Strengthening ties with Africa is pivotal for both India’s growth and global development
President Droupadi Murmu is set to undertake a historic state visit to Algeria, Mauritania, and Malawi from October 13-19, 2024. This will mark the first-ever visit by an Indian Head of State to these three African nations. The visit underscores India’s deepening ties with Africa and its commitment to strengthening bilateral and multilateral partnerships.

The visit is strategically significant, especially as it follows the African Union's admission as a permanent member of the G20 during India’s presidency last year. India’s engagement with Africa is a key aspect of its foreign policy, focusing on economic cooperation, capacity building, and strengthening diplomatic ties. The visit by President Murmu is expected to enhance India’s diplomatic and economic footprint across the African continent.

Addressing a special media briefing on Wednesday (October 9, 2024), Secretary (ER) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Dammu Ravi, highlighted the importance of the visit: "It is a reflection of the growing India-Africa partnership”. He added that Africa, with 54 countries, was at the core of the Global South. Partnership with Africa was very important and critical for the growth of India as well as the Global South, he explained.

First Stop: Algeria (October 13-15)
President Murmu’s visit to Algeria, scheduled from October 13 to 15, 2024, will be the first by an Indian Head of State since the two nations established diplomatic ties. She will meet with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to discuss key areas of cooperation, including defense, oil and gas, and strategic trade relations.

Secretary (CPV & OIA) in the MEA, Arun Kumar Chatterjee, who also participated in the special media briefing, emphasised that India and Algeria have shared values rooted in their struggles for freedom. 
“This visit is expected to further enhance our cooperation in the fields of fertilisers, oil and gas, railways, and defence,” he said, adding that both countries had opened a defence wing at their respective Embassies.

President Murmu will address the India-Algeria Economic Forum, emphasising economic cooperation. She will also visit the Sidi Abdellah Science and Technology Pole, which is a hub of universities, where she will receive an honorary doctorate.

Mauritania: A Strategic Engagement (October 16, 2024)
The second leg of President Murmu's visit will take place in Mauritania on October 16, 2024. As Mauritania currently holds the Presidency of the African Union, this visit comes at a critical juncture. President Murmu will meet Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani for bilateral talks. Discussions are expected to cover economic cooperation, strategic development, and expanding Indian investments in Mauritania’s mineral-rich sectors, including iron ore, lithium, and phosphate.

Highlighting India’s growing economic interest in Mauritania, Secretary Dammu Ravi stated, “Mauritania has immense natural resources important for our own growing country, like iron ore, copper, gold, lithium, phosphate, and diamonds that have a potential for Indian investment”. He also highlighted opportunities in the energy sector, particularly when it comes to the country’s oil reserves.

President Murmu will also engage with the Indian community in Mauritania, which, though small in number, plays an important role in bilateral relations.

Final Leg: Malawi (October 17-19, 2024)
President Murmu will conclude her state visit in Malawi from October 17-19, 2024. During her time there, she will meet President Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera and other key officials to discuss avenues for further cooperation. India’s engagement with Malawi is particularly significant as the country is rich in natural resources vital for India’s growing industries.

President Murmu’s visit coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Malawi. The President will also visit sites of cultural and historical significance and participate in a business event aimed at enhancing trade and investment opportunities between the two nations.

India and Malawi’s bilateral trade has been consistent, ranging between USD 150 million and USD 250 million annually, with Indian investments surpassing $500 million. During the visit, new agreements are expected to be signed, focusing on youth affairs, sports, and cultural exchanges.

The visit is also expected to result in significant announcements, including India’s donation of 1,000 artificial limbs and 1,000 metric tons of rice to Malawi as a gesture of goodwill and support, especially in light of recent challenges Malawi faced due to El Niño. Additionally, President Murmu will launch the Bhabhatron Cancer Treatment Mission in Malawi.

Responding to questions about the trade settlements in local currencies and defense cooperation with Algeria and Mauritania, the senior MEA officials affirmed that discussions on local currency trading and the adoption of India’s Unified Payment Interface (UPI) system are ongoing. Regarding defense cooperation, Chatterjee noted that India and Algeria are exploring joint exercises, training programs, and defense exports to strengthen bilateral defense ties.

They also addressed questions related to India’s stance on Algeria’s BRICS membership bid. While emphasizing that the BRICS expansion is a consensus-driven process, Secretary Ravi affirmed that India remains supportive of Algeria’s aspirations in subsequent expansion waves.

To sum up, President Murmu’s state visit to Algeria, Mauritania, and Malawi is set to open a new chapter in India-Africa relations. It underscores India’s commitment to the Global South and its proactive approach in engaging with African countries to foster mutually beneficial partnerships. As India continues to strengthen its economic, cultural, and strategic ties with Africa, this visit symbolizes a forward-looking collaboration for development and growth.

The visit will provide a platform for India to reaffirm its commitment to Africa’s development, building on previous engagements and looking ahead to a shared future of progress and cooperation.