Wednesday, July 25, 2018

China versus India in Africa

India Today published on 22 July 2018 an article titled "Ahead of BRICS Summit, India and China Vie for Africa" by Geeta Mohan. India Today followed this on 24 July 2018 with an article titled "How Modi's Africa Tour Is a Welcome but Late Move to Counter China" by Prabhash K. Dutta.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and China's President Xi Jinping will meet in South Africa for the BRICS summit. Prior to the summit, Modi visited Rwanda and Uganda while Xi visited Rwanda and Senegal and will visit Mauritius on return to China. When it comes to influence in Africa, there is little doubt that India is playing catch up. China has an embassy in all 54 African countries except Swaziland, which recognizes Taiwan. India has only 29 embassies but has announced its intention to establish 18 more over the next four years. Game on!