ASIA’S GROWING GLOBAL INFLUENCE: A STUDY OF INDIA’S AFRICA POLICY

Abstract

The growing influence of Asian powers in Africa has been subject to extensive debate in the literature on international relations. Hence, this study aims to evaluate Indo-African relations to understand the role of soft power. Are we gradually witnessing a potential geostrategic shift in favor of emerging Asia? This study attempts to discover the role of soft power in Asian-African relations by applying some of the prevailing theoretical approaches in the field of international relations by focusing on India's Africa policy. The study concludes that India, which aspires to be a global hegemon by the end of the 21st century, seeks to provide a third way in Africa different from the rising Chinese and the traditional American influences. India relies on its shared cultural and civilizational heritage and the influence of its diaspora in its relations with African countries, in addition to its knowledge of their developmental needs.