In the policy brief Dynamics of India–Germany Relations: A Case Study of Triangular Cooperation in Africa, published by the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), Dr Sushil Kumar, Assistant Professor at RIS, examines how triangular cooperation has become a practical extension of the India–Germany strategic partnership, with Africa as its main arena.
The brief argues that this model works because it brings together two different but complementary approaches to development cooperation. India contributes its experience in South–South cooperation, low-cost technologies, and demand-driven capacity building. Germany adds finance, institutional expertise, and long-standing development frameworks. The result is a form of cooperation that moves beyond traditional donor–recipient relationships and focuses on locally grounded, implementable solutions.
The study places triangular cooperation within the broader evolution of India–Germany ties, noting the importance of regular Intergovernmental Consultations and the 2022 Joint Declaration of Intent that formalised joint development projects in third countries. These arrangements provide the political backing and institutional structure needed to move from intent to delivery.
Africa features as the central testing ground. India’s historical engagement with the continent and Germany’s role as a major development partner create space for collaboration with greater legitimacy and acceptance. The brief shows how this plays out through three case studies. In Ghana, bamboo-based enterprises expanded income opportunities for women and youth. In Malawi, a women-focused agribusiness incubator strengthened entrepreneurship and value addition in food systems. In Cameroon, the introduction of Root Apical Cutting technology improved access to quality potato seed and enabled plans for national scaling.
The brief concludes that India–Germany triangular cooperation is most effective where projects are closely tied to local needs, embedded in national policy frameworks, and focused on sectors such as agriculture, livelihoods, and climate resilience. Its long-term value, the author suggests, lies less in volume and more in its ability to deliver credible, scalable outcomes while reinforcing India–Germany strategic alignment in the Global South.