India-Africa Economic Relations in the New Global Economy

‘This outstanding book, which focuses on India-Africa relations, is an important and timely contribution to the growing literature on South-South economic relations. It is a useful read for development policy makers especially in the South, and students and scholars of political economy in general. —Dr. Chibuike Uche, Professor and Chairholder of the Stephen Ellis Chair for the Governance of Finance and Integrity in Africa, Leiden University ‘In this important new book, Rick Rowden systematically and comprehensively examines the nature of Afro-Indian economic ties. His nuanced analysis sheds light on this vital but understudied relationship and will be essential reading for all interested in this growing relationship.’ — Pádraig Carmody, Professor in Geography and Director of the Masters in Development Practice at Trinity College Dublin ‘This original and meticulous research work analyzes India’s development cooperation with Africa from multiple perspectives, including development studies, economics, global geo-economics, history, sociology, and civil society. Using a blend of qualitative and quantitative data, the author examines trends in India’s development engagement with Africa—spanning aid, trade, concessional loans and grants, and foreign direct investment (FDI)—from a critical standpoint that emphasizes the role of the African agency. This compelling, evidence-based study offers useful insights and will stimulate discussions among stakeholders— investors, development practitioners, academics, and policymakers in both India and across Africa.’ — Dr. Renu Modi, Professor and Former Director, Centre for African Studies, University of Mumbai ‘Rick Rowden offers a compelling and insightful analysis of the growing economic ties between India and Africa, making this book a must-read for anyone interested in South-South cooperation.’ —Dr. Michael E. Odijie, Research Fellow, University College of London ‘African south-south economic relations have been rapidly expanding in multiple ways. Concomitant with this these growing linkages has been a proliferation of literature aimed at characterizing the impact on the continent. Publications have overwhelmingly focused on Sino-African interaction with far less on the other giant in the South, India. Rick Rowden’s contribution is a welcome addition to the debate and transcends the simple bifurcation of India as development partner vs new colonizer to present a nuanced, sectoral and layered understanding of the evolution of aid, investment and trade relations. Highly recommended.’ —Howard Stein, Professor, Departments of Afroamerican and African Studies and Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan ‘India and Africa share deep bonds of friendship and solidarity. Recent decades have seen rapid growth in economic ties as well. Trade, investment, and development finance flows have swelled from the early 2000s. While analysts have noted the importance of greater economic partnership between southern countries, there is a dearth of scholarly studies on the subject. This book fills an important gap in the literature by undertaking a detailed enquiry into India’s economic relations with Africa. The framework of three schools of thought used by the author to assess India’s role as a development partner is interesting and effective. This book will be of great interest to development professionals, policy makers, diplomats, students, and those who are interested in the shared fortunes of Indians and Africans.’ —Dr. Malancha Chakrabarty, Senior Fellow and Deputy Director (Research) at the Observer Research Foundation in New Delhi