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Published on April 15, 2008

It was a move that many believe has come too late, but for Indian policy-makers it was a matter of better late than never. India is now eyeing Africa with a new vision and programmes. The first summit last week between India and 12 other African states in New Delhi marked the beginning of the world's largest democracy's foreign-policy shift towards Africa. This will impact on cooperation with China, which has already been active on the continent.

No comparisons could be drawn between the India summit and the one China held with much fanfare in 2006. That was the year Beijing moved assertively around the world to make its presence felt and its eagerness for more oil and natural resources known. Africa is the last frontier where countries with capital can come in and buy up still-abundant natural resources.

It is interesting to note that both India and China were at one time model countries for African nations. One has a democracy that could be emulated, even though its economic model is a bit outdated, while the other is the world's largest communist country, which has made money out of the capitalist system. So, China now has taken its rightful place in the world.

India wants to expand its diplomatic role and contribute to international peace and stability. That is a tall order. But the sea changes in the international environment have necessitated more active diplomacy on India's part. The improvement of ties with the US in the past few years has provided a bedrock for the advancement of the so-called democratic world.

India still has much to learn in its diplomatic efforts with African countries, which have expressed appreciation for free grants and low-interest loans from China. China already has invested and established ties in most of the 54 African states. Beijing wants to ensure that the African continent will not be used by foreign powers hostile to its interests.

India has now realised that its rapid industrialisation will require a huge amount of imported energy. To do that, New Delhi has to seek out old friends and establish ties with new African countries, including Francophone countries. These countries import and export Indian goods.

In this age of globalisation, India hopes to use its high level of computer software and technological know-how to win the hearts and minds of developing countries. This, at least, is something China cannot do in the next few years. India also needs African resources, just like China, but what is different is that India is a free country and run by a genuine free-market economy.

It remains to be seen how African nations will take to the two Asian giants. China seems to make its decisions swiftly. Indian decision-makers, on the other hand, are slower to exploit a favourable external situation for their own good. Regardless, African nations are lucky that they can choose the best partner for economic development and long-term programmes.

Currently, it looks as if India has better human resources and training programmes. The country's fluency in English bodes well in English-speaking African countries like Kenya or Nigeria. India has lots to offer Africa and it has to move even more aggressively to establish its strong presence there. China still has more investments in Africa than India at this time. That is to be expected because most state-owned enterprises in China chose to invest in countries identified by the country's top policy-makers.

India has not taken such an approach, its moves depend on incentives and the rule of law. But India knows that all round cooperation and assistance is pivotal to alleviating poverty in Africa. India has to further liberalise its markets for third-world countries. Otherwise, China, through its early-harvest strategy, could win more friends and wider market access.

Africa will benefit from this eagerness, but in the long run only the country with the most sustainable strategies will win.

The Nation