External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday said the upcoming 4th India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-IV) will define the next phase of the partnership between India and Africa, making it “more ambitious, inclusive, and future-oriented.” Unveiling the logo, theme, and website of the summit, scheduled for May 31 in collaboration with the African Union Commission, Jaishankar emphasized that the engagement will focus on exchanging best practices, sharing experiences, and tackling common challenges. He highlighted India’s support for Africa’s role in global governance, citing the African Union’s inclusion in the G20 during India’s 2023 presidency.
The summit, themed “IA SPIRIT: India Africa Strategic Partnership for Innovation, Resilience, and Inclusive Transformation”, will bring together African leaders, regional organizations, and the AU Commission to strengthen cooperation in sectors such as digital innovation, fintech, energy transition, and disaster resilience. India’s growing diplomatic footprint and cultural ties with Africa were underscored, with Jaishankar noting that the partnership is guided by mutual respect, equality, and shared prosperity. The Ministry of External Affairs described the summit as a landmark engagement under the South-South framework, showcasing India’s governance and development initiatives over the past decade.