India steps up Africa outreach as Modi holds talks with leaders from the continent
Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in bilateral talks with African leaders, including the Prime Minister of Ethiopia and the President of South Africa, during the BRICS Summit. Discussions focused on strengthening strategic partnerships in defense, digital infrastructure, and economic cooperation.
Why it matters
India is actively expanding its diplomatic and economic footprint in Africa to counter regional influence and foster South-South cooperation.
Months after postponing the India-Africa Forum Summit because of the Ebola crisis, New Delhi has started a broad-based dialogue with African countries, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaging multiple African leaders on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit that concluded on Sunday (September 12, 2026).
Mr. Modi hosted Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali on Saturday (September 12, 2026), during which the two leaders discussed regional and global developments, and he met South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday.
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At the meeting between the Prime Ministers of India and Ethiopia, the External Affairs Ministry said, “The two leaders held discussions aimed at further strengthening the bilateral Strategic Partnership. They reviewed progress across key sectors, including economic cooperation, defence and security partnership, and capacity building.”
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