By H.E. Manoj Bihari Verma, Ambassador of India to Liberia
On 23 April 2026, External Affairs Minister of India Dr. S. Jaishankar joined African Ambassadors in New Delhi and declared that India and Africa are entering a “season of renewal.” As India prepares to host the fourth India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-IV) in New Delhi on 31 May 2026, those words carry meaning for every nation on the African continent, countries whose bonds with India go back decades, rooted in solidarity, shared struggle and a common vision for a better world.
The Summit, convened in collaboration with the African Union Commission, will bring together leaders from across the African continent under the theme: “IA SPIRIT: India-Africa Strategic Partnership for Innovation, Resilience and Inclusive Transformation.” That theme is not merely a slogan. It captures the essence of a relationship that goes beyond transactions, and is marked by shared values, mutual respect, solidarity and collaboration.
The relationship between India and Africa is rooted in long-standing civilizational ties, developed over centuries through trade, cultural exchange and people-to-people connections. These bonds grew stronger when India supported African nations in their fight against colonial rule. In fact, India’s own struggle for independence is closely intertwined with Africa’s. This shared legacy of resistance, unity, resilience and common aspirations continues to influence and guide our partnership today. Every African nation has been part of this story, whether through Indian peacekeepers serving under UN missions, or Indian doctors, engineers and educators who have worked shoulder to shoulder with African communities. This partnership has always had a human face.
IAFS-IV builds on the strong foundation of the previous three Summits, especially the third Summit in 2015, which resulted in a significant increase in Indian development assistance and capacity-building programs for Africa. Since then, India has opened 17 new diplomatic missions across the continent, including one in Liberia, bringing our total presence to 46 missions, a strong statement of our long-term commitment.
For African nations, several dimensions of IAFS-IV are especially relevant. India’s development cooperation is demand-driven, shaped by African priorities. Whether it is lines of credit for infrastructure, scholarships under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme, or support for agriculture and health, India’s assistance is designed to build local capacity and self-reliance. Tens of thousands of African professionals have benefited from training in Indian institutions, returning home with skills that serve their communities for a lifetime.
The IAFS-IV agenda also looks to the future. Digital technology, fintech and innovation are reshaping economies across Africa, and India, home to one of the world’s most vibrant digital ecosystems, is a natural partner in this transformation. India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has revolutionized financial inclusion for over a billion people. This summit will be an opportunity to deepen this collaboration in practical, actionable ways.
India-Africa cooperation extends in areas such as climate action, renewable energy, resilient infrastructure, environmental protection and the pursuit of a more sustainable future for the continent. African countries play an important role as partners in Indian-led global initiatives such as International Solar Alliance, International Big Cat Alliance, Global Biofuels Alliance and Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.
At a deeper level, IAFS-IV is also about reshaping global governance. India’s consistent advocacy for Africa’s rightful place in international institutions was demonstrated tangibly when it championed the African Union’s inclusion in the G20 during India’s 2023 Presidency. India and Africa together represent a powerful voice for the Global South, for a multipolar world and for a rules-based international order.
As India and Africa prepare for this landmark Summit, I invite the readers to see IAFS-IV not as a distant diplomatic event, but as an opportunity that touches lives of common African and Liberian. The Summit’s outcomes will translate into expanded scholarships, development partnership, technology partnerships and a strengthened voice for Africa in global forums.
Minister Jaishankar captured it best: “Together, India and Africa are not just partners in development, we are partners in shaping a better world.” As we count down to 31 May, Africa’s story, in all its diversity and ambition, is at the heart of that larger story. This is our season of renewal, too.
The fourth India-Africa Forum Summit will be held in New Delhi on 31 May 2026. Visit www.iafs2026.in for more information.
