External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee’s visit to Ethiopia has not only enhanced India’s engagement with that country but also, a step has been taken at deepening India’s connections with all of Africa. An  E-network initiative for tele-medicine and tele-education was inaugurated during Mr Mukherjee’s visit. The E-network will not only connect Africa’s 53 countries but also schools and hospitals in these countries can link up with institutions in India. This is an important step in Africa’s rediscovery of India and vice-versa. India and Ethiopia have signed several bilateral pacts aimed at boosting investment and economic ties and improving co-operation in education and technology. India’s quest for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council received a boost with the 53-member African Union (AU) extending its support.
Although ties between India and Africa go back centuries, interaction in recent decades were few and far between. India  played a significant role in the decolonisation of Africa and then in helping several countries dismantle apartheid regimes.  However, this deep and meaningful engagement wound down slowly with India focusing its attention on the United States and Europe besides more recently on Southeast Asia.  Meanwhile, China’s influence in Africa has grown remarkably. Not only has Beijing taken giant strides in enhancing its energy security by sewing up several deals with African countries but also, its trade with them grew from $ 12 million to $ 55 billion last year. India needs to energise its diplomacy in Africa.
India’s quest for energy security has prompted Delhi to step up its engagement with Africa. While this is a welcome step, India needs to broaden its perception of the continent. Undoubtedly, Africa is attractive to India because it is rich in resources and provides a market for Indian goods. But India should also invest in its human capital. There are areas of common concern, tackling of HIV/AIDS for instance, where India could share its expertise with Africa. India’s image in Africa has suffered over the past decade. Its investment in oil in Sudan for instance has been criticised for fuelling the civil war there. India can improve its image by reaching out to people through initiatives that will transform their lives for the better. The E-initiative is a good beginning in this direction.