Resource-hungry India seeks to increase its economic ties with Africa

KAMPALA, Uganda: From scouting for diamonds in the deserts of Botswana to signing oil deals with Sudan and sending peacekeepers to volatile Congo, India is busy trying to match China’s ever-growing clout in mineral-rich Africa and secure energy resources for its booming economy.

Trading on its relative physical proximity to Africa and a history of championing independence struggles, New Delhi will for the first time be host of an India-Africa heads of states meeting next Tuesday and Wednesday.


India may also be hoping for political dividends from strengthened economic ties. Indian media quoted the vice president of Ghana, Alhaji Aliu Mahama, as saying that “Ghana and Africa support India” for a permanent place in the United Nations Security Council.

Some analysts say India’s long trade links with Africa give it at least a cultural advantage over China. African countries see India as a valuable partner that could raise their development through public-private partnerships.

Reuters