BackWORLD
India and Africa look for unity, stability and deeper ties ahead of IAFS 2026 summit
India and African nations convened in New Delhi for the India-Africa dialogue 2026, the curtain raiser for the 4th India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS). The discussions stressed stronger strategic partnerships, economic ties, and a shared South-South agenda, with emphasis on youth-led growth, renewable energy, climate change and innovation. The IAFS 2026 is planned for the last week of May, with the theme 'strategic partnership, innovation, resilience and inclusive transformation.'
Why It Matters
The event signals deeper cooperation between India and Africa and a push to unite the Global South amid global uncertainty, while advancing trade and investment and reinforcing Africa's voice in global forums such as the G20 through India's advocacy.
Timeline
2 Events
IAFS 2026 scheduled for late May 2026
May 5, 2026
The fourth India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS 2026) is planned for the last week of May 2026, with the theme 'strategic partnership, innovation, resilience and inclusive transformation,' aiming to deepen South-South cooperation and economic ties between India and African nations.
India-Africa dialogue 2026 curtain raiser for IAFS 2026
May 4, 2026
Industry leaders, diplomats and policymakers gathered at the Ethiopian Embassy in New Delhi for the India-Africa dialogue 2026, described as the curtain raiser for the 4th India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS). Ethiopian Ambassador Asfaw highlighted Africa's role in renewable energy, climate change and innovation, alongside India's economic growth, positioning both as key voices in the global economy and world politics. He linked the African Union's Agenda 2063 with India's Viksit Bharat to strengthen partnership, and said shareholders should arrive as guests but leave as partners. Senior Indian officials such as Sudhakar Dalela (Secretary, Economic Relations) and Rajesh Agarwal (Commerce Secretary) underscored the importance of economic ties and trade, while ASSOCHAM President Nirmal Kumar Minda urged sustained dialogue and stronger institutional collaboration. Bilateral trade between India and Africa has surpassed USD 100 billion, with Indian investments in Africa above USD 75 billion.