Food Diplomacy & inclusion of the African Union (AU)

For sure, the G20 summit will see some heavy-duty diplomacy. But diplomacy can’t be done on empty tummies. That’s why President Droupadi Murmu’s special dinner has us all asking, “Khaney mein kya hai? (What’s on the menu?)” As per reports, it’s all vegetarian fare with a special focus on millet-based dishes. Doesn’t take much brain to figure out why this grain. India’s marking 2023 as the International Year of Millets. That millet poha is not just good to eat, it’s a confident India’s message to the world.

The inclusion of the African Union (AU) as a permanent G20 member – an Indian initiative – has big geopolitical ramifications. Africa is potentially the next global growth hub. Plus, it has always been a massive reservoir of natural resources. Morocco has the largest phosphate reserves in the world, DR Congo is endowed with huge deposits of cobalt, and Nigerian gas can power all of Europe. However, hitherto Africa had little say at the global high table. It is this imbalance that the G20 inclusion of AU will look to address.
Of course, this is also a huge win for India. The latter’s Africa outreach has witnessed several crests and troughs over the decades.

But sustained efforts have materialised in recent years with India trying to position itself as a viable alternative development partner to China. In fact, this is even visible on the defence front with India and Africa conducting the first-ever joint army chiefs conclave earlier this year. India is also emerging as a key defence supplier to Africa with Seychelles, Mauritius and Mozambique ranking as the top three Made-in-India arms importers between 2017 and 2022. Add to this, ongoing projects in healthcare, education, and solar power generation in Africa.

The G20 inclusion of AU adds fresh momentum to India-Africa ties that must be capitalised upon. First, the two sides should quickly finalise the dates of the much-delayed fourth India-Africa Forum Summit. Second, India needs to exert greater efforts in Francophone Africa where its presence has been traditionally weaker. And third, initiatives like the Asia-Africa Growth Corridor need greater energy. Speed is of the essence in Africa, as China has shown. After the G20 success, India should get cracking if it wants to reap the African dividend.