India projected as key defence supplier to African nations amid bid to deepen ties

Speaking at the India-Africa Army Chiefs’ Conclave, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, “Capacity building in terms of defence equipment and platforms is a critical aspect of our defence cooperation with our African partners. As India continues to enhance its defence manufacturing capabilities, I invite African countries to explore Indian defence equipment and technologies. India has emerged as a leading defence exporter in recent years.”

“With an aim to empower our African friends, to indigenously meet their defence requirements, we are committed to sharing our expertise and knowledge in defence manufacturing, research and development. Our partnership is based on the principles of friendship, respect and mutual benefit,” Rajnath Singh further said.

Echoing the Defence Minister’s statement, Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pande on Wednesday said, “India has created a robust public and private defence industry under a defence manufacturing ecosystem which has the advantage of abundant technical manpower. We are showcasing the prowess of the Indian defence Industry through an equipment and weapons display.”

“I am confident that our industry will work in a collaborative manner to meet your defence requirements, and ensure overall capability enhancement of the African Armed Forces,” the Army chief added. He was speaking at the concluding ceremony of the Africa-India Field Training Exercise.

In October last year, the India-Africa Defence Dialogue was held on the sidelines of DefExpo 2022 in Gujarat’s Gandhinagar where the Gandhinagar Declaration was adopted. The declaration proposes to enhance cooperation in the field of training and empowerment and capability building of the defence forces of Africa.  ‘Indian Defence Industry — Potential to contribute to regional security’ was the theme of a session at the conclave on Tuesday. Indian industry leaders spoke about expanding the footprint of Indian defence industries and the potential to contribute to Africa’s security at the session.  Meanwhile, a key highlight of AFINDEX 2023 was ‘Equipment Display’. Seventy-five indigenous products from 32 Indian industries — both private and state-owned — manufactured under the government’s ‘Make in India’ scheme were showcased. Army chiefs from the continent and other representatives were among the visitors.  Speaking to Indian Express, senior officials said that the steps are aimed at aggressively stepping up the defence outreach to African countries, where China has already created a significant footprint.

On Monday, General Manoj Pande, speaking at a key event in Pune stressed, “China is increasingly displaying a willingness to project its military power as seen from its aggressive attempts to establish military bases in the Indo-Pacific, Africa, and more importantly in our immediate neighbourhood as well.”