Racism And Rising Racial Violence Against Africans: What India Should Do

This week hundreds of residents of the Indian city of Greater Noida, a satellite city of New Delhi, were involved in violent attacks against Africans. Some used steel chairs to attack shoppers after a teenage boy died of a suspected drug overdose. Five African students had earlier been detained over the youth's death but when police released them due to lack of evidence, residents went berserk. The Nigerian students had been detained in connection with the case after a group of local people went to their home and accused them of murder according to media reports.

Police said 10 people had been wounded, while India's foreign minister said authorities were investigating the attacks.

This is not the first time that Africans have been targetted in India. Racial discrimination and violence against Africans living in India is common. Last year, Congolese national Oliver Masonda Ketada was beaten to death in the Vasant Kunj area of South Delhi, following a brawl over the hiring of an autorickshaw.

In this piece from August 2016, The Conversation brings more to the debate of racism in India, and what needs to be done in a country that had a 5.4 million foreign-born population in 2010. The number of Africans in India is estimated to be about 40,000, of whom 25,000 are students. This piece looks at racial violence, government inaction and the role media can play in challenging stereotypes and ensuring accountability for those crimes. Also highlighted is the increased trade and cooperation between India and African states, and how violence can role back or impede progress.