India has enjoyed a close relationship with Africa, and specifically East Africa, since its independence in 1947. Since the beginning of the 21st century, however, this relationship has only grown closer. This policy on Africa is largely to ensure India's energy independence, but also to bolster its status as a world power. The goal of Indian diplomacy is to foster a true partnership with the African countries that will promote their economic development ? but China's seeming omnipresence is threatening to thwart New Delhi's ambitions.