About the Book
India has historical and multi dimensional relations with Africa. However, barring a few exceptions, the closer interactions of India with African countriesremained confined to Anglophone Africa, most of whom are coastal states of hinterlands of the Indian Ocean. Over two dozens Francophone states, most of whom are in Westurn and Central Africa remained out f Indian policy priorities. Divergence in colonial experience, language, distance etc. are acting as barriers. But the most importat reason for in acessibility of Francophone Africa was their exclusive and possesive relationship with France. Unlike Anglophone and Luspohone decolonisaion models, france even after independence, maintained formal decisive control on the nationa and regional economy s in thr Franc Zone nd the Indian Ocean Commission. the advent of globlisation which provided openness in domestic and foreign policies of these states and the domsestic needs and global aspiration of fast growing and emerging India created imperatives for both regions to come together. An energy hungry India with an urge to restructure institutions of finanicial and global governance, took nw initiatives like TEAM-9 and Africa Focus Programmes to rope in the region where it had good will. the most important factor in heralding a closer cooperation between India and Francophone Africa was is the french influnce and control over the region. Even the Indian Africanists realized that hen these two regions are trying to cometogether, they too have not developed adequate intellectual enquiry, Kknowledge and understanding of region as well as the nature and extent of French involvement with the region under globalisation.
This work came out of form a national symposium which was organised by the Francophone African Studies Programme Under UGC Area Studies Scheme in School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University in Collaboration with African Studies Association of India (ASA India). the participants included largely academics, top diplomatic officilas of French and Indian government, and representatives of media and business. the book reproduces the proceeding as well as the presentation smade during the symposium. the book provides an understanding and analysis of french influence in Africa , the cooperation and competition which indian can identify with France to engage with the region and the interest, expectations, advantages and extent up to which Francophone African countries would direct their interactions with India. |
