India and chinese interference in Africa

Africa is second largest continent with 54 countries. Africa is economically weaker with high resources. During this Covid 19 pandemic Africa is also suffering a lot. The major countries of Asia such as India and China are helping Africa in this pandemic. African countries have shortage of masks and ventilators. And some countries also have shortage of products of basic necessity such as soap and water.

India's approach

Afirca is important for Indian diplomacy as

• India has planned to open 18 new embassies in Africa
• India is exporter of low cost generic medicines.
• 40% of India's total exports to Africa are pharmaceutical and petroleum products
• India is exporting hydroxychloroquine and paracetamol to 25 African countries on commerical and grant basis.
• In mission SAGAR initially African island countries in Indian Ocean were helped.

China's approach

China being largest trading partner of Africa

• China is providing medical protective equipment, testing kits, ventilators, and medical masks to African nations.
• China's billionaire Jack Ma donated three rounds of anti coronavirus supplies. 
• China's aim is to shift the focus from origin of Corona virus from wuhan, build goodwill overseas, and establish image makeover.

Contrast in approaches

Both India and China are helping African nations. But there is differences in their approaches. China mainly focus on- money, political influence and elite level wealth creation; strong state-to-state relations. Whereas India focus on people-to-people relations and for soft power.