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The problem is that India has been static, while the Chinese have been dynamic.You could also say that the Chinese built the Tazara railway and supported many anti-colonial liberation struggles.

I admit that the Indians have been active in peace-keeping but the Indian contribution has rarely been decisive, both on the battlefield and politically. What ended the Sierra Leonian Civil War was intervention by the Nigerian led ECOMOG and the British Army. The UN effort in Somalia and Congo has not been successful and presently African Union troops (from Uganda - 4,480 troops and Burundi - 2,000 troops) are leading peacekeeping efforts there under the auspices of AMISOM (African Union Mission to Somalia). In addition, the Ethiopians intervened in Somalia.

History can only take you so far. We live in the present. The Indians have so much to offer, if only they can get their acts together. The most optimistic person about the future of Africa was an Indian Cement Plant manager I once interviewed - and he represents what Indian can offer Africa; efficient and affordable technical competence.

“You could also say that the Chinese built the Tazara railway and supported many anti-colonial liberation struggles.”

Chinese support for anti-colonialism was nowhere even close to Indian support for anti-colonialism.

“Indian contribution has rarely been decisive, both on the battlefield and politically.”

The fact that you deliberately choose to ignore the main point, displays your own bias against Indians. It wasn't about being decisive. It was a contribution nevertheless towards peace and stability. Something that didn't come from China. Indian presence prevented a lot more genocide in many parts of Africa. It wasnt India's fault the UN was riddled with indecision, poor leadership and corruption. Besides most of Africa is a chronic problem, there is no question of anything in Africa being decisive.

Most importantly, Nigeria was the biggest culprit in all of the Sierra Leon genocide. Sani Abacha was himself a thug and a war criminal.

Neither India nor China can transform Africa if Africans wont do anything for themselves. Forget corruption and despotic dictatorship, most of Africa is still a living hell hole of the world. If Africans dont do anything about that they will only end up being colonized yet again, only this time by Asians.

Fact is Indians are disliked in many places by many people for many reasons. If you have noticed, here on FR people there is a general dislike for Indian guest workers, programmer, engineers, doctors, scientists and students. But even the US cannot close the doors to Indians simply because if the expertise Indians have to offer. Most countries need Indians inspite of the racial/cultural baggage Indians carry. Yes Indians are insular and they have their imperfections, but its not a crime to be insular.