The Two Fulcrum Lever Of Soft Power Diplomacy: India and China in Africa

Global South has not only geographical and economical connotations but also manifestations in the geopolitical world. In contemporary times, when power struggle has intensified, countries at the periphery are becoming theatre of influence, engagement and diplomacy. In the global south both India and China are rising powers, with aspirations to lead the world. This structure has demanded India and China to establish their sphere of influence in the Global South, as coalition building and agenda setting are two most important processes of leading the world. As a result, Africa has gained significant attention from rising powers in different ways. While drawing parallel to world system theory by Immanuel Wallerstein, Global North is at the core, while in the global south rising countries such as India and China are assuming position of semi periphery and underdeveloped countries are at periphery. However, competing interests of India and China have also benefited and significantly improved development of Africa. African countries are also trying to strategically diversify investments from India and China while not undermining their autonomy. It has also provided opportunities for economic growth of peripheral countries while reducing reliance on the global north.

India and China in Africa: Past and Present

The Relationship between India and China with Africa is not a recent phenomenon. It can be traced back to centuries which is shaped by trade, culture, and shared experiences.Indian traders sailed across the Indian Ocean to East Africa, exchanging goods and building ties with local communities—connections that still echo in places like Kenya and Tanzania today. During colonial times, India and Africa also shared lived experiences through indentured labourers. Indian indentured labourers were brought to work on plantations, railways, and infrastructure projects in countries such as Mauritius, South Africa, Kenya, Uganda. China’s early contact came under the Ming Dynasty through the voyages of Admiral Zheng He in the 15th century. Both countries have also supported their struggle for Independence. Sino-African and African-Indian relationship got a modern framework in Bandung Conference when Afro Asian Unity was emphasised. However, the cold war has impacted bilateral relations between both Sino Africa and Africa- India to a great extent. In contemporary times, again shifting power dynamics has allowed more cooperative relationships to be established.

Strategic Advances: Comparing India and China

China's total trade reached $282 billion in FY23, while India's was almost $100 billion. While both countries are among the top 10 global investors in Africa, Beijing's FDI flows reached $44 billion compared to New Delhi's $14 billion in 2021. A more precise analysis of Indian and Chinese trade with Africa highlights that, in terms of sectors, India is focusing more on technology transfers and pharmaceuticals where China is lagging behind. ( www.ibef.com) Both countries are also increasing their investment in Africa. Where China is investing in resource extraction, infrastructural development and manufacturing; Indian investment is focused on healthcare development, technological development, institutional development and human capital development of countries. Another difference is observed in terms of the role of the public and private sector. Where New Delhi is channelising investment through the private sector, Beijing is more focused on state led projects in Africa. China's strategy also led to increasing debt concern in African countries and further threat to their sovereignty. In terms of diplomacy, where India aims to maintain multilateral relationships but China aims to foster bilateral relations with specific countries. However, the permanent seat of China in UNSC provides it leverage but owing to democratic and inclusive leadership of India she has provided greater support to Africa in representing its interest on global platforms. India has always supported and worked towards including Africa in the global governance mechanism. Africa joined the G20 in 2023 during the presidency of India, which has increased African agency in global governance.

Mantle of Influences: Soft Power Diplomacy

In contemporary times both India and China are exercising soft power diplomacy but in differing ways. As said by Joseph Nye, soft power is another important tool of countries to exercise their influence. In the context of Africa, Soft Power Diplomacy is adopted by New Delhi and Beijing to ensure cohesive and not coercive relationship with Africa. Both countries are exercising their influence in two different ways. Where India is focusing on development partnership, technology transfer, capacity building, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, skill education and cultural exchanges; China has focused on investment in infrastructure through Belt and Road Initiative, joint ventures and strategic areas such as energy, critical resources and mining. China is focusing on long term infrastructure development projects and economic activities; India is more tilted towards strengthening ground level diplomacy and human capital development of the region. However,  investment from both countries has helped in the economic development of Africa. China is following its aspirations by ensuring economic dependence of countries through “debt trap policy.” Chinese investment is also facing criticism on the ecological and sustainable front, where Chinese projects are considered to be harmful to the climate in the long run. On the other hand, India has potential to spread its influence through diaspora diplomacy, contribution to peacebuilding missions and democratic stature of the country. New Delhi can invest in creating Youth based connections between India and Africa through university exchanges, research and development and innovation hubs. As many countries of Africa are facing internal instabilities, civil war and intra state conflict situations in post colonial times. India has actively participated in UN led peacekeeping missions in Africa. Additionally, she can invest in peacebuilding initiatives in Africa which will help in structural transformation of countries and greater legitimacy to Indian leadership. India's democratic stature provides it another gain over China, where it can invest in strengthening democratic attitudes of people. India’s Institute of Democracy and Election Management have trained various African officers to conduct polls. These initiatives help India to amalgamate capacity building, diplomacy and strategic benefit without affecting sovereignty of countries in Africa.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, India needs to focus on strengthening her relation with Africa while focusing on diaspora diplomacy and inclusivity. She has a very dynamic role to play which includes amplifying the voice of Africa on the Global platform and not just representing it. In contemporary times, leadership demands resilience, precise diplomacy, innovation and strategic autonomy to utilise nuances of geopolitics. India has proved its leadership through moral credibility, strategic capacity, advanced technology and defence infrastructure that can serve the contextual necessities of the Global South.

Saumya Srivastav