Africa-India Defence Ties

India, which possesses the world’s second-largest army, has positioned itself as a responsible participant in the international system and has successfully deployed its force in global defence cooperation efforts. Currently, India has military-to-military cooperation agreements with about one-third of the 54 African countries, especially in the sphere of training. India has engaged in all UN peacekeeping missions in Africa and now maintains major contingents in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Southern Sudan, Ethiopia, and Eritrea, making it one of the greatest donors to peacekeeping in Africa. India has deployed military training teams in a number of African countries viz. Botswana, Zambia, Lesotho and Seychelles. Training teams have been deployed in Nigeria and Tanzania also. Defence Attaché is located in Egypt, Kenya and Nigeria. Further, a number of military-to-military cooperation events have progressed with other nations as well. A significant number of military officers from African countries have been undergoing training courses in India at various levels. The high standards of training and infrastructural facilities are a major contributing factor to the same. The availability of English speaking officers, among the African armies, to a great extent, facilitates imparting of training to officers. 

Bonds with South Africa:

Since the end of colonialism in 1994, the relationship between South Africa and India has improved significantly. Despite historical ties against colonialism and racism forging a bond between the two nations, the India-South Africa relationship is now characterised by common political, economic, and strategic goals in which both countries pursue win-win engagements. In recent years, India has increased its global aspirations and foreign policy contacts with African nations. Bilateral trade grew from $7 billion in 2001 to $63 billion in 2018. India is presently Africa’s third-largest export destination and fifth-largest investment. India and South Africa have developed defence and security relations since signing an MoU on Cooperation in the Field of Defense Equipment in 1996. South Africa, as Africa’s only arms manufacturer, sees India, one of the world’s top arms importers, as a feasible partner for defence trade and joint ventures in defence research and development. Because South Africa is a prominent regional power geographically placed in the Indian Ocean Region, India values training exchanges, joint exercises, and intelligence sharing with its military services.

South African forces being one of the most modern armed forces, India recognises the importance of its engagement in ensuring regional peace and security. With an Agreement on Defense Cooperation (2000) and an Agreement on the Supply of Defense Equipment at the turn of the century, the two nations significantly enhanced their defence cooperation (2003). Under the IBSA framework, Indian and South African armed forces enhanced combined military exercises and improved maritime security cooperation as a result of these agreements. In 2015, an Indian defence business agreed to pay a South African corporation USD 80 million for Integrated Defensive Aids Suites (IDAS).

Indian naval ships and sailing vessels visit South Africa on a regular basis. From October 1 to 13, 2018, Indian ships Tarkash and Kolkata visited Cape Town and took part in the 6th India Brazil South Africa (IBSA) Maritime Exercise (IBSAMAR). As part of the Navika Sagar Parikrama, INSV Tarini visited Cape Town from March 2 to 14. In March 2019, the South African Army took part in a multinational field training exercise for African nations hosted by the Indian Army in Pune.

Bonds with Egypt:

In 2018, India and Egypt resolved to strengthen their defence and security relations, including increasing counter-terrorism cooperation and conducting joint military exercises. The two countries have discussed increasing their naval cooperation and exploring the possibility of combined defence equipment manufacture.

Bonds with Kenya:

Kenya is a crucial strategic partner for India, and the existence of a sizable Indian diaspora, as well as a shared colonial history and a common interest in the Western Indian Ocean’s security and stability, links them together. In the midst of geopolitical competition by the US, China, Russia, and Japan to increase dominance in Africa. During their Indo-Pacific debate, the two countries not only reviewed the security situation in the Indo-Pacific area and the Horn of Africa, but they also voiced worry over the emergence of terrorism in parts of Africa and Asia. The two countries have agreed to deepen their collaboration in the area to promote peace and security. Kenya must embrace technology and learn how to cope with modern security risks. India can help by promoting modernization, exchanging best practices, and institutional actions in important sectors. Kenya may also use its strong ties with India to promote training in technical breakthroughs that can help address regional security issues.

Bonds with Nigeria:

India, as the world’s greatest democracy, and Nigeria, as the continent’s largest democracy, share the principles of pluralism, inclusion, and long-term development for all. Both nations have been working towards building the momentum into deepening the good connections between two nations and peoples for the mutual benefit of both. Significantly, India is Nigeria’s greatest commercial partner, with a bilateral trade turnover of USD 13.9 billion in 2019-20, and Nigeria is India’s top trading partner in Africa. The partnership has grown to include fresh sectors such as defence equipment support, medical and maintenance services, R&D expertise for counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency, and frequent information/view exchanges.

India and Africa must deal effectively with the China factor, and Africa in particular must avoid becoming a theatre of rivalry and competition while seeking to safeguard its interests. Both India and Africa must evaluate their collaboration and its impact on the ground, and change their strategies to take their relationship to the next level by including the business sectors in both countries. Given the overlap of interests, 2022 will be a critical year for transforming links into mutually beneficial relationships.

Bonds with Zimbabwe:

India and Zimbabwe have decided to take their bilateral ties to the next level by expanding existing areas of collaboration and establishing new ones. The two countries have condemned terrorism in all of its manifestations, emphasising that no act of terrorism can be justified. In 2018, the presidents of the two countries pledged to work together at the United Nations and other multilateral organisations to combat the threat of terrorism.

Conclusion:

India and Africa must deal effectively with the China factor, and Africa in particular must avoid becoming a theatre of rivalry and competition while seeking to safeguard its interests. Both India and Africa must evaluate their collaboration and its impact on the ground, and change their strategies to take their relationship to the next level by including the business sectors in both countries. Given the overlap of interests, 2022 will be a critical year for transforming links into mutually beneficial relationships.