India’s Horn of Africa Engagements: Emerging Ties with Djibouti and Implications for Regional Dynamics

Abstract

India’s Horn of Africa (HoA) initiatives emerge from its evolving Africa policy, deeply rooted in historical ties, economic ventures, and global aspirations. In recent years, India has significantly intensified its engagements with African nations, placing a strong emphasis on cultivating commercial relationships, making investments, and fostering development cooperation. At the heart of India’s Africa strategy lies the principle of ‘South-South cooperation’ (SSc), which seeks to unite developing nations in the Global South for mutual benefit and shared prosperity. India has diligently expanded its economic links with Africa, with a specific focus on trade and investment. Currently, India stands among Africa’s top investors, actively participating in sectors like infrastructure, energy, and manufacturing. Beyond economic engagement, India has emerged as a proactive partner in African development, providing support across various domains, including agriculture, education, health, and technology transfer. Moreover, India extends its hand in humanitarian and disaster relief efforts during crises. Thus, India’s HoA strategy is characterised by its multifaceted nature, leveraging historical connections with Africa and strategic influence across the Indian Ocean and the West Asia/Persian Gulf region. This is examined within the context of evolving challenges in the Horn of Africa, with particular attention to the case of Djibouti.