Aagc

India, meanwhile, has invested in the continent based on a “model of cooperation… free of conditions,” prioritizing the needs of the African stakeholders. The Delhi Declaration 2015, “Partners in Progress: Towards a Dynamic and Transformative Development Agenda” adopted at the IAFS is aligned with the objectives of Agenda 2063. India’s Africa policy draws strength from India’s support for democracy, anti-colonialism, anti-racism, and India’s contribution by way of developmental aid  and participation in the UN peacekeeping operations in Africa. At the 2015 IAFS, India extended $10 billion aimed at development projects over five years and offered $600 million in grant assistance, including an India-Africa development fund of $100 million. Indian engagement has focused on education, capacity building, skill and human resources development, and the Pan-African e-network supporting tele-education, tele-medicine, and e-commerce.

Meanwhile, as Africa’s economic growth gathers momentum, India’s interests are shaped by expanding African markets. The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), in its report “The Rising Africa,” argued that resources, a mounting consumer base, and generally positive economic projections influence interest in the continent as a business and investment target. With an objective of achieving $100 billion in bilateral trade in the next two years, the focus is on power, pharmaceuticals, ICT, and services.

India’s energy stakes are another important variable shaping New Delhi’s approach toward Africa. Africa’s hydrocarbon sector is of interest in order to fuel the Indian economic engine. 2014 crude import statistics reflect that India sourced16 percent of its consumption (32 million metric tonnes, or MMT) from Africa: 3 MMT from North Africa and 29 MMT from West Africa, primarily from Nigeria and Angola.

Drawing from India and Japan’s respective stakes in the continent, as well as their bilateral and regional ambitions in the Indo-Pacific, Tokyo and New Delhi have paved the way for greater coordination in Africa. Where there is an alignment of interests, India has invested in strengthening relations with likeminded countries. New Delhi is working with Washington and Tokyo to support African development.

Founded on a consultative and inclusive approach, the idea of AAGC is aimed at cultivating value chains, integrating and developing a competitive economic bloc, thereby accelerating Africa and Asia’s development trajectory. However, translating the idea into deliverables will require India and Japan to conceive of joint projects aiding capacity building, infrastructure, and connectivity; synergize their resources and capabilities; and most importantly ensure the efficient implementation of these projects to demonstrate bilateral commitment to African partners.