India has reaffirmed that human resource development is central to its engagement with Africa, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announcing that over 80,000 scholarships and training opportunities have been offered in the past 11 years.

He also highlighted centres of excellence in Zanzibar and Uganda, food security initiatives, and humanitarian aid, underscoring Africa as a priority partner in India’s foreign policy.

India’s partnership with Africa was strongly emphasised by Jaishankar during the Africa Day event in New Delhi. He noted that education and training remain at the heart of this relationship, citing more than 80,000 scholarships and opportunities provided through initiatives such as ITEC, ICCR, CV Raman Fellowships and the e-VBAB digital education portals. He stressed that African diplomats present at the event were living examples of this commitment.

Jaishankar explained that India has made a qualitative transition in its engagement with Africa by establishing centres of excellence on the continent.

He expressed pride in the IIT-Madras campus in Zanzibar and the National Forensic Sciences University in Uganda, which represent India’s deeper institutional presence in Africa.

He underlined India’s support during crises, recalling assistance provided during the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters and humanitarian emergencies. He said India has always stood firmly with Africa, guided by the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — “the world is one family.” Drawing a parallel, he referred to Africa’s philosophy of Ubuntu — “I am because we are.”

Food security was another major focus. Jaishankar pointed out that India has supplied food grains to Burkina Faso, Mozambique, Lesotho, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Botswana and Sierra Leone. He added that India’s experience in reviving millet production could be of great value to African nations facing food challenges.

He further highlighted that medicines, vaccines, medical equipment and disaster relief materials have been sent to more than 25 African countries in the past five years. This, he said, was a gesture of solidarity and proof of the resilience of the partnership.

EAM Jaishankar also recalled the significance of Africa Day, commemorating the founding of the Organization of African Unity in 1963, now the African Union. He said the day symbolises Pan-Africanism and the collective aspirations of African people, while offering an opportunity to reflect on achievements and challenges.

Beyond humanitarian and educational cooperation, Jaishankar stressed Africa’s rightful place in global governance. He reiterated India’s support for Africa’s representation in a reformed United Nations Security Council and sought African backing for India’s own permanent membership. He also noted that Africa was inducted as a permanent member of the G20 during India’s presidency, reflecting the continent’s growing global role.

India’s economic engagement with Africa was also highlighted. Bilateral trade stood at $93 billion last year, with cumulative Indian investments exceeding $80 billion across sectors such as telecommunications, energy, pharmaceuticals, infrastructure, agriculture and digital services. India has extended 190 lines of credit worth over $10 billion for projects in more than 40 African countries, reflecting demand-driven cooperation that strengthens local capacities.

Jaishankar confirmed that India has already delivered three tranches of medical aid under its USD 10 million pledge to Africa, supporting the Africa CDC and partner countries at risk.

He also expressed India’s readiness to reconvene the deferred India Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-4), which was postponed due to the Ebola outbreak earlier this year.

By combining education, healthcare, food security, humanitarian aid and institutional partnerships, India has positioned itself as a steadfast ally of Africa. Jaishankar’s remarks reinforced that Africa is not only a partner but a priority in India’s foreign policy, with ties rooted in shared history, cultural affinities and common struggles against colonialism.

ANI