Page 33 - Diplomatists Nov

SP E CIAL REPOR T

INDIA + SOUTH AFRICA

THE POWER OF TWO

BY CHIGOZIE N. UDENSI*

he relationship between India and South Africa is both the African continent by directly purchasing shares in the
simple and distinctive, dating back many centuries African capital market or setting up joint ventures.
Tand rooted in shared values, feelings, interests, and
legends, such as Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela. Their AGRICULTURE
bilateral relationship, however, remained tense for a long time A variety of features are similar to the agricultural sector
due to the apartheid regime in South Africa. India escalated in Africa and in India, ranging from the diversity of agro-
its dispute with multilateral institutions such as the United climatic regions to parallels in farming processes, such as the
Nations (UN), the Commonwealth, and the Non-Aligned small scale of farms. These similarities provide many avenues
Movement (NAM) after its independence; becoming the fi rst for cooperation. Given that the agricultural sector in Africa
country to severe trade ties in 1946, and to eventually enforce is projected to grow from USD 280 billion in 2014 to USD
political and economic sanctions. 1 trillion by 2030, with growth mostly based on technology,
In recent years, the relationship between India and Africa there is considerable potential for the agricultural sector in
has gained momentum. In boosting relations between Africa Africa to leverage on India’s experience in the sector, as well
and India, greater economic interaction has served as a prime as partnership in addressing common issues.
catalyst. In the near future, India’s trade is anticipated to In the near future, Africa is expected to play an important

increase significantly. For its energy needs, India depends role in global food security. While Africa accounts for 25%
heavily on Africa. Africa’s focus on India, in turn, will lead of the world’s farmland, it produces only 10% of the world’s
to the continent’s development in different sectors such as agricultural goods. Moreover, Africa can be a key peas

energy, agriculture and healthcare. sourcing destination for India; a major source of protein in the
diet of the Indian population, particularly as consumption of
ENERGY peas is projected to increase as the Indian economy develops.
In the energy sector, India and Africa have a symbiotic
relationship. Although, African countries are willing, with HEALTHCARE
their abundant capital, to meet India’s rising energy demands, Some Indian healthcare organizations have created
India is an ideal collaborator to help Africa maximize the use footprints in Africa, with more organizations expecting
of its natural resources, considering its experience and skills to get involved in African hospitals. Particularly, Indian
in working in a relatively diffi cult environment. In order to healthcare organizations are diligently trying to engage in

expand on its trading ties and satisfy its energy demands, India ways such as the expansion of Greenfield and brownfi elds,
is diligently investing to tap into the unexplored capacity of and telemedicine facilities that will encourage medical
tourists in the region.
While Africa holds strong growth opportunities in the
near future, understanding the demand and the needs of
consumers is crucial. As new laws continue to develop
in Africa, procurement and delivery processes create a
problem resulting in an extended lead time. Nevertheless,
the increasing burden of sicknesses coupled with stronger
spending potential may provide Indian pharmaceutical fi rms

with a profitable market opportunity for future development.
In such a situation, partnering with local producers will
promote better cooperation and a greater understanding of
the continent’s diverse legal systems.

*Author is a PhD student in Politics and International
Relations from the University of Johannesburg, South Africa.

Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Diplomatist • Vol 8 • Issue 9 • November 2020, Noida • 33