When will the prime ministerial gaze rest on Africa? Indian strategists keep talking about the growing ‘China factor’ that is overshadowing India-Africa ties and are keen to get Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to make a visit to the continent.
The highest level visit for a long time has been Vice President Mohammed Hamid Ansari’s visit to three southern African countries last month. China has stolen a march over India in both government and public diplomacy in the 53-nation continent; so the foreign office thinks it is high time the prime minister brought Africa on his diplomatic radar.
With Manmohan Singh finally making a long-awaited visit to the Gulf when he goes to Saudi Arabia later this month, Africa handlers in the ministry see hope that the prime minister will target the neighbouring continent as well.
