2nd Africa – India Forum Summit 2011

India–Africa Relations: A Renewed Partnership

India’s historical relationship with Africa is rooted in centuries of cultural exchange, shared colonial experiences, and common aspirations for freedom and development. In the 21st century, this relationship has been revitalized with a renewed emphasis on functional cooperation, encompassing political support, economic assistance, concessional financing, capacity building, and increased private sector investment.

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

A major milestone in India–Africa relations was achieved in April 2008, when India hosted the First Africa–India Forum Summit in New Delhi. The Summit celebrated the long-standing friendship between India and Africa and laid the foundation for a structured and institutionalized framework of engagement. The adoption of the Delhi Declaration and the India–Africa Framework for Cooperation provided a comprehensive roadmap for sustained partnership in areas such as development, trade, education, health, and technology.

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

Building on the success of the first Summit, the Second Africa–India Forum Summit was held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 24–25 May 2011. This Summit was historically significant as it marked the first time a meeting between India and African nations at the level of Heads of State and Government was held on African soil. It reaffirmed India’s commitment to Africa and strengthened South–South cooperation in the evolving global order.

Concurrent Events and Cultural Exchange

Several parallel events accompanied the Summit, including academic symposia, an editors’ conference, trade fairs, cultural programmes, and a film festival. These events highlighted the cultural richness of both regions and underscored the importance of people-to-people contact in strengthening India–Africa relations.

Commemorative Postage Stamps

To mark this landmark event, the Department of Posts issued a Miniature Sheet consisting of two commemorative postage stamps on the 2nd Africa–India Forum Summit 2011, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The stamps feature the African Elephant and the Indian Elephant, symbolizing strength, wisdom, cultural heritage, and the enduring friendship between India and Africa.