The Impact of India’s Lines of Credit on the Future of India-Africa Partnership in Agriculture

Despite its abundant resources, the African continent still lags behind the rest of the world in terms of agricultural output and productivity, and remains one of the most food-insecure regions worldwide. By sharing its development experience, India can help transform Africa’s agricultural landscape. Agriculture has become a key area of India-Africa partnership with the Lines of Credit (LOC) issued by the EXIM Bank of India as one of its main pillars. Indian LOCs have helped build infrastructure and add value to agriculture and allied sectors across 29 African countries. Yet, the widening gap between India’s commitment and actual disbursement of LOCs to Africa creates barriers to the full realization of mutual gains. At a time when India-Africa’s engagement is scaling new heights, this paper examines the challenges ahead Indian LOCs and their likely implications on the future of India-Africa partnership in agriculture.