Rethinking India-Africa Solidarity in an Era of Disrupted Global Order

(Kayode Fayemi – Observer Research Foundation) India and Africa have established a solid relationship since the 1900s, as India’s first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, termed Africa India’s “sister continent” in recognition of the long ties of affinity. The term Global South, used by both sides, is deeply rooted in the shared history of joint efforts to repel colonialism, racism, and apartheid. The cordial relationship between India and Africa has led them to recognise that the global order is no longer in transition but in a state of contestation, as multilateralism is fraying and competition among great powers, including China, the US, and Russia, is intensifying. Likewise, middle powers continue to compete for relevance in the international system. The culmination of events so far in the first quarter of 2026, such as regime change in Venezuela, the escalation of Israel–Iran tensions, and the disruption of critical global supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, among others, has led to the convergence of continuous geopolitical shocks. These events underscore a hard truth about the contemporary international system: globalisation remains dependent on fragile geographies and contested powers. Formerly, it was shaped by an era of interdependence among states governed by markets and multilateral norms. In recent times, however, globalisation has paved the path for states shaped by coercion, fragmentation, and strategic competition. To survive amidst these geopolitical shocks and uncertainties, India and Africa need to move beyond transactional cooperation and pursue deeper diplomatic engagement with the great powers during this period, as both parties account for over one-third of humanity. This includes making deliberate efforts to rethink global governance and co-construct an alternative framework built on a solid foundation of shared histories and the Non-Aligned Movement, informed by contemporary realities, future ambitions, and cross-border interests. – Rethinking India-Africa Solidarity in an Era of Disrupted Global Order