Mpox Outbreak Threatens India-Africa Trade Relations

The resurgence of Mpox, particularly across Africa, has raised new concerns among Indian exporters, who consider the continent a vital market for their goods. Although the outbreak is currently localized to specific regions, the potential for it to spread more widely poses a significant threat to India-Africa trade relations. Additionally, the recent emergence of Mpox cases in neighboring Pakistan and India's subsequent directive for heightened vigilance at its borders highlight the growing seriousness of the situation. Ajay Sahai, Director General of the Federation of Indian Export Organizations (FIEO), commented on the situation, stating, "While the situation is not yet alarming, exporters are closely monitoring the developments. A wider outbreak could pose significant challenges to trade." India's trade with Africa saw substantial growth, reaching approximately USD 100 billion in 2022-23, with exports alone valued at USD 51 billion. Crude oil and pharmaceuticals make up nearly 40% of India's exports to the continent. Conversely, Africa mainly exports raw materials like crude oil, minerals, and agricultural products to India. Both regions have set an ambitious goal to double bilateral trade to USD 200 billion by 2030. However, the Mpox outbreak could disrupt this trajectory if it escalates. Unlike the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to stringent travel bans, the current Mpox situation has not yet necessitated such measures. Nevertheless, Ajay Srivastava, founder of the Globe Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), stresses the importance of vigilance. "While the direct impact on global trade has been relatively limited thus far, India must remain alert to the evolving situation," Srivastava noted. "Preventive measures