What was Afro -Asian Unity?

 The foundations of India-Africa relations were laid by Mahatma Gandhi, who believed that there will be ―commerce of ideas and services and not of raw materials and goods like imperialist powers‖. India has consistently maintained ever since that it shares Africa‘s dreams and India-Africa cooperation is a genuine two-way partnership. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru talked about Afro-Asian solidarity and that provided strength to India-led Non-Alignment Movement (NAM). Policy during that era till about 1960 was considered to be ―ideational‖ and ―pragmatic‖. During 1970-1990, India shifted its attention to Sough Asia and an inward-looking foreign policy that resulted in neglect of India-Africa relations. Though, India during this period continued its relentless support against racism and apartheid regime in South Africa. The start of economic liberalization in early 1990s opened new opportunities. It was India‘s private sector that took lead and pushed India‘s attention towards the region‘s economic and strategic importance.

The decade of 2000s saw strengthening of relationship between India and African countries. Strategies adopted by Indian government were as follows:

· Pan African level engagement;

· Partnership with regional organization;

· Development partnership through IBSA and BRICS;

· Bilateral engagement with countries; and

· Involving Indian communities and Indian Diaspora.

The institutionalization of India-Africa relationship started with engagement with African Union. The initiative was partly in response to China‘s growing presence in Africa. It is to be noted that China also initiated the Forum for Africa and China Cooperation in the year 2000.

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