The Dawn of a New Chapter in India–Africa Relationship

The Opportunities and Challenges of Indian Defence Exports to Africa

Abstract

India has come a long way from being a defence importer to becoming a major defence exporter. As India seeks to increase its own geopolitical clout and counterbalance the growing Chinese influence in the developing world, it is adapting to new avenues for partnership with the developing world. With a wide range of indigenous, cost-effective, and reliable weapons, India is seeking to forge a new chapter of defence export in its relations with various developing countries, especially Africa.

While some instances of successes have given a boost to the Indian defence industry and increased its exports, challenges remain with competition from China, Russia, Turkey, the United States, and other Western nations in a growing African defence import market. The paper will explore the recent developments in the Indian defence industry, the trend of current exports to Africa, and the potential opportunities and challenges.