India’s Relations with Mozambique and East Africa
Prime Minister Narendra Modi in July 2016 paid visit to Mozambique, South Africa, Kenya and Tanzania all of which are gateways to several landlocked African countries. His trip to Africa was aimed at boosting economic and diplomatic ties. Some Q+A:
What are security and strategic interests of India in East African countries?
The Prime Minister choice of the four nations was inspired by the doctrine of giving primacy to the Indian Ocean region (IOR) and the fact that these nations formed the westernmost edge of the Indian Ocean region (IOR).
India has called for closer security cooperation with Kenya and other African nations. It also underlined the need to address the challenges emanating from the eastern coast of Africa especially the piracy which affects the freedom of navigation in that area.
India wants to position itself as a net security provider for fellow developing countries. For this, eastern coast of Africa is the flank where India’s naval and commercial strategy has to be aligned if it aspires to be a shaper of peace and stability in the Indian Ocean Region. India’s Sagar Mala is to be viewed not only as a domestic priority but is intrinsically interlinked to our strategic move to be the defence and logistical partner for eastern coast of Africa. Sagar Mala involves coastal area development, sea-based industrial synergies, connectivity and port infrastructure advancement.
Already, Prime Minister had already paid visit to Mauritius and Seychelles, the two pivotal countries off the mainland and beefed up India’s security assistance in them. Now it becomes imperative for India to take east African nations into confidence where these countries will have faith in India to share and transmit sensitive technology, reconnaissance and training.
What role Africa can play in India’s pulse price rise problem? What are current government efforts in that direction?
During the recent visit of Modi, India has signed three pacts with Mozambique of which one is to buy pluses from that country on long term basis via a Government to Government channel. A similar option was considered for other African countries viz. Malawi and Tanzania also.
This arrangement can be a win-win situation for both India and Africa. Pulses can be grown by India in some of these African countries using contract farming and can be purchased by government on Minimum Support Price. Such production and purchase would be cost effective {in comparison to import from other countries} and would also provide rural income to people in African countries. We note here that China is already cultivating crops in some African countries though these efforts have not resulted in smooth operation. The biggest challenges faced are political instability in Africa.
What is strategic / economic significance of Mozambique for India?
Mozambique can emerge as a 21st century partner of India in Africa in not only food production but also energy and security related interests. India has recently signed an MoU with this former Portuguese colony for growing and purchasing pulses there. Further, Indian state owned oil and gas firms have invested around $6 billion into the Rovuma gasfield of Mozambique. Another $6 billion investment is to be done by 2019. Further, many private players in India such as Tata Steel, Jindal Steel, Essar Group etc. have made investments in coal, iron ore and other minerals in Mozambique.
At present, Mozambique ranks second, after Mauritius, in India’s foreign direct investment in Africa. If the current Indian FDI in Mozambique comes to fruition, Mozambique can become a source of LPG and can rival Qatar – which is a source of over 90% natural gas imports of India.
Mozambique’s strategic location in Indian Ocean is another point of interest for India. This country is located on Eastern side of African Continent with a coastline of around 2500 kilometres mainly in Mozambique channel, dominating two key maritime chokepoints in Indian Ocean.
The maritime security interests in Indian Ocean make Mozambique important for India. Indian navy already provides security assistance to Mozambique. When its capital Mapusa hosted the African Union Summit in 2003 and World Economic Forum meet in 2004, Indian warships had provided security. India also conducted anti-piracy patrols in Mozambique Channel in 2012. India would also provide intelligence and defence training to Mozambique personnel. Further, India is also interested in developing the Port of Beira for better linking and access to and from India’s JNPT and other ports.
Explain the geographical location and formation of Mozambique Channel as critical geographical feature.
Mozambique Channel is located between 12°N and 25°S as an arm of the Indian Ocean between Madagascar and Mozambique.
It is 1600 kilometres long and its width varies from 800-900 kilometres with narrowest point at 419 kilometres near 16°S.
This channel is supposed to have formed about 180 million years ago when the ancient continent Gondwana rifted from Madagascar {which was then joined with India, Australia and Antarctica} split off the African coast. The central and southern parts of this channel are known for tectonic and volcanic actives. The Comoros Archipelago makes the northern entrance to Mozambique channel and islands of Bassas da India and Europa are in the south.
The Mozambique Channel receives all major Madagascar rivers. Important ports on Mozambique Channel are Majunga, Toliary, Maputo, Moçambique, and Beira.
What should be strategy and efforts of India towards Africa?
African nations have great admiration for the political support they received from the India’s leadership, especially from Jawaharlal Nehru. But at present it eyes with scepticism about India’s craving for superpower status. Some critics in Africa portray India as a mineral- grabber like that of China who is out to plunder Africa and denude it of its vast natural wealth. India should allay such fears and project itself to be a partner in the development of the continent. India can share its technical and educational expertise to Africa and be a reliable partner in all spheres of development. India should also not forget that Africa with youthful demography and rising purchasing power can act as a reliable export markets as we rapidly industrialize.
African nations are also concerned about the latent racism that exists among the large sections of the population. Government should take speedy steps to stop attacks on Africans in India to strengthen people to people contacts as the absence of human resource component will be disastrous for our relationship with African countries.
India can also emulate the three nations (Mozambique, Kenya and South Africa) in ratifying the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (commonly known as the United Nations Convention against Torture). India had signed the convention in October 1997 but till date has not yet ratified.
India must work on its historic warmth and friendship with the African nations to further its agenda and counter the Chinese influence in the continent.
