India's engagement with Africa has undergone a significant transformation in the twenty-first century, evolving from historical political solidarity to a comprehensive development partnership. Unlike traditional donor–recipient models, India's approach emphasizes mutual benefit, South–South cooperation, capacity building, and demand-driven development assistance. Through initiatives in education, healthcare, digital technology, infrastructure, renewable energy, agriculture, and institutional capacity building, India has sought to strengthen its strategic partnership with African countries while contributing to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Simultaneously, India's deployment of soft power—including cultural diplomacy, democratic values, educational exchanges, the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme, digital public infrastructure, and healthcare diplomacy—has enhanced its image as a trusted development partner across the African continent. This paper examines the evolution of India's development diplomacy in Africa, focusing on the interconnected roles of soft power, capacity building, and sustainable development. Employing a qualitative research design based on secondary sources, the study argues that India's development diplomacy represents a distinctive model of South–South cooperation that prioritizes local ownership, human resource development, knowledge sharing, and long-term partnerships rather than conditional aid. The paper also discusses the opportunities and challenges confronting India's engagement in Africa amid increasing geopolitical competition and the emergence of a multipolar international order. It concludes that India's development diplomacy has strengthened bilateral relations while contributing to Africa's developmental aspirations and enhancing India's role as a leading voice of the Global South.