Description

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Context

South Africa's new land expropriation law triggers U.S. aid suspension as Trump raises concerns over property rights and government policies.

About Right to property

In South Africa: Section 25 of the Constitution (allows land reform)
In India: Article 300A (Right to Property is a legal right, not a fundamental right)

Land Reforms in India

Zamindari Abolition, Tenancy Reforms, Land Ceiling
Comparison with South Africa’s expropriation policy

Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) – Article 39(b) & (c)

Emphasizes equitable land distribution and elimination of wealth concentration

Bilateral Relations between U.S. and South Africa

U.S.-Africa Relations

Economic & Trade Relations

African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA): Provides duty-free access for African exports to the U.S. market.
Trade Volume: U.S.-Africa trade stood at $80 billion in 2023.
Investment: The U.S. promotes infrastructure, energy, and digital economy projects through initiatives like Prosper Africa.

Strategic & Security Cooperation

Counterterrorism: The U.S. has a military presence in Africa through AFRICOM, targeting extremist groups in Somalia, Nigeria, and the Sahel region.
Maritime Security: Supports African navies in tackling piracy and illegal fishing.

Development Assistance

The U.S. remains Africa’s largest donor, funding healthcare, education, and climate change initiatives.
Programs like PEPFAR combat HIV/AIDS in Africa

Trilateral Cooperation U.S.-South Africa-India

Areas of Convergence

Infrastructure & Connectivity: Both India and the U.S. support African infrastructure under G20’s Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII).

Energy Security: India and the U.S. invest in renewable energy and sustainable development in Africa.

Maritime Security: All three cooperate on Indian Ocean security, focusing on piracy and illegal fishing.

Challenges & Differences

Geopolitical Competition: The U.S. sees India as a strategic partner in Africa but also competes in trade and investment.

China’s Influence: Both India and the U.S. seek to counter China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in Africa.

Aid vs. Trade Approach: The U.S. focuses on aid-based assistance, while India promotes a partnership-based economic model with Africa.

Key Facts about South Africa

Feature		Details
Official Name		Republic of South Africa
Capital Cities		Pretoria (Administrative), Cape Town (Legislative), Bloemfontein (Judicial)
Largest City		Johannesburg
President		Cyril Ramaphosa (as of 2025)
Official Languages		11 official languages (including English, Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans)
Currency		South African Rand (ZAR)
Geographical Location		Southernmost country of Africa
Borders		Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini, and Lesotho (enclave within South Africa)
Coastline		Atlantic Ocean (west) & Indian Ocean (east)
Major Rivers		Orange River, Limpopo River, Vaal River
Climate		Varied - Mediterranean in the southwest, temperate in the interior, subtropical in the northeast
Natural Resources		Gold, diamonds, platinum, coal, uranium, iron ore
Major Industries		Mining, agriculture, manufacturing, tourism
Historical Significance		Anti-apartheid struggle, Nelson Mandela’s leadership

Sources: https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.britannica.com%2Fplace%2FSouth-Africa&psig=AOvVaw0Lg1JnjA2sCNVCBHvDnewZ&ust=1738913537821000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBQQjRxqFwoTCMiQjfLDrosDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAE

Sources:

INDIAN EXPRESS

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. With reference to India-Africa-U.S. relations, consider the following statements

India is Africa’s largest trading partner.
The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) is a trade initiative between India and African nations.
India and the U.S. collaborate in Africa on infrastructure and digital connectivity projects.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect

China is Africa’s largest trading partner, followed by the European Union. India is among the top five trading partners but not the largest.

Statement 2 is incorrect

The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) is a U.S. trade initiative that provides duty-free access for African exports to the United States, not India.

Statement 3 is correct

India and the U.S. collaborate on infrastructure, digital connectivity, and energy projects in Africa, particularly under initiatives like G20’s Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII).