India is successfully challenging China’s decade-long dominance in Africa. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Mission SAGAR” (Security and Growth for All in the Region) has successfully brought over 20 African nations under its strategic umbrella. This shift will be visible during the International Fleet Review and ‘MILAN’ exercise in Visakhapatnam from February 15 to 25, 2026.

Strategic Pivot: While China lured African nations with easy loans, India is offering genuine defense partnerships, military training, and joint maintenance. Over 70 nations are participating in the upcoming naval drill, including 20 African countries from both East and West coasts. South Africa and Seychelles are sending their warships, showcasing a united front against unilateral dominance in the maritime region.

Encircling the Dragon: Despite China’s military base in Djibouti, India has intensified its outreach through high-level visits to Algeria, Tanzania, and Morocco. By including the African Union as a permanent member of the G20, India has cemented its role as a reliable voice for the Global South, directly challenging Beijing’s influence in the African continent.