Abstract

The roots of relations between India and North Africa lie in ancient trade routes, cultural exchanges, and shared colonial experiences. The exchange of spices, textiles, and maritime connections fostered civilizational dialogue between the two regions. During the colonial period, participation in independence movements and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) deepened their political identity. In the modern era, India has utilized education, technology, Bollywood, yoga, and cultural cooperation as instruments to strengthen its strategic identity in North Africa. Collaboration through platforms such as the African Union and the India–Africa Summit has further enhanced the relevance of these relations in contemporary political discourse. This study argues that civilizational diplomacy is not merely a historical memory but a significant strategic tool in shaping India–North Africa relations from a political science perspective.

Keywords: India–North Africa relations, civilizational diplomacy, strategic identity, cultural exchange, colonial experience, Non-Aligned Movement, Pan-Africanism, South–South cooperation, education and cultural diplomacy, political science.