In an era of geopolitical disruption, India and Africa can leverage shared histories and complementary strengths to reimagine global governance
This piece is part of the series 'India–Africa Relations at a Strategic Crossroads: IAFS IV and Beyond'
India and Africa have established a solid relationship since the 1900s, as India’s first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, termed Africa India’s “sister continent” in recognition of the long ties of affinity. The term Global South, used by both sides, is deeply rooted in the shared history of joint efforts to repel colonialism, racism, and apartheid. The cordial relationship between India and Africa has led them to recognise that the global order is no longer in transition but in a state of contestation, as multilateralism is fraying and competition among great powers, including China, the US, and Russia, is intensifying. Likewise, middle powers continue to compete for relevance in the international system.
The culmination of events so far in the first quarter of 2026, such as regime change in Venezuela, the escalation of Israel–Iran tensions, and the disruption of critical global supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, among others, has led to the convergence of continuous geopolitical shocks. These events underscore a hard truth about the contemporary international system: globalisation remains dependent on fragile geographies and contested powers. Formerly, it was shaped by an era of interdependence among states governed by markets and multilateral norms. In recent times, however, globalisation has paved the path for states shaped by coercion, fragmentation, and strategic competition.
To survive amidst these geopolitical shocks and uncertainties, India and Africa need to move beyond transactional cooperation and pursue deeper diplomatic engagement with the great powers during this period, as both parties account for over one-third of humanity. This includes making deliberate efforts to rethink global governance and co-construct an alternative framework built on a solid foundation of shared histories and the Non-Aligned Movement, informed by contemporary realities, future ambitions, and cross-border interests.
The Non-Aligned Movement must move beyond Cold War binaries towards strategic autonomy and multi-alignment, becoming proactive rather than reactive in addressing global challenges, and grounded in institutional innovation rather than rhetorical positioning.
This call to action is not about reviving old alignments or partnerships but about renewing their underlying logic. The historical resonance of the Non-Aligned Movement with India and Africa remains significant. The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), born in the 20th century, was rooted in autonomy, solidarity, and resistance to domination. To develop a new framework, the Non-Aligned Movement must move beyond Cold War binaries towards strategic autonomy and multi-alignment, becoming proactive rather than reactive in addressing global challenges, and grounded in institutional innovation rather than rhetorical positioning.
India and Africa share deep ties rooted in anti-colonial struggles, South-South cooperation, and development partnerships. India’s footprint across Africa has been shaped through lines of credit, capacity-building initiatives, and technology transfer. It has often been framed as demand-driven and non-intrusive. African states, in turn, have diversified their external engagements, navigating a complex landscape of partners ranging from China to Gulf states such as Iran and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and beyond.
Yet, despite this depth of interaction, India–Africa relations have often lacked a coherent strategic narrative. Much of the engagement remains transactional and centred on trade volumes, infrastructure projects, and diplomatic exchanges. The challenge now is to elevate this relationship into a more systemic and normative framework that not only advances mutual interests but also addresses the structural deficits of global governance.
The architecture of global governance is increasingly misaligned with contemporary realities. Institutions such as the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), the Bretton Woods Project, and the World Trade Organization (WTO) are facing increasing legitimacy deficits. For many African countries, these institutions have failed to deliver equitable outcomes, particularly in areas such as climate finance, debt restructuring, and access to critical technologies. India, despite its rising global profile, also encounters structural constraints within these frameworks.
However, an India–Africa-led initiative stands a chance of recalibrating this system from within and without. Such a framework could be anchored on three core principles: first, equity in representation by advocating reforms that reflect current demographic and economic realities globally; second, the protection of digital futures by building an all-inclusive digital ecosystem that resists monopolistic control and safeguards data sovereignty; and lastly, the building of a resilient and sustainable development pathway that prioritises sustainability, local ownership, and social inclusion.
To develop an outstanding and unique governance framework for India and Africa, three strategic pillars that embody the realities of both parties need to be considered: first, digital public infrastructure as a global public good; second, the reimagining of South-South security cooperation and the possible establishment of a South Atlantic Treaty Organisation; and third, climate justice and green industrialisation.
A coordinated India–Africa initiative could elevate DPI into a global public good.
India’s experience with Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), including platforms such as Aadhaar, demonstrates how state-backed digital systems can drive inclusion at scale. Across Africa, countries such as Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, and Nigeria are already experimenting with similar architectures. A coordinated India–Africa initiative could elevate DPI into a global public good. This would involve creating shared standards, open-source platforms, and a joint financing mechanism to support implementation.
Security challenges across the African continent, especially from the Sahel region of West Africa to the Horn of Africa, are becoming increasingly complex, involving violent extremist organisations, including al-Qaeda and Islamic State-affiliated groups, transnational crime networks, and climate-induced instability. India’s expanding role in peacekeeping, maritime security, and defence training positions it as a credible partner. Many African military institutions already benefit from episodic training programmes provided by India. Indeed, India helped establish Nigeria’s premier military training institution, the Nigerian Defence Academy. Given the challenges currently being witnessed in the Strait of Hormuz, the South Atlantic is a veritable strategic gateway for maritime security, and a coordinated strategic partnership between India and Africa is long overdue.
A structured India–Africa security framework, encompassing joint training, intelligence-sharing, and technological collaboration, could provide a more coherent response. To align with contemporary realities, this framework must integrate emerging technologies such as cybersecurity tools and AI-enabled surveillance, while embedding strong norms of accountability, transparency, and civilian protection.
A structured India–Africa security framework, encompassing joint training, intelligence-sharing, and technological collaboration, could provide a more coherent response.
Africa contributes the least to global emissions yet faces disproportionate climate impacts. India, while still navigating its development trajectory, is both a major emitter and a leader in renewable energy innovation. This asymmetry presents both tension and opportunity. A co-developed India–Africa climate partnership could align priorities around climate finance, technology transfer, and green industrialisation. Joint investments in solar manufacturing, critical minerals value chains, and climate-resilient agriculture would not only address environmental challenges but also unlock new pathways for industrial growth.
The Non-Aligned Movement provided a powerful platform for collective voice, but its long-term impact was constrained by internal fragmentation and limited institutionalisation. Any contemporary framework must therefore avoid these pitfalls. First, it must be institutionally grounded, with clear governance structures, sustainable financing, and measurable outcomes. Second, it must be issue-driven rather than ideology-driven, focusing on practical cooperation rather than symbolic alignment. Third, it must be multi-stakeholder in design, incorporating not only states but also private sector actors, civil society, and knowledge institutions.
India–Africa relations stand at an inflexion point. They can either continue along a path of incremental engagement or evolve into a transformative force in global governance. The latter requires more than goodwill; it demands strategic clarity, institutional commitment, and a willingness to lead.
India–Africa relations stand at an inflexion point. They can either continue along a path of incremental engagement or evolve into a transformative force in global governance.
In an era marked by uncertainty and fragmentation, the ability to imagine alternative futures is itself a form of power. India and Africa, drawing on their shared histories and complementary strengths, are uniquely positioned to exercise that power not by replicating existing models, but by reimagining them.
However, to translate this vision into action, there is a need to establish a dedicated India–Africa governance platform; launch a joint digital infrastructure fund to scale inclusive and interoperable digital systems across African economies; develop a South-South security fellowship programme focused on capacity-building, professional exchange, and network formation; advance a climate and industrial partnership targeting financing, technology sharing, and value chain development; and institutionalise knowledge collaboration through sustained partnerships between think tanks, universities, and research networks.
Dr John Kayode Fayemi is the former Governor of Ekiti State.
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