India, Africa To Send ‘Message Of Stability In Turbulent World’ With First Africa Summit In Delhi After 11 Years
India will host the fourth India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-IV) on May 31, 2026 in New Delhi in collaboration with the African Union Commission. Image courtesy: RNA
India is set to host the fourth India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-IV) on May 31, 2026, marking the first such engagement in over a decade. The summit, to be held in New Delhi in partnership with the African Union Commission, comes after an 11-year gap since the last edition in 2015 and is expected to bring together leaders from across the African continent.
Announcing the development, the Ministry of External Affairs said, “India will host the fourth India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-IV) on 31 May 2026 in New Delhi in collaboration with the African Union Commission.” The gathering will include leaders from African nations, the African Union (AU) Commission, and regional organisations.
To be held in India after a long gap of 11 years, the India-Africa Forum Summit aims to “strengthen the enduring India-Africa partnership” and lay out a roadmap for expanding cooperation across sectors. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has described the moment as a “season of renewal,” underlining that Africa occupies a central place in India’s foreign policy.
India-Africa Forum Summit 2026: Why is it being seen as a ‘season of renewal’?
EAM Jaishankar emphasised that the summit presents a “unique opportunity to further deepen our engagement” and shape the next phase of ties. “The Summit will provide a platform to shape the next phase of our partnership — one that is more ambitious, one that is more inclusive, and one that is more future-oriented,” he said.
The theme for the summit: “IA SPIRIT: India Africa Strategic Partnership for Innovation, Resilience and Inclusive Transformation”, reflects a forward-looking agenda. “‘SPIRIT’ captures the essence of a relationship that goes beyond transactions, and is marked by shared values, mutual respect, solidarity and collaboration,” Jaishankar noted.
Highlighting the symbolism, he added that the summit logo features the lion, “uniquely native to both India and Africa, symbolising pride, courage and a shared identity.”
India-Africa relations: How are history and shared struggles shaping ties?
Drawing parallels between India and Africa, Jaishankar stressed that the relationship is “rooted in our civilisational linkages” and strengthened through shared anti-colonial struggles.
“These bonds were further strengthened as India stood in solidarity with the African nations in their struggle against colonialism,” he said, adding that the “shared history of struggle, solidarity, resilience and aspirations continues to shape our partnership.”
He also pointed out that India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision and Africa’s Agenda 2063 serve as “complementary roadmaps” aimed at achieving sustainable and inclusive growth.
Key areas of cooperation between India and Africa
The EAM underlined that defence, security, and maritime cooperation remain central pillars of the partnership. “Driven by the Vision MAHASAGAR, we are working closely with many of you to ensure the security and stability of the Indian Ocean region, combat piracy, promote safe and open sea lanes, and collaborate in UN peacekeeping operations,” he said.
Beyond security, India is expanding cooperation into emerging sectors. “We are pushing new frontiers in digital, fintech, and innovation, reshaping economies across the African continent,” he said, adding that both sides are focusing on “co-creation, mutual investments and joint innovation.”
India has also significantly expanded its diplomatic footprint in Africa, opening 17 new missions in recent years, taking the total to 46. The country is now among Africa’s largest trading and development partners, with engagement spanning energy, agriculture, healthcare, education, and digital connectivity.
How does the summit reflect India’s Global South vision?
The upcoming summit is also expected to reinforce India’s advocacy for a stronger Global South voice in global governance. Jaishankar reiterated India’s support for Africa’s “rightful place in global governance,” citing the African Union’s inclusion in the G20 during India’s 2023 presidency as a “seminal step.”
He stressed that the partnership is not just about development but about shaping global outcomes. “Together, India and Africa are not just partners in development, we are partners in shaping a better world,” he noted.
As the world navigates geopolitical and economic uncertainties, Jaishankar described the partnership as “a message of stability in a turbulent world, of reliability in an uncertain one and of solidarity in difficult times.”
What happens next ahead of the India-Africa summit?
The summit will be preceded by meetings of senior officials and foreign ministers on May 28-29. Officials say these discussions will help shape the agenda and priorities for the main event.
The MEA noted that the summit will be a “landmark engagement” to further cement ties under the South-South cooperation framework, with a focus on innovation, resilience, and inclusive transformation.
