India is intensifying its diplomatic engagement with Africa, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a series of discussions with African leaders during the 18th BRICS Summit, which concluded on Sunday, September 13, 2026. These talks mark a renewed focus on the India-Africa Forum Summit, which had been postponed due to the Ebola crisis.
On Saturday, Modi met with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. Their discussions focused on strengthening the bilateral Strategic Partnership, with particular emphasis on economic cooperation, defense, security, and capacity building. Abiy, during the BRICS Summit, highlighted Ethiopia's leadership in digital public infrastructure in Africa and called for global readiness to handle technological disruptions. He emphasized the need for Africa to contribute to the next generation of AI, requiring enhanced research, computing capacity, and skilled institutions.
The following day, Modi engaged with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. The two leaders reviewed their countries' bilateral relations and discussed maintaining close coordination in multilateral forums. The New Delhi Declaration, issued on Sunday, acknowledged historical racial injustices against Africans and supported the Brazilian-South African initiative to form an international panel on inequality. It also highlighted the Bandung Conference of 1955 as a symbol of Asian-African solidarity and noted South Africa's legal actions against Israel at the International Court of Justice regarding the Gaza Strip.
In addition to these meetings, Modi also hosted Burundi's President Evariste Ndayishimiye, the Chairperson of the African Union. Their talks on Sunday explored the potential for hosting the India-Africa Forum Summit soon. The discussions underscored the importance of the India-African Union partnership as a crucial element of cooperation within the Global South. Ndayishimiye expressed gratitude for India's support during the Ebola crisis, while Modi praised Africa's effective response to the outbreak. They also discussed initiatives in agricultural modernization, healthcare, and capacity building.
Further extending India's outreach, Modi met with dignitaries from Uganda and Nigeria, both invited to the BRICS Summit as partner countries. He engaged with Uganda's Vice President Jessica Rose Epel Alupo, reaffirming India's commitment to supporting Uganda's 'Vision 2040' for prosperity. Their discussions included technology partnerships, investment facilitation, and private sector collaboration. Modi also conversed with Nigeria's Vice President Kashim Shettima Mustapha, focusing on trade, defense, agriculture, health, and digital technologies.
These interactions reflect India's strategic push to deepen ties with Africa, emphasizing mutual interests and collaborative efforts across various sectors. The renewed dialogue aims to bolster the India-Africa partnership, with a focus on shared challenges and opportunities in the global arena.
