NEW DELHI (CU)_As the waters of the Indian Ocean wash the shores of the East coast of Africa, 10 African nations located along this coastline heavily depend on the Indian Ocean for their sustenance. In mid-June, India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar paid a visit to Kenya, with the aim of emphasising the priority the South Asian nation attaches to its engagement with Africa, and to underline the deep historical ties between India and Kenya.
New Delhi has always been a key ally of the African continent, advocating for the region amidst their struggle against apartheid, investing more than US$13 billion in capacity building efforts and backing African nations in the UN Security Council.
However, this historical Indo-African ties are now under threat from China’s growing interest in the region, with the communist superpower increasing its investments across various industries across the region. For instance, India and Tanzania have been close allies over the years, particularly owing to the East African nation’s sizable natural gas deposits in the Indian Ocean. Moreover, the two countries has expressed interest to cooperate on matters of mutual interest, such as maritime security, which was reaffirmed by the recent decision to open a consulate of Tanzania in Hyderabad.
However, not long after, Dodoma announced plans to revive a $10 billion port project in the town of Bagamoyo, located in the Indian Ocean regions (IOR), with China being the main project investor. The move raised concerns in Delhi, prompting speculations that Beijing plans to establish a dual-use foothold on the coast of East Africa.
Meanwhile, experts are of the view that India should channel its large diaspora in the Africa in order to reaffirm its relations with the continent, amid China’s increasing grip across the region. According to recent data, Africa is a home to three million people of Indian origin which ensures a natural advantage for New Delhi.
“Africa’s large Indian population has merged with the society there and New Delhi must cash in on this aspect,” an expert on the matter, who did not wish to be identified, told India Narrative. “It must take them into account to further expand its relations with the African nations. All channels of communications need to be opened up. Using the diaspora is one which can be effectively used.”
