INDIA’S HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE TO LESOTHO
- On December 20, 2024, India dispatched a consignment of 1000 metric tonnes of rice to Lesotho, a landlocked country in Southern Africa.
- This aid is aimed at addressing the food security and nutritional needs of the people in Lesotho, which has been grappling with food shortages and other challenges.
KEY POINTS
- Humanitarian Assistance:
- The consignment of 1000 tonnes of rice was sent from Nhava Sheva Port in India.
- The aid is part of India’s ongoing commitment to supporting Lesotho in its times of need, especially in addressing food insecurity.
- Past Support:
- India has previously sent similar humanitarian aid to Lesotho as part of a long-standing friendship and goodwill.
- The aid has often been crucial in mitigating the effects of food shortages caused by famine, droughts, and other natural calamities in the region.
- India’s Role in Africa:
- India has a strong historical relationship with Africa, with a focus on supporting the continent during crises.
- In addition to providing food aid, India had also sent 150 tonnes of medical aid to 32 African countries during the COVID-19 pandemic under its ‘Vaccine Maitri’
- Other African countries like Zambia, Malawi, Kenya, and Mozambique have also received relief material from India during natural disasters.
- South-South Cooperation:
- The aid is also reflective of the broader framework of South-South cooperation, which emphasizes mutual support and development between countries in the Global South.
- India and Lesotho have cooperated in various sectors, including trade and economic relations, energy, agriculture, health, art and culture, and consular matters.
- Prime Minister Modi’s Vision for Africa:
- India’s support for Africa has been further reinforced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who laid out 10 guiding principles for India-Africa relations. These principles focus on:
- Building local capacity and opportunities for Africa’s development.
- Opening Indian markets to African products and businesses.
- Sharing India’s experience in the digital revolution to support Africa’s growth.
- Improving public services and extending education and digital literacy.
- Enhancing agriculture and addressing climate change
- Supporting the free and open use of oceans for all nations.
- India’s Leadership During G20 Presidency:
- India’s G20 Presidency in 2023 was a pivotal moment for the Global South, with India placing significant emphasis on the aspirations of Africa, rather than merely focusing on its needs.
- One of the key achievements during the G20 presidency was the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member of the G20.
- India has consistently supported the African Union’s Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration (1999: Establishment of African Union), which call for greater political representation and decision-making power for African countries in international organizations.
EZULWINI CONSENSUS
The Ezulwini Consensus is a position on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) reform that was adopted by the African Union (AU) in 2005:
- Permanent seats: Africa should have at least two permanent seats on the UNSC.
- Non-permanent seats: Africa should have five non-permanent seats on the UNSC.
- Veto: Africa is opposed to the veto, but if it remains, it should be available to all permanent members.
- Representation: The UNSC should be more representative and democratic, with Africa represented like other world regions.
The Ezulwini Consensus is based on the idea that Africa’s representation in the UNSC would help address continental peace and security issues.
- Commitment to the Global South:
- EAM S. Jaishankar reiterated India’s commitment to the Global South, emphasizing that Africa’s development is not just a priority for India but a strategic and emotional bond.
- He highlighted the importance of India-Africa engagement as part of India’s broader foreign policy, emphasizing that Africa will always be at the top of India’s priorities.
- India’s Solidarity with Africa:
- Jaishankar highlighted that India’s relationship with Africa transcends strategic concerns and economic benefits.
- It is rooted in deep solidarity and emotional connections, with Prime Minister Modi emphasizing that India’s priority is Africans, every man, woman, and child in Africa.
SIGNIFICANCE
- Strengthening Bilateral Ties: This aid further strengthens India-Lesotho bilateral ties, building goodwill and fostering long-term cooperation between the two countries.
- Demonstrating India’s Role as a Responsible Global Power: India’s continuous support to Africa reflects its growing role as a global leader committed to the prosperity of the Global South.
- South-South Cooperation: India’s engagement with African countries through initiatives like these is a prime example of South-South Cooperation, where developing countries collaborate to support each other’s development goals.
- Humanitarian Diplomacy: By offering timely assistance in the form of food, medicine, and other relief materials, India showcases its leadership in humanitarian diplomacy, enhancing its global image as a compassionate partner.
INDIA’S HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE TO OTHER COUNTRIES
- Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe: Food grains were sent to support food security and management after severe droughts.
- Vietnam: Following Typhoon Yagi, India provided water purification supplies, blankets, kitchen utensils, and solar lanterns to aid recovery.
- Myanmar: After the same typhoon, India delivered tents, generator sets, ready-to-eat meals, medical supplies, mosquito nets, water purification tablets, and more.
- Kenya: India offered flood relief, including medical aid, baby food, water purification, and diagnostic kits for diseases like malaria and dengue.
India’s humanitarian assistance, often in the form of food and medical supplies, is typically delivered through its Indian Navy and Air Force. These efforts are coordinated by the Indian Agency for Partnership in Development (IAPD), under the Ministry of External Affairs.
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