated for African representation in international forums.
“India’s leadership in forums such as the G20 and BRICS has made the voices of developing nations, particularly in the Global South, a key priority.”
He said a milestone in this growing recognition of Africa’s role came during India’s presidency of the G20, when the African Union was invited to join the summit, marking a historic step in acknowledging the continent’s importance in global governance.
“Any global conversation, any issue of global governance, cannot be fully addressed without Africa at the table,” Prof Pant said, underlining the significance of including Africa in shaping outcomes, rather than just being influenced by external powers.
He said India has also worked to build strong bilateral ties with African nations, particularly South Africa, which celebrated 30 years of diplomatic relations with India this year.
Prof Pant pointed out that these ties extend beyond trade and diplomacy to significant investments in education and technology. For instance, he said India recently opened two IIT campuses in Tanzania and Uganda, highlighting the growing cooperation between India and Africa in areas of knowledge sharing and capacity building.
He further said that India’s approach to Africa is evolving. While the country was once seen primarily as a problem identifier on the global stage, it is now increasingly focused on offering solutions to global challenges.
“Today, India is vocal about providing solutions, whether it’s climate change, gender equality, or technological innovation,” Prof Pant explained.
This shift in India’s approach is seen as crucial for fostering a more balanced global order, where emerging economies can contribute actively to solving pressing international problems.
At the heart of this vision lies the African Union, which Prof Pant sees as the key to unlocking Africa’s potential in global affairs. Rather than engaging with individual African nations, India has chosen to work with the AU, recognizing its ability to represent the continent’s collective interests.
Prof Pant believes that for Africa to have a stronger voice in international forums, it must speak with unity. He pointed to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as an example of the continent’s increasing integration, which is essential for its future power in global governance.
The partnership between India and Africa is also a powerful example of South-South cooperation, a model where nations from the Global South collaborate to promote mutual interests.
He said that both India and Africa are committed to helping each other, not in a paternalistic way, but through shared experiences and solutions.
He noted that India’s support for African countries, whether through investments in education or infrastructure, reflects a desire to uplift the continent in a way that is equitable and respectful of its autonomy.
Looking ahead, India and Africa will continue to strengthen their ties, with growing prospects for cooperation in multilateral forums like the G20, BRICS, and the UNSC.
Prof Pant underscored that the time has come for Africa to not only be included in global debates but to actively shape the outcomes.
He believes that with India’s support, Africa can play a pivotal role in redefining the global governance structure for the 21st century.
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