New Delhi – Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar has declared that the India-Africa partnership has never been more critical, saying the two sides are united not just by development goals but by a shared mission to shape a better world.
Jaishankar made the remarks on April 23, 2026, in New Delhi while unveiling the logo, theme and website of the fourth India-Africa Forum Summit, which will be held from May 28 to 31, 2026, in collaboration with the African Union Commission.
Speaking before African ambassadors and other stakeholders at the curtain raiser event, Jaishankar said Africa now occupies a central place in India’s foreign policy, pointing to the opening of 17 new diplomatic missions across the continent in recent years, bringing the total number of Indian missions in Africa to 46. 
He said India’s engagement with Africa is guided by the principles of equality, mutual respect and shared progress, and that India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision and Africa’s Agenda 2063 are complementary roadmaps both aimed at prosperity through sustainable growth and inclusive development.
Jaishankar also pointed to India’s consistent support for Africa’s rightful place in global governance, citing the inclusion of the African Union in the G20 during India’s 2023 presidency as clear evidence of that commitment.
“The voices of the Global South must shape global governance in the times to come,” he said.
He described the India-Africa relationship as rooted in civilisational linkages nurtured over centuries through trade, cultural exchanges and human interactions, further strengthened when India stood in solidarity with African nations during their struggle against colonialism.
Jaishankar outlined several key areas of growing cooperation, including digital technology, fintech and innovation, the International Solar Alliance, the Global Biofuels Alliance, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and the International Big Cat Alliance. He also noted that India has emerged as one of Africa’s largest trading partners and bilateral investors.
The summit will be held under the theme “IA SPIRIT: India Africa Strategic Partnership for Innovation, Resilience, and Inclusive Transformation.” A Senior Officials Meeting precedes the summit on May 28, followed by an India-Africa Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on May 29, before the main event concludes on May 31.
The summit’s website is available at www.iafs2026.in.
