India and Africa: A New SPIRIT of shared growth and resilience

By V.N. Parameswaran, Charge d’ Affaires of the High Commission of India in Accra

As the global spotlight turns to New Delhi this month, the fourth India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-IV) feels less like a routine diplomatic gathering and more like a coming together of two old partners ready to shape what lies ahead.

Framed around the theme “India-Africa Strategic Partnership for Innovation, Resilience, and Inclusive Transformation (IA SPIRIT),” the summit reflects how much the relationship has blossomed—from standing together in moments of struggle to now working side by side to build economic strength and resilience.

Recalling His Excellency Mr. Narendra Modi, Honorable Prime Minister of India’s statement at the third India-Africa Forum Summit in 2015 “This is not a new journey, nor a new beginning. … this is a new promise of a great future for an ancient relationship,” – the idea feels even more relevant today, as both regions look to the future with renewed confidence.

A Legacy of High-Level Commitment

The road to IAFS-IV has been shaped by steady engagement and shared trust. Ghana, in particular, has played an important role from the very beginning. Former President John Kufuor attended the first summit in 2008, and this engagement continued with President John Dramani Mahama leading a strong delegation to India in 2015.

The visit of PM Modi to Ghana in July 2025 gave a fresh momentum to India-Ghana partnership, elevating the ties to ‘Comprehensive Partnership’, first of its kind with any other country in West Africa. The civilizational relationship is now taking on a more practical and forward-looking shape. From the early shared ideas of Kwame Nkrumah and Jawaharlal Nehru to today’s focus on sustainable growth and industrial development, the partnership continues to evolve with the times.

Growing Together Through Trade

Ghana’s role as host of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat makes it a natural bridge for deeper India-Africa economic ties. Trade between India and Ghana has already picked up pace following the Prime Minister’s visit (bilateral trade surpassed USD 8 billion mark for the Indian Financial Year 2025-26), opening up new possibilities for businesses on both sides. But beyond numbers, what stands out is the growing willingness to work together in practical ways.

Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is also organising the India–Africa Business Dialogue and Exhibition from 29–31 May 2026, bringing businesses together on the sidelines of the IAFS-IV. This will be a big leap toward building partnerships that last.

More importantly, it is a space where everyone will walk away with something real: new connections, fresh ideas, and a better sense of where to go next. IAFS -IV is not going to be just discussions—it is going to be about creation of real opportunities.

Fueling The Development Cooperation And African Human Resource Engine

At the heart of this partnership is a simple idea: lasting progress depends on people. Over the years, India has worked closely with African partners to build skills and share knowledge across sectors such as technology, agriculture, and renewable energy.

Programmes like the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) have trained thousands of African professionals, while scholarships from the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) continue to open doors for students across Africa. These experiences go beyond education—they create relationships, shared understanding, and a sense of connection that strengthens with time.

India’s development cooperation in Ghana reflects this approach. Projects like the Tema-Mpakadan Railway line, the Foreign Service Training Institute in Accra, and the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre for Excellence (GI-KACE) are not just standalone initiatives. They help connect regions, build skills, and create opportunities that last well beyond their immediate purpose. Whether it is improving logistics, supporting industry, or strengthening institutions, these efforts are about building a more self-reliant and connected future.

The Meaning Behind “IA SPIRIT”

The symbolism of IAFS-IV captures this evolving relationship well. Launched by the Honourable External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, the official logo and website (https://www.iafs2026.in) of IAFS-IV, place the ‘Lion’ at the center—found in both India and Africa, representing courage, pride, and leadership. It is a simple but powerful reminder of shared strengths and shared ambitions. The design blends Indian and African elements in a way that feels both rooted and forward-looking. At the same time, the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) Summit at New Delhi, coinciding with IAFS-IV, highlights that this partnership is not just about growth, but also about protecting what we share—from ecosystems to heritage.

Looking Ahead, Together

One of the most consistent messages from India’s leadership has been that Africa’s priorities matter. This was evident in India’s support for the African Union’s inclusion in the G20 and continues to shape the approach to this partnership.

As leaders gather in New Delhi, there is a growing sense that this is a moment of opportunity. By combining India’s experience in technology and development with Ghana’s and Africa’s broader vision for integration and growth, both sides are showing that the Global South has a leading role in shaping the future.

The “IA SPIRIT” is not just a theme for a summit—it reflects a broader shift. It is about moving forward together, with confidence, clarity, and a shared sense of purpose.

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