India has always focused on building strong and mutually beneficial partnerships with Africa, rather than just taking resources, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said on Wednesday. His statement coincides with China’s continuous efforts to expand its influence in the continent.

With their complementary skills, India and Japan are in a good position to help Africa develop in a way that is inclusive and sustainable, he said. The minister of external affairs was speaking at the Japan-India-Africa Business Forum. "India's approach to Africa has always been guided by a deep-rooted commitment to building long-term, mutually-beneficial partnerships," he said. "Unlike extractive models of engagement, India believes in capacity-building, skill development and technology transfer, ensuring that African countries not only benefit from investments but also develop self-sustaining growth ecosystems," added Jaishankar. India is Africa's fourth-largest trading partner, with trade between the two reaching nearly USD 100 billion and continuing to grow, Jaishankar said.

He also highlighted India's strong commitment to improving Africa’s connectivity and infrastructure. So far, India has provided over USD 12 billion in concessional credit and completed more than 200 projects across the continent. These projects include railways, power generation, agriculture, and water supply.

According to Jaishankar, India's development efforts in Africa—such as building power plants, transmission lines, cement and sugar factories, textile industries, technology parks, and railway networks—have created jobs and improved lives. He maintained that India can act as a natural bridge, both geographically and in the industrial value chain due to its extensive and long-standing involvement with Africa. 

"With India set for continued rapid economic growth, it serves as an ideal hub for Japanese companies seeking to expand into Africa and the Middle East. Japanese investments, India's solid industrial base and digital capacities and Africa's talent and consumption can come together to create beneficial outcomes for all stakeholders," said Jaishankar.

Jaishankar believes that India and Japan can work together to build strong and reliable supply chains for African countries, especially in important and growing industries. "The growth and prosperity of Africa will not only benefit its people but also contribute to broader global stability and economic progress," he said. "India and Japan, with their complementary strengths, are well-positioned to support Africa's development in a sustainable and inclusive manner," added the EAM.