Dr. Abhishek Mishra is an Associate Fellow with the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses. His research focuses on India and China’s engagement in Africa, aimed at developing partnerships under the framework of South-South cooperation, including a specific focus on maritime security cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region. Abhishek holds a PhD in African Studies from the Department of African Studies, University of Delhi. His PhD thesis is titled “India’s Maritime Cooperation with African Countries in Western Indian Ocean Region.” Abhishek has given a lecture at Naval War College, Goa for the Naval Higher Commander Course on the theme “West IOR Island Nations and East Africa: Politico-Economic Perspective.” He has also participated in the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), sponsored by the United States Department of State on the theme “Enhancing Regional Maritime Governance and Cooperation in the QUAD” in October, 2022. He also participated in the Paris Defence Young Leaders programme from 12-16 June 2023, hosted by the Institute for Strategic Research (IRSEM), a research institute of the French Ministry of Armed Forces. Before joining MP-IDSA, Abhishek was working on African issues at the Observer Research Foundation, New Delhi.
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.
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.