Greening the Indo-African affair

The India-Africa Forum Summit 2015 is over, and yet, it’s only just about to really start. I have to say, I’ve been very upbeat about the possibilities this holds. In the Delhi Declaration, a document that all the 54 African countries and India signed onto, climate change and the forthcoming negotiations got important space, as did women’s empowerment. All of this is of course, heartening, but nothing as important as the heart of the matter-trade and investment. The declaration talks of ‘the need for a supportive international economic environment, enhanced investment flows, a supportive multilateral trade regime and a strengthened framework for technology collaborations, has never been greater to foster and sustain economic growth, eradicate poverty and promote sustainable development.’ True, and the nature of Indo-African trade and investment itself could contribute to the muchneeded green economy and WHO defined decent jobs in every country involved.

Africa has been treated as a giant resource bed by Chinawhich has not merely bought up the rights and begin mining, but also begun farming and controlling enormous resources-with no concern about the environment. This has resulted in significant environmental damage. India could try to shift that paradigm by enabling Africa to supply sustainably produced raw materials globally, by offering technological solutions, enable trading and building capacity in this area. India could also ensure that the only collaborations are those that combat climate change and poverty in Africa, and certainly, do not enhance it in India. We must place ‘green’ at the centre of our relationship with Africa because in the end, it is the only partnership, which will take us all forward.