India and Chad strengthen bilateral ties through high-level consultations
The first round of India-Chad Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) took place on February 13, 2025, in N’Djamena, Republic of Chad. The meeting was co-chaired by Sevala Naik Mude, Additional Secretary (Central and West Africa), Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, and Fatime Aldjineh Garfa, Minister Delegate for Foreign Affairs, Republic of Chad.
During the consultations, both sides conducted a detailed review of India-Chad relations, focusing on key areas such as trade, investment, health and pharmaceuticals, education, capacity building, defence, Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), agriculture, and cultural exchanges. They agreed to deepen collaboration in these sectors while also enhancing cooperation in multilateral forums.
The FOC was conducted in a cordial and constructive atmosphere Both sides agreed to hold the next round of consultations in New Delhi at a mutually convenient date
Both delegations engaged in discussions on regional and global matters of shared interest Fatime Aldjineh Garfa appreciated India’s role in securing the African Union’s permanent membership in the G20, recognizing its significance in reinforcing the Global South’s standing.
Comprehensive Review of Bilateral Cooperation
During his visit, Mude also met with Chadian Prime Minister and Head of Government Ambassador Allah Maye Halina, Minister of Public Health Dr Abdelmadjid Abdelkerim, Minister of Telecommunication, Digital Economy and Digitization Boukar Michel, Minister of Agricultural Production and Industrialisation Kedha Balla, Minister of Commerce and Industry Guibolo Fanga Mathieu, and Minister of Mines, Petroleum and Geology Ndolenodji Alix Naimbai.
India and Chad enjoy warm and cordial relations based on mutual respect and shared values Over the years, both nations have engaged in regular interactions at various levels. New areas for cooperation have been identified, including agriculture, pharmaceuticals, oil, renewable energy, and defence Bilateral trade reached a peak of USD 513.59 million in 2018-19 but declined to USD 83.48 million due to a reduction in India’s crude oil imports. Approximately 45 Indian companies operate in Chad, primarily in the oil sector and trade, with Bharati Airtel being the largest mobile network provider, investing over USD 1.5 billion in the country.
Chad has actively participated in all three editions of the Voice of Global South Summits (VoGSS) hosted by India at the Ministerial level and remains engaged in multilateral forums, including the International Solar Alliance.
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