The Ministry of External Affairs revealed in an official statement on Tuesday that the second phase of the India-US Dialogue on Africa kicked off in Washington DC, aiming to fortify relationships and collaborate on developmental ventures across the African continent.
Both parties actively participated in the May 14–15 debate, which was led by Indian delegation members Puneet R. Kundal, AS (E&SA), and Sevala N. Mude, AS (C&WA), and by US delegation member Mary Catherine Phee, Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs.
In order to effectively engage in development projects and initiatives in Africa, the main goal of this discourse is to promote the exchange of ideas and perspectives, with a focus on developing institutional, technical, and bilateral synergies. The conversation aims to identify critical areas of cooperation that are in line with African priorities by utilising the strengths of both India and the United States.
In a statement, the ministry emphasized, “The India-US dialogue on Africa aims to share ideas and perspectives and explore ways to develop institutional, technical and bilateral synergies to work together in Africa. It also targets identification of developmental projects and programs of cooperation in Africa, leveraging the strengths of India and the US, in accordance with African priorities.”
This dialogue assumes significance as it signifies the first engagement between India and the US post the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member of the G20 during India’s G20 presidency. This recognition underscores Africa’s growing global importance and underscores the commitment of both nations to meaningfully engage with the continent.
India and the United States have collaborated on various development initiatives in Africa, focusing on education, energy, agriculture, and health. One notable example is the Feed the Future India Africa Innovation Transfer Platform, which collaborates with Technoserve to share Indian agricultural techniques in Kenya and Malawi. These techniques have contributed to enhancing off-season crop production, providing water for livestock, and cultivating additional fodder crops in local communities.