Dr Abhishek Mishra is an Associate Fellow at the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, New Delhi. Click here for detailed profile
In an African context, the process of developing an agenda for maritime security has been relatively new despite the continent being completely surrounded by water. For long periods of time, African nations tended to be labelled as ‘sea blind,’ which implied that they ignored the vital importance of their waters and the maritime domain.
The results of Mozambique’s presidential elections have key implications not only for regional security in southern Africa but also for India’s quest for energy security.
In July 2021, the Southern African Development Community Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) was deployed to Cabo Delgado, Mozambique, to combat terrorism and violent extremism. Troops from eight SADC member states supported the Mozambique Defence Armed Forces (FADM) in addressing the insurgency led by Ansar al-Sunna, a group affiliated with the Islamic State. Despite initial successes in reducing violence and reclaiming territory, SADC announced the mission's phased withdrawal by July 2024, to be replaced by a larger Rwandan force partnered with the EU.
Associate Fellow, Manohar Parrikar IDSA, Dr Abhishek Mishra’s article ‘Dealings at a China-Africa forum that India must track’ has been published in ‘The Hindu’ on 03 September 2024.
The stance of African leaders at the FOCAC meet in Beijing could guide India in developing its own partnership with the continent, says Dr Mishra.
The Biden administration’s Africa policy had to contend with military interventions, complex electoral transitions, fragile peace agreements and humanitarian crises.
The Horn of Africa is experiencing a wave of geopolitical realignment even as territorial disputes, competition for scarce resources, among other challenges continue to remain dominant.
The Indian Navy can be expected to continue to use its significant deterrent and punitive capabilities to protect the sea lanes of communications in the Western Indian Ocean.
China’s security engagement in Africa has grown to encompass aspects relating to police and law enforcement cooperation, conflict mediation, and professional military education.
The paradox of South Africa being formally neutral on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, yet parallelly deepening military relationship with Russia, is continuing to strain US–South Africa relations.
Mozambique’s Presidential Elections and Implications for India’s Energy Security
The results of Mozambique’s presidential elections have key implications not only for regional security in southern Africa but also for India’s quest for energy security.