India will host the Fourth India-Africa Forum Summit later this month in New Delhi, a high-level gathering expected to deepen political, economic and development cooperation between India and African nations.
The summit, scheduled for May 28 to 31, marks another chapter in engagement between India and the African Union, as both sides seek to strengthen collaboration across trade, technology, infrastructure and human capital development.
Speaking during a diplomatic reception at India House in Harare, Indian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Bramha Kumar said the upcoming forum reflects decades of cooperation built on solidarity and shared development priorities.
He noted that relations between India and Africa have expanded into a broad partnership that now covers political engagement, economic cooperation, education, healthcare support, cultural exchange and capacity-building initiatives.
The reception brought together diplomats, senior government officials, business leaders and representatives of international organisations, highlighting the growing global importance of India-Africa relations. Among attendees were Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding, alongside ambassadors from Saudi Arabia, Ghana and other diplomatic missions.
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Ambassador Kumar said trade between India and African countries has grown to approximately US$100 billion, while Indian investments across the continent are estimated at nearly US$80 billion, reflecting expanding commercial and development ties.
He added that India’s Africa engagement continues to be guided by principles advanced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which emphasise equality, mutual respect and partnerships aligned with African development priorities rather than externally imposed models.
India has also positioned itself as a supporter of Africa’s greater participation in global governance institutions. Kumar highlighted India’s role in securing permanent membership for the African Union in the G20 during its presidency and reaffirmed support for stronger African representation within a reformed United Nations Security Council.
Zimbabwe’s Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce Raj Modi described India-Africa cooperation as a strong example of South-South collaboration driven by shared economic ambitions.
He said both regions are increasingly working together to develop digital public infrastructure, improve healthcare resilience and strengthen supply chains, stressing that partnerships must promote inclusive growth while respecting national sovereignty.
The India-Africa Forum Summit has become a key diplomatic platform bringing together leaders from across the continent and India to review progress, set cooperation priorities and expand opportunities for investment and development collaboration.
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