CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -’Diplomat-scholar Rajiv Bhatia presents a masterly dissertation on the past, present and future of the India-Africa relationship. His passion for Africa is transparent. Bhatia offers thoughtful strategic choices for India as it confronts the multiple challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

Detailed explanation-2: -To summarise, the key pillars of India’s development partnership with Africa have been capacity-building initiatives, lines of credit, grant support, small development projects, technical consultation, disaster relief and humanitarian help, and military cooperation.

Detailed explanation-3: -The bilateral relations between the Republic of India and the Republic of South Africa have grown strong since the end of apartheid in South Africa in 1994. Both countries have since developed close strategic, cultural and economic ties.

Detailed explanation-4: -India has emerged as one of the top five investors in Africa in recent years, with cumulative investments on the continent amounting to around $74 billion. Mauritius, Mozambique, Sudan, Egypt and South Africa have been the top recipients of Indian investments.

Detailed explanation-5: -Africa also carries opportunities in the resource and energy sectors, which have traditionally been areas of vulnerability for India. The African Continental Free Trade Area agreement has also piqued the interest of Indian businesses.