As China’s debt diplomacy tightens its hold on Africa, India counters with the grand International Fleet Review (IFR) and MILAN drills in Visakhapatnam, February 15-25, heralding a new era of Indo-African collaboration in security and commerce.
Boasting 70+ participants, including 20 African navies from east to west, the revue features warships from Seychelles and South Africa alongside officer contingents. Navy’s push under Mission Sagar embodies PM Modi’s maritime mantra, targeting self-reliant exports to resource-rich markets.
Energy and minerals in Africa meet India’s import demands, paralleled by defense tech proliferation. Engagements span: Multi-nation AIKEYWME and IOR Ship Sagar last year; inaugural Algeria PASSEX; INS Tushil’s Morocco port call.
Leadership diplomacy shines—President Murmu’s Algeria state visit, CDS Chauhan’s army MoU, Army Chief Dwivedi’s inaugural foreign trip post-Sindoor. G20’s AU membership nod and Voice of Global South event elevate ties.
Beijing’s gambit: 2017 Djibouti outpost commanding strategic straits, cheap gear via loans (SIPRI data). India offers equitable models—training, exercises, sustainable development—to dilute influence, ensuring secure sea lanes and shared prosperity.