India, Africa powerful force for global progress: Dr Jaishankar

Africa is India's partner and its "priority", and whether one speaks of a multipolar world order or of a reformed multilateralism, it will happen only when the continent is "given its due place", External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Wednesday. In his address at an event marking Africa Day 2026 in New Delhi, Jaishankar said India continues to maintain close contact with the African Union and looks forward to reconvening the deferred India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-4). "Earlier this year, we were ready to host the African leadership at the fourth India Africa Forum Summit. Unfortunately, the outbreak of the Ebola virus led to the postponement of the Summit. The decision to postpone it was jointly taken by our partners of the African Union and India," he said.
Recalling the historical links between the two regions, EAM Jaishankar said India and Africa have been connected for millennia through the Indian Ocean, facilitating not only trade but also the exchange of cultures, ideas, philosophies and traditions. He noted that both regions fought colonial rule together and continue to share a strong bond forged during their struggles for freedom and dignity.
Highlighting the influence of Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy on African independence movements, EAM Jaishankar recalled that Gandhi developed the principles of Satyagraha and non-violence in South Africa, inspiring leaders such as Kwame Nkrumah, Julius Nyerere and Nelson Mandela. Quoting Mandela, he said, “You gave us Mohandas Gandhi; we gave you the Mahatma.”EAM Jaishankar said political engagement between India and African nations has intensified significantly over the past decade, with more than 150 high-level visits taking place in both directions. He added that India has expanded its diplomatic presence by opening 17 new missions, taking its resident footprint to 46 African countries.