Guest Lecture by Dr. Barnaby Dye Explores India-Africa Relations in the 21st Century
06/27/2026On 15 June 2026, the India Forum at IPS welcomed Dr. Barnaby Dye (King’s College London / DGAP Berlin) for a public guest lecture at the University of Würzburg. Under the title "India-Africa Relations in the 21st Century: Over-Hyped, a Historic Success, or a Middling Muddle?", Dr. Dye discussed the development and future prospects of relations between India and African states before an audience of students, scholars, and other interested participants.
Following an introduction by Dr. Philipp Gieg (IPS and the India Competence Centre at the University of Würzburg), Barnaby Dye analysed India’s growing political, economic, and strategic engagement with the African continent. In doing so, he critically examined prevailing narratives that portray India-Africa relations either as an outstanding success story or as an overrated foreign policy project. Instead, he argued for a more nuanced assessment that takes into account both achievements and ongoing challenges.
The subsequent discussion provided participants with the opportunity to raise questions about the geopolitical implications of India-Africa relations, China’s role on the continent, and future areas of cooperation between India and African states.
The guest lecture was held as part of Dr. Philipp Gieg’s seminars “India in International Relations” and “Africa’s International Relations”. It was also a joint event organised by the India Forum at the IPS and the India Competence Centre at the University of Würzburg (ICCUW).
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