← All questionsGS2 · 2015 · International Relations ·India's Africa Engagement: Pros and Cons
MAINS 2015
GS2
12.5 marks

Increasing interest of India in Africa has its pros and cons. Critically examine.

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9 min
200 words
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What the examiner wants

Critically examine the benefits and drawbacks of India's growing involvement in Africa.

Critically examineWeigh the strengths and the weaknesses, then give a balanced verdict.

Demand-wise check

  1. 1Pros: energy and minerals, markets, UN votes, maritime security, diaspora, food security (land and pulses), South-South leadership≈35 words
  2. 2Instruments: IAFS, lines of credit, ITEC training, Pan-African e-Network, peacekeeping≈35 words
  3. 3Cons and risks: competition with China, slow project delivery, debt worries, land-grab accusations, attacks on Africans in India, instability≈35 words
  4. 4Balance: demand-driven partnership model≈35 words

Open in about 30 words and close in about 30.

Answer plan

DriversInstrumentsProsConsWay forward

Where marks usually go

  • Only listing pros
  • No mention of China or delivery gaps

Draw this

  • Map of Africa with Indian credit lines and key partners

Value addition

  • EventIndia-Africa Forum Summit III (New Delhi, October 2015) included all 54 African states; India pledged USD 10 billion in concessional credit over five years.MEA, 2015
  • EventThe African Union became a permanent member of the G20 at India's New Delhi summit in 2023.G20 Delhi Declaration, 2023