By Komal Thakran
November 05, 2025
India and Africa share a long history of friendship, exchange, and cultural connection that stretches back centuries. The Indian Ocean has not only served as a vast waterway for trade and navigation but also as a bridge linking the two regions. From spices and ivory to ideas and traditions, both lands have exchanged goods, people, and cultures in ways that continue to shape their societies today. In the present times, this relationship is growing stronger through education, research, and people-to-people interactions.
The Departments of African Studies across India, such as the University of Delhi, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), and Mumbai University, have played a key role in strengthening these ties. These institutions have created spaces where the study of Africa is pursued seriously and systematically. They organise academic discussions, cultural programs, and exchange activities that promote understanding between the two continents. Students and researchers are encouraged to explore the rich histories, languages, and societies of African nations while also examining India’s own role in Africa’s story. Such academic platforms help bridge the gap between the two regions by building mutual respect and knowledge beyond stereotypes and misconceptions.
Historically, the movement of people between India and Africa has been one of the strongest links binding the two continents. Indian traders and sailors began reaching the East African coast as early as the first millennium CE. The coastal cities of Mombasa, Zanzibar, Kilwa, and Lamu became important centres of trade, connecting the Indian subcontinent with Africa’s interior. In return, African traders and sailors also reached the western coast of India, contributing to the cultural diversity of ports like Goa, Surat, Mangalore, and Mumbai. These movements created communities that blended Indian and African influences in art, architecture, cuisine, and language.
The East African coast and the western coast of India served as the twin gateways for this exchange. The Indian merchants, many of whom came from Gujarat and Kutch, settled in places like Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Their presence contributed significantly to the growth of trade networks, business communities, and local economies. These migrants did not live in isolation; they formed friendships, intermarried, and became part of African society. Today, their descendants form the vibrant Indian diasporas in East Africa, known for their roles in trade, education, and public life. Many among them identify equally with both India and Africa, symbolising a shared identity forged through centuries of coexistence.
On the other hand, Africa’s presence in India can be seen through the Siddi community, a remarkable example of the African diaspora in South Asia. The Siddi’s are descendants of Africans who came to India through different routes, some as traders, soldiers, and sailors, and others as migrants or through forced displacement. Over the centuries, they settled mainly in Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Hyderabad, and unified into Indian
society while preserving traces of their African heritage. Their music, dance, and community festivals continue to reflect the rhythm and spirit of Africa even after hundreds of years.
Among their most famous celebrations is the Dhamal festival, where traditional music and dance are performed with great enthusiasm. The festival reflects their African roots while being deeply rooted in Indian soil. Along with Dhamal, the Yellapur festival in Karnataka has become another important cultural expression of the Siddi community. These events are not just forms of entertainment; they represent pride, memory, and continuity. They show how the Siddi’s have sustained their identity through art and culture, connecting generations across time.
The Siddi’s have also made notable contributions to sports, art, and social development in India. Many of them have excelled in athletics, football, and martial arts, representing their states and even the nation in different competitions. Their physical strength and team spirit have often been recognised by sports institutions and local governments. Beyond sports, Siddi artists and musicians are gaining attention for keeping their unique traditions alive while engaging with modern forms of expression. These contributions show that the community is not a remnant of the past, but an active and dynamic part of India’s present.
However, despite their deep historical roots in India, the Siddi’s often face
misunderstanding and stereotypes. A common misconception among the public is to assume that they are foreigners or recent migrants from Nigeria or other African countries. This mistaken belief highlights a larger issue of awareness and representation. The Siddi’s are Indians by nationality and by generations of settlement; their history is intertwined with India’s own coastal and cultural evolution. Recognising their story is essential for a more inclusive understanding of India’s diversity.
As India and Africa continue to strengthen their diplomatic and economic relations, the human connection between the two continents remains equally vital. Initiatives such as the India-Africa Forum Summit, cultural exchange programs, and student scholarships are reviving old bonds in a new global context. The collaboration between universities, artists, and communities adds emotional and cultural depth to political partnerships. Through shared experiences, both regions are rediscovering each other, not as strangers, but as long-lost relatives connected by the ocean.
In conclusion, the relationship between India and Africa is not a new stor —it is an ongoing one. It began with winds and sails across the Indian Ocean and continues today through education, culture, and dialogue. Institutions like the Department of African Studies and communities like the Siddi remind us that the ties between the two regions are living, evolving, and full of human warmth. By acknowledging shared histories and appreciating cultural diversity, India and Africa can continue to learn from each other and move forward together as partners in development and understanding.
(The Author’s a Doctorate Fellow in the Department of African Studies @ University of Delhi, India)
