Context
The India–Africa Forum Summit-IV has been postponed due to concerns arising from the Ebola virus outbreak, highlighting the importance of health security and continued India–Africa engagement in the evolving global environment.
About India–Africa Forum Summit (IAFS)
- The India–Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) is the premier institutional platform for cooperation and dialogue between India and African countries.
- It was launched in 2008 to strengthen political, economic, and developmental partnership between India and Africa.
- The Summit reflects the shared commitment of India and African nations towards South–South cooperation, multilateralism, inclusive growth, and sustainable development.
- It also serves as an important pillar of India’s engagement with the Global South and Africa’s development priorities.
Objectives of IAFS
- Strengthen diplomatic and strategic relations between India and African countries.
- Expand bilateral trade, investment, technology transfer, and economic cooperation.
- Promote industrialisation, innovation, and capacity building.
- Support sustainable development and regional integration in Africa.
- Enhance cooperation in multilateral forums and global governance reforms.
- Encourage youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, and skill development.
Key Areas of Cooperation
- Trade, investment, and economic partnership
- Health, education, agriculture, infrastructure, and capacity building
- Technology, digital connectivity, and innovation
- Maritime security, peace, counter-terrorism, and blue economy cooperation
- Skill development and people-to-people relations
Editions of the Summit
- IAFS-I (2008) – New Delhi
- IAFS-II (2011) – Addis Ababa
- IAFS-III (2015) – New Delhi
- The third summit witnessed participation from all 54 African countries, making it one of India’s major diplomatic outreach initiatives in Africa.
