International Relations/Diplomacy
Africa
Issues before the 16th BRICS Summit

On September 12, 2024, Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF) hosted a talk, delivered by Shri Dammu Ravi, Secretary (Economic Relations), Ministry of External Affairs, at VIF on the topic of ‘Issues before the 16th BRICS Summit’. The talk was attended by eminent diplomats, experts and scholars in hybrid mode. Discussions during the talk pertained to India’s approach in the dynamic multilateral forum of BRICS. Key points discussed;

India-Africa Partnership: Achievements, Challenges and Roadmap 2030

The India-Africa partnership has recorded considerable progress in recent years but realizing its full potential needs serious introspection and an objective appraisal. Armed with this conviction, the Vivekananda International Foundation’s Africa Expert Group undertook a comprehensive study of various aspects of the two geographies amidst quickly evolving international dynamics. While African countries continue to go through political, diplomatic, security and socio-economic transitions, their population, economic potential and political influence in world affairs is set to increase.

India-Africa Roundtable on Science and Technology

On 15th March 2023, as part of the "Connect Africa" initiative, VIF organised 1st "India-Africa Roundtable (IAR)"on Science and Technology with a focus on collaboration in the field of Science & Technology, particularly in the domain of Trade, Climate Change and Food Security issues in the context of the Agenda 2063 of the African Union Commission (AUC).

Western Sahara - The North African Gordian Knot

… Western Saharan conflict is one of the world's most underlooked conflicts .. it is crucial to indigenous Sahrawis and their kin in southern Morocco, northern Mauritania and western Algeria .. UN has so far failed in providing the groundwork for self-determination and decolonisation .. with European and American interests intertwined in the conflict, the North African stand-off must be resolved …

VIF Hosts the High Commissioner of South Africa and Ambassador of Sudan under its Connect Africa Programme

The High Commissioner of South Africa, His Excellency Mr. JS Ndebele, and the Ambassador of Sudan, His Excellency Mr Abdalla Omer Bashir Elhusain, gave presentations on the status of India's relations with their respective nations and their prospects as part of VIF's "Connect Africa" programme on February 20, 2023.

Interaction with Puneet Roy Kundal, Joint Secretary, MEA

Shri Puneet Roy Kundal, Joint Secretary, MEA, former Ambassador of India in Tunisia and Consul General of India in Cape Town, highlighted Africa's strategic importance for India in his remarks. He mentions that MEA considers the relationship with Africa historical, forming the genesis of our current trade and people-to-people relations. India has always been present in Africa during its anti-colonial struggles or post-colonial nation-building or capacity-building initiatives.

VIF-NIIA webinar on India-Nigeria relations under the “Connect Africa” Programme

On 27th October, 2022, Vivekananda International Foundation organized a webinar on India-Nigeria relations with Nigerian Institute of International Studies (NIIA), a premium think tank based in Nigeria. This was the second event under “Connect Africa” Program. The first event took place on September 22, 2022 where H.E. Ambassador Dr Tizita Mulugeta, (Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary) Ethiopian Ambassador to India, addressed at the inaugural Connect Africa event about current situationin Ethiopia and the future of India and Ethiopia relations.

Vivekananda International Foundation launches "Connect Africa"

The Vivekananda International Foundation unveiled its latest "Connect Africa" programme on September 22, 2022. This initiative's primary goal is to invite prominent African and Indian figures, such as academics, diplomats, practitioners, and journalists, for conversations on various emerging African issues. The event will allow Africanists in India and elsewhere to engage with Africa by bringing attention to several important factors influencing the continent. It will also facilitate cross-learning.

Celebration of Africa Day 2022 Over a Book Discussion | ‘The Harambee Factor: India - Africa Economic and Development Partnership by Ambassador Gurjit Singh’

Every year on May 25, the world celebrates Africa Day. On May 25 1963, 30 independent African leaders signed the founding charter of the OAU (Organization of African Unity). In 2002, to give more impetus to the organisation, many new areas were added, and it was transformed into African Union (AU). From that perspective, this year is unique as we commemorate the 20th anniversary of AU. This year, VIF decided to celebrate the event along with the rest of the world.

"The Harambee Factor: India - Africa Economic and Development Partnership” by Ambassador Gurjit Singh, Macmillan Education India Pvt. Ltd., Pp 500 2022, INR 2,802. ISBN: 978-93-5455-069-0

A wealth of literature illustrates China's relationship with Africa in all of its facets. In comparison, there isn't nearly enough research on India's engagement in Africa in its entirety. In that sense, there is hardly any literature that deals specifically with the India-Africa development partnership. Over the years, multiple changes in political leadership have taken place in both India and Africa, particularly in Africa, where the change of government is often by force. However, the partnership remained constant.

Contact Us