Hindustan Times: India’s 21st century African partner: Why Mozambique was Modi’s first stop

It would surprise most Indians to know that Mozambique is emerging as their country’s 21st century partner in Africa. No other country on the continent best represents the convergence of energy and security interests that define the new Indo-African relationship.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reflected this by deciding to begin his four-nation African tour with this former Portuguese colony, rather than traditional continental partners like South Africa or Kenya.

It is unclear how much India has invested in Mozambique as neither Maputo nor New Delhi have up to date figures. But petroleum minister Dharmendra Pradhan last year said Indian state-owned oil and gas firms had already invested $ 6 billion into the Rovuma gasfield and “another $6 billion will be invested by 2019.” MORE