Horn of Africa comprising of Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea and Djibouti alongwith Yemen across Red sea is deemed to be a pivotal region of the world. Indo - Africa's relation dates back to ancient civilization .Along with geographical proximity, there are factors such as the cultural connect, colonial past and development hurdles that are more or less common to both and thus bring each other much closer.Historical relations concerned mainly India and Eastern Africa.The geographical proximity between the Horn of Africa and the Indian subcontinent has played an important role in the development of the relationship since ancient times.
Geopolitical Significance of the region:
1. Horn of Africa due to its close proximity bear some security concerns as the threat of radicalism , piracy and organized crime emerged in this region
2. Djibouti part of Horn of africa, at the confluence of Indian Ocean and Red sea and connects Africa , middle east and Asia with less than million population is a attractive to the real estate enterprises
3. To get a permanent seat in UNSC India needs support of African countries
4.India has been actively involved in peace and stability of African countries through UN Peace keeping operations. India is involved in capacity building of African countries. Africa is also the largest beneficiary of India’s ITEC programme
5. China has advanced strategically in the horn region including the belt and road intiative expanding till Djibouti and which has led to diminishing impact of India inn the region
6. Many nations including China, France ,Turkey etc have their bases in the horn region , whereas India doesn't even have embassy in Djibouti
CONCLUSION:India's engagement in the region has not been to a larger extent , It was largely concentrated towards internal economies rather than expanding geopolitically. But the recent intiatives like ease of doing business may bring some changes in the relation of the two regions. India and Japan led Asia Africa growth corridor ,roadmap for opportunities and aspirations in Asia and Africa., will surely change the past scenario in Africa as well as in The horn of Africa region.
