2nd Africa – India Forum Summit 2011

India–Africa Relations: A Renewed Engagement

India’s historical relationship with Africa has been revitalized in the 21st century with a focus on functional cooperation. India’s long-standing political support for Africa has been further strengthened through enhanced economic cooperation, including development assistance, functional partnerships, soft loans, and increased private sector investment.

First Africa–India Forum Summit, New Delhi (2008)

In April 2008, India hosted the First Africa–India Forum Summit in New Delhi, marking a significant milestone in bilateral relations. The Summit built upon the strong historical foundations shared by India and Africa and designed a new architecture for structured engagement, interaction, and cooperation in the contemporary global context.

The Summit celebrated the enduring friendship between India and Africa and reaffirmed India’s commitment to the African continent. The adoption of the Delhi Declaration and the India–Africa Framework for Cooperation at its conclusion provided a clear roadmap for systematic and sustained engagement in the years ahead.

Second Africa–India Forum Summit, Addis Ababa (2011)

To further strengthen and expand this partnership, the Second Africa–India Forum Summit was organized in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, during 24–25 May 2011. This Summit was historic, as it marked the first time a meeting between India and its African partners at the level of Heads of State and Government was held in Africa. It reflected the growing maturity and mutual trust in India–Africa relations.

Associated Events and Cultural Exchange

Alongside the Summit, several concurrent events were organized, including academic symposia, an editors’ conference, trade fairs, cultural programmes showcasing Indian and African traditions, a film festival, and the release of commemorative postage stamps. These activities highlighted the rich cultural linkages and people-to-people connections between India and Africa.

Commemorative Postage Stamps

To mark this landmark occasion, India Post issued a set of commemorative postage stamps on the 2nd Africa–India Forum Summit. The stamps were formally released by the Prime Minister of India on 25 May 2011, in the august presence of several African Heads of State and Government, symbolizing the strength, dignity, and enduring partnership between India and Africa.