The Africa Research Alliance (TARA)
A hub to advance Africa-India cooperation through policy research, partnerships, and dialogue.
Introduction
Africa and India are entering a new phase of engagement shaped by shifting geopolitics, green transitions, digital transformation, and evolving development priorities. The Africa Research Alliance (TARA) was created to help inform that future.
TARA produces evidence-based, policy-relevant scholarship on Africa–India relations, builds knowledge partnerships with institutions across Africa, India and beyond, and convenes intellectuals, industry leaders, and government officials through dialogues, workshops, and seminars. It also creates opportunities for scholar exchanges to train the next generation of researchers.
TARA is built on the belief that stronger Africa–India relations must be grounded in co-creation, shared priorities, and equitable knowledge production. Our work connects research with implementation and creates space for African and Indian institutions, researchers, and policymakers to shape solutions together.
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Critical Minerals, Critical People: India-Ethiopia Mining Partnerships
This blog positions Ethiopia as a pilot case for linking India's education diplomacy with its emerging critical minerals agenda. -
Beyond the Ore: India's Value-driven Critical Minerals Diplomacy in Africa
This paper examines how India can build long term critical minerals partnerships rooted in sustainable mining, geological cooperation, workforce development, and shared value creation. -
The Africa–India Blueprint for Growth
Co-edited by Pamla Gopaul and Veda Vaidyanathan, The Africa-India Blueprint for Growth presents 32 policy briefs by 39 authors across geopolitics and security, green growth, economic diplomacy and digital futures, and health and human capital. -
Towards a Sustainable Future: An India–South Africa Critical Minerals Compact
Makes the case for stronger India-South Africa resource partnerships, co-creating equitable and resilient critical mineral chains.
THE AFRICA-INDIA GLOBAL DIALOGUE SERIES
This ten-episode webinar series, hosted by CSEP in partnership with the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD, launched in January 2025 to bring African, Indian, and global experts into sustained policy conversation.
Curated for researchers, policymakers, and experts, the series explored diverse themes. From geopolitics, digital futures, health systems and energy transitions to infrastructure, agriculture, and the role of arts in Africa-India engagement. Each episode generated actionable policy recommendations and practical insights for government and industry stakeholders.
Veda Vaidyanathan
FellowV. Vaidyanathan is a Fellow in Foreign Policy and Security Studies at CSEP. She examines Asian engagement in Africa from the grassroots, across multiple sectors and countries.
Sakshi Potdar
Research AnalystSakshi is a Research Analyst with the Foreign Policy and Security Studies vertical. She has completed her Bachelors in International Relations from Ritsumeikan University (Kyoto, Japan), and has a Masters from the London School of Economics and Political Science (UK) in Human Rights and Politics.
Pallavi Baraya
Research AnalystPallavi Baraya is a policy and research professional specialising in security and international development. She has worked across government, international organisations, and civil society in South Asia and Geneva’s multilateral system. Her work centers on evidence-based research and accountable governance.
The Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP) is an independent, public policy think tank with a mandate to conduct research and analysis on critical issues facing India and the world and help shape policies that advance sustainable growth and development.