Resources, Development Cooperation and the China Factor
International Politics, Vol.4, No. 7, Winter & Spring 2011, Tehran
Nabeel Mancheri, Assistant Professor, National Institute of Advanced Studies
The 21st century has seen the African continent gain significant salience in Indian foreign policy. Elements of pragmatism have been mixed into the earlier idealistic policy and the factors such as energy, uranium and other resources are driving India’s interest in ties with Africa. Nonetheless, economics has not been the sole driver of engagement in Africa. Cooperation through capacity building and technological cooperation in a number of spheres has been used to enhance India’s presence in Africa. However, India is confronted by strong competition from China, especially in the energy sector and China has politically pursued a more proactive policy in Africa. This poses a significant geopolitical as well as geo‐economic challenge to India’s long term strategic interests in engaging Africa.
