External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Africa, saying the relationship is intended to endure for generations rather than serve only immediate interests.

Speaking at the Foreign Service Institute of Ghana in Accra on India, Africa and the Global South, Jaishankar said diplomacy must manage competition without allowing it to turn into confrontation, while encouraging cooperation even when countries have differing interests.

The minister highlighted India’s economic and technological transformation, pointing to developments in infrastructure, digital technology, manufacturing and entrepreneurship. He said stronger national capabilities, including supply chain resilience and technological capacity, are increasingly linked to national security.

Jaishankar also stressed the importance of India and African countries making productive use of their young populations by expanding opportunities for skills, employment and empowerment. He underlined the importance of sharing the benefits of scientific and technological progress and strengthening supply chains covering areas such as fuel, food, fertilizer and finance.

He said India’s foreign policy is guided by strategic autonomy and argued that partnerships should expand countries’ choices rather than restrict them.

Jaishankar also pointed to India’s efforts to strengthen the voice of the Global South, including the African Union’s inclusion in the G20 during India’s presidency. He said India supports a reformed global order that promotes development and prosperity for Africa and other developing regions.

India’s partnership with Africa, he said, spans trade, infrastructure, capacity development, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, agriculture, healthcare and clean energy. India’s Ministry of External Affairs has similarly described its engagement with Africa as focused on development partnerships, capacity building, technology, agriculture, healthcare and other areas of mutual interest.

During his Ghana visit, Jaishankar also interacted with members of the Indian community and friends of India in the country. He later joined Ghanaian officials in planting a Frangipani sapling under India’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” and Ghana’s “Tree for Life” initiatives, describing it as a symbol of their commitment to sustainable development.

Jaishankar said India’s growing capabilities would make it a more effective partner for Africa and reiterated that New Delhi intends to build the relationship for generations to come.