- Overview: Strengthening its position as the preferred security partner for the Global South, India hosted the ‘India-Africa Security Summit 2026’ in New Delhi, concluding with a landmark Joint Maritime Security Pact with East African coastal nations.
- Key Points:
- Countering Piracy and Terrorism: The pact focuses on securing the critical sea lanes off the Horn of Africa, sharing intelligence to combat resurgent piracy, illegal arms smuggling, and narcotics trafficking.
- Capacity Building: India pledged a massive ₹1,500 crore line of credit specifically for African nations (like Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique) to purchase Indian-made coastal radar systems and fast interceptor craft.
- Joint Naval Exercises: The agreement formalizes bi-annual joint naval exercises and allows Indian Navy ships easier logistical access to East African ports for refueling and resupply.
- Countering Foreign Influence: This diplomatic masterstroke ensures that the western rim of the Indian Ocean remains free from the monopolistic control of extra-regional powers seeking permanent naval bases in Africa.
Source Link: Ministry of External Affairs – Africa Division
- Q7. The ‘Horn of Africa’, a highly strategic region overlooking vital shipping lanes, primarily consists of which group of countries?
- A) South Africa, Namibia, and Angola
- B) Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia
- C) Egypt, Libya, and Tunisia
- D) Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique
