INDIA AND THE GLOBAL SOUTHSTRATEGY-FOCUSING ON DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS WITH AFRICA

The Global South has been a burning topic of international diplomacy in recent years, and all emerging superpowers have been drawing up plans and policies centered around it, among one of them is India. Global South comprises African countries, Latin American countries and Asian countries. In this article, the focus area is on African countries and its bilateral relations with India. Additionally ,it offers insights on how the African countries are an important support for Indias international influence and its economic transformation and development. Over the decades, Indias relations with African countries have strengthened and it can be noticed through making the permanent member of the African Union in the latest G20 summit hosted by India and its participation in various multi- forums and organisations where India is a major shareholder. Africas special relationship with India provides a foundation for a mutually beneficial and sustainable partnership built on African agency and capacity building. Albeit, India faces an unprecedented challenge from another emerging power China as China is increasingly investing in African nations by building infrastructure projects and making its way into African diplomacy. This article overviews the Indo- African relations and how Chinese increasing influence is offering a challenge to Indias relations and how India can maintain its diplomatic relations with African countries.