Press Release

India–Africa Dialogue 2026 Curtain Raiser Signals Renewed Momentum Ahead of Summit

India–Africa Dialogue 2026 Curtain Raiser Signals Renewed Momentum Ahead of SummitThe Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in New Delhi, in partnership with ASSOCHAM, hosted the India–Africa Dialogue 2026 Curtain Raiser at the Embassy premises. The event served as a timely and forward-looking platform to deepen India–Africa strategic engagement, while setting the tone for the forthcoming 4th India–Africa Forum Summit 2026. The high-level dialogue brought together African Ambassadors and High Commissioners, senior diplomats from African Missions in India, distinguished representatives from key Ministries of the Government of India, as well as prominent industry leaders and policy experts. The wide participation reflected the shared commitment of India and African nations to further elevate their longstanding partnership. In his welcome remarks, Ambassador Molalign Asfaw, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Ethiopia, underscored Ethiopia’s enduring role as a steadfast advocate of Pan-Africanism and a diplomatic bridge between Africa and global partners, including India. He highlighted Ethiopia’s historic contributions to African unity and multilateral cooperation, noting that its legacy as the diplomatic capital of Africa continues to shape and strengthen collective African engagement on the global stage. Ambassador Asfaw emphasised that Ethiopia remains deeply committed to advancing the India–Africa partnership through both bilateral and multilateral platforms, guided by shared values of mutual respect, solidarity, and sustainable development. Special addresses was delivered by Mr Sudhakar Dalela, Secretary (Economic Relations), Ministry of External Affairs. He reaffirmed India’s strong commitment to deepening economic ties with Africa, enhancing trade and investment flows, and expanding cooperation across priority sectors such as infrastructure, digital innovation, capacity building, and sustainable development. Both speakers highlighted the importance of Africa as a key partner in India’s global engagement strategy and reiterated India’s support for Africa’s growth aspirations. Mr Nirmal Kumar Minda, President of ASSOCHAM, emphasised the increasing dynamism of India–Africa economic relations and called for sustained dialogue, private sector engagement, and institutional collaboration to unlock the full potential of this partnership. He noted that platforms such as the India–Africa Dialogue play a critical role in fostering mutual understanding and catalysing actionable outcomes. The Dialogue reaffirmed the centrality of Ethiopia’s diplomatic leadership in promoting Pan-African ideals while strengthening Africa’s external partnerships, particularly with India. It also reinforced the shared vision of India and Africa to build a future-oriented partnership anchored in economic cooperation, capacity building, and people-to-people connections. Subhash C Aggarwal, Managing Director at SMC Group and Senior Member, Managing Committee, ASSOCHAM and Ravi Gupta. Council Co-Chair. Executive Director, Shree Renuka Sugars Ltd. Also grace the evening and shared insights on the upcoming India- Africa Forum Summit 2026. The Curtain Raiser successfully laid a robust foundation for the 4th India–Africa Forum Summit 2026, signalling renewed momentum and a collective resolve to advance a comprehensive, equitable, and strategic India–Africa partnership.