Description:
While the tenth iteration of the BRICS Summit brought its own share of headlines, an equally notable development was the effort put by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to tour key African states ahead of the meeting alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping’s own visits. The effort spotlighted New Delhi’s continued bid to strengthen its influence in the continent despite the clear limitations it has relative to Beijing.
For New Delhi, Africa has become a lot more significant because of China’s proactive engagement in the region. But at the same time, India’s long neglect and the inadequate economic capacity are serious disadvantages in the face of China’s strategic push and the economic muscle. Nonetheless, India’s promises and commitments will be judged against China’s projects in the region. New Delhi’s biggest challenge has been its inability to deliver on the promises that it makes. There is little sign that India has done much about this, adding to the doubts about India’s capacity to compete with China.
Post description:
- Publication year: 2018
- Content type: Op-Ed
- Form of cooperation: Comprehensive
- Cooperation context: Bilateral
- Region (country): Africa
- Sector: Multisectoral
- Institution (publication): The Diplomat
- Written by: Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
- Keywords: BRICS summit, India-Africa, Sino-African Relations
- Link: https://thediplomat.com/2018/07/indias-china-challenge-in-africa/