Which of the two countries is better placed to champion Africa's developmental aspirations?
The rivalry between China and India, both BRICS members, extends to their bid to lead the Global South. As Western dominance wanes, both Beijing and New Delhi are advancing distinct yet globally influential agendas, each leveraging unique strengths that shape global alliances and institutions.
For African nations, where development and decision-making sovereignty are key, the choice between China and India as Global South leaders is significant. Each offers advantages and challenges with implications for Africa's future. Although neither has officially declared a bid for this leadership, their actions and statements signal intent.
India's role in pushing for south-south cooperation at forums like the G20, and advocating for more equitable representation in global governance, align with its leadership vision. China's assertive diplomacy, particularly through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and its increasing investments in African and Latin American infrastructure projects, highlights a claim to leadership rooted in economic influence.
The rivalry is stoked by narratives in each country's foreign policy community and think tanks, which see India's democratic alignment and China's developmental success as competing models for the Global South. Officially, both countries underscore their solidarity with developing nations but avoid overt declarations of competition, instead positioning their respective approaches...
