Abstract

India and Africa are two shore neighbours. It is this geographical proximity, India looking westwards across the navigable Indian Ocean, that made the peoples of the two regions known to each other. Beginning with early colonial days, the free and voluntary relations of the past gave way to colonial needs and preferences. The present relations, between independent, self-respecting regions, were formally established only after both sides got independence. The 21st century has seen a renewed initiative of India with the India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) in 2008. Some similar initiatives have been taken by other Asian countries, like the People’s Republic of China, Malaysia and Japan. Many observers call it a ‘new scramble for Africa’ by Asian countries to acquire African raw materials and energy resources. ¹