India, Feb. 26 -- India's approach to ties with Africa is guided by a commitment to build mutually beneficial partnerships and not any "extractive" models of engagement, external affairs minister S Jaishankar said on Wednesday, taking a thinly veiled swipe at China's efforts to expand its influence in the region.

Jaishankar, who was addressing the Japan-India-Africa Business Forum via a video link, said that India is Africa's fourth-largest trade partner, with two-way trade worth almost $100 billion and growing steadily. India and Japan, with their complementary strengths, are positioned to back Africa's development in a sustainable and inclusive manner, he said.

"India's approach to Africa has always been guided by a deep-rooted commit...