Week 8

Post by Breeanna Campbell

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India’s Rise in Africa

This article discusses India’s presence in Africa. It explains how India’s presence is commercially driven (motivated by economic and political considerations) and consisting largely of private investments -unlike China’s investors (which are largely state-to-state investments). I wonder if the varying type of investments is due to the differences in governments of the two countries, as India is “the worlds largest democracy” and China is not. Nonetheless, the article is explaining how India is trying to use its relationship with Africa to be taken more seriously on a global scale, and to be considered as an important actor in international trade.

Throughout this article I was clouded with the questions: Is India following in China’s footsteps? Are they competing with China? Or is a mix of both?

It is interesting how India has a no disruption policy and is not trying to push democracy onto African states, unlike Western countries and their involvement. Perhaps India’s relationship with Africa is more of a partnership?

Offshore Healthcare Management: Medical Tourism Between Kenya, Tanzania, and India

This article focuses heavily on the idea of India becoming a global healthcare provider. Is explains how India is able to offer world-class health care at developing world costs. This invites people from all around the world (including people from Kenya and Tanzania) to India in order to access important life saving and life changing procedures. Due to cuts in the health care sector, many other countries are suffering and therefore the population has limited contact with health services. Many of the cuts to the health care sector may be caused by “brain drain”. Some of the critiques to this service argue that even though the healthcare is more widely available, it is still a business. Does this make it morally wrong? It would be interesting to explore this in greater detail. Do the risks out way the benefits?

Fragile Fortunes: India’s Oil Venture Into War-Torn Sudan

This article discusses the Indian National Oil Company (OVL) and its position in Sudan. More specifically it discusses the risk associated with India being present in Sudan during an armed conflict. Due to the conflict currently unfolding, the oil companies are being targeted by SPLA and therefore the OVL has many obstacles. One concept that could arguably show a progression of their relationship is the signing of agreements between Sudan and India to keep UN peacekeepers in the areas around the oil companies.

It is hard to understand why India would choose to ‘partner’ with Sudan given its current conflict. One possibility is perhaps that due to Sudan’s situation, India would have to follow less regulations and policies. This could, maybe, be argued to be a better choice for the company.

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The three articles spoke heavily on the relationship between India and African countries. Overall, I feel as though India’s presence in Africa is more positive than negative. In order for Africa to continue to benefit from the partnership, Africa must understand that it does have a voice and it must utilize this voice in order to decide what it finds acceptable and not. Subsequently, it must also take accountability for the choices it makes.