Sudan Crisis: Exploring India’s Role

India’s interest in Sudan has grown significantly in recent years. This is reflected in India’s increased trade and investments in Sudan. Two factors that have generated such interest and encouraged Indian engagement are the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in January 2005 and the soaring economy. However, delay in the implementation of the peace deal and conflict in western and eastern Sudan pose serious challenges to the huge Indian interest. This paper examines India’s role and interest in the context of the ongoing crisis in Sudan. It argues that lack of democracy and good governance has perpetuated the conflict and made peace unsustainable. Prolongation of such a situation is not in India’s interest given its economic and energy stakes in Sudan. A prudent and proactive role on the part of India is necessary in order to address Sudan’s concerns and challenges and thereby advance its growing interests in Sudan and Africa.