New Delhi/Accra, Ghana : External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar addressed a distinguished gathering at the Foreign Service Institute of Ghana, speaking on India, Africa and the Global South and outlining India’s approach to diplomacy, development and international cooperation amid a rapidly changing global environment.
Jaishankar said that in today’s turbulent times, diplomacy faces the challenge of managing competition without allowing it to turn into confrontation, while promoting cooperation even when national interests diverge.
During his address, the External Affairs Minister highlighted India’s journey of ambition, execution and confidence, noting that transformations in the economy, infrastructure, digital ecosystem, manufacturing, entrepreneurship and aspirations are contributing to India’s growing role as an engine of global growth.
He underlined that national security is increasingly linked to supply-chain resilience, technological capabilities and the ability to produce essential goods. India, he said, attaches importance to self-sufficiency in key sectors while continuing to promote cooperation across a wide range of areas.
Jaishankar also highlighted the potential of an accessible digital ecosystem to democratise opportunities and said India is ready to share its experiences with its African partners.
He stressed the importance for India and Africa to convert their youthful populations into productive, skilled and empowered citizens, while also pointing to India’s growing scientific and technological capabilities, demonstrated through vision, commitment and cost-effective solutions.
The Minister emphasised the need for greater supply-chain resilience in fuel, food, fertilizer and finance, along with the Global South’s right to industrialise and pursue its own development priorities.
On India’s foreign policy, Jaishankar said the country’s outlook is driven by strategic autonomy, with the belief that partnerships should expand India’s options rather than restrict them.
He also reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening the voice of the Global South, citing the inclusion of the African Union in the G20 during India’s G20 Presidency as an important example.
Jaishankar outlined India’s vision of a reformed global order that supports development, progress and prosperity for Africa and the wider Global South.
He further highlighted India’s robust partnership with African countries across sectors including trade, infrastructure, capacity development, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), agriculture, health and clean energy.
Concluding his address, Jaishankar said that an India with greater capabilities would be a more serious and effective partner for Africa, adding that India carries Africa in its hearts and seeks to build a partnership not merely for today, but for generations to come.