External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized on Wednesday the necessity for the Global South to have its aspirations and interests adequately represented globally, as it emerges as a key driver of future economic growth.

He noted that India has consistently advocated for this representation, whether through initiatives such as the Voice of the Global South Summits or during its G20 Presidency, where it successfully secured full African Union membership in the G20.

Speaking at the Japan-India-Africa Business Forum, the minister highlighted the strong and mutual commitment between India and Japan to enhance their bilateral engagement and collaborate on promoting development and economic growth in Africa and beyond.

“India and Japan share a relationship rooted in common values, including democracy, freedom, and the rule of law, as well as a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. Our bilateral relations have developed into a Special Strategic and Global Partnership over the years. Together, we have established solid foundations in various sectors such as infrastructure, technology, healthcare, and education. Our participation in the Quad further strengthens our collaborative efforts across multiple areas for the public good,” Mr. Jaishankar stated.

He also discussed India’s approach to Africa, emphasizing its commitment to creating long-lasting, mutually beneficial relationships. Rather than engaging in extractive practices, India focuses on capacity building, skill development, and technology transfer, ensuring that African nations benefit from investments while fostering self-sustaining growth.

The minister highlighted several of India’s initiatives, such as the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program, the Pan-African e-Network Project, and High-Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs), which have significantly enhanced local capacities in education, health, and digital infrastructure.

Currently, India ranks as Africa’s fourth-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade nearing $100 billion and steadily increasing. The country has also invested over $12 billion in concessional credit aimed at improving connectivity and infrastructure, successfully completing more than 200 projects across various sectors, including railways, power generation, agriculture, and water supply.

“India’s development initiatives in diverse areas, including drinking water supply, irrigation, rural solar electrification, power plants, transmission lines, cement production, textile factories, technology parks, and railway infrastructure, have generated local employment and positively transformed lives in Africa,” he remarked.

Mr. Jaishankar believes that India’s extensive and historical engagement with Africa positions it as a natural bridge, both geographically and within industrial value chains. With India’s economy poised for rapid growth, it presents an ideal hub for Japanese companies looking to expand into Africa and the Middle East.

Moreover, he highlighted the potential for India and Japan to collaborate in strengthening resilient supply chains for African nations, particularly in critical and emerging sectors.