President Ram Nath Kovind’s Tour Intensifies India’s West Africa Outreach

Indian President Ram Nath Kovind undertook a 7 day tour to three Francophone countries of West Africa- Benin, the Gambia and Guinea. The choice of destinations assumes significance as it demonstrates the high priority that India attaches to fostering ties with Africa, particularly Francophone West Africa.

President Kovind’s visit to the three countries was historic, as it was the first time that an Indian presidential visit was taking place. It may be noted that traditionally India’s relations with Francophone West African countries have not been as strong as it has been with the Anglophone African countries, owing to language barrier, lack of contact and distance. The scale and scope of the relations remain below potential despite various policy initiatives taken to enhance the ties. The high-level visits are part of India’s efforts to boost India’s ties with the Francophone West African region. Recently India had announced opening of 18 Missions in Africa, mostly in Francophone African countries, to increase its diplomatic footprints in the region. These visits need to be seen in the broader context of India’s proactive approach to strengthen its relations and increase its outreach in Africa.

During these visits President Kovind held delegation level talks with the respective leaders, addressed the National assembly in Benin and the Gambia and interacted with the Indian Community present in the three countries. The focus of the discussions remained to strengthen bilateral ties in key sectors such as trade, investment, solar energy, agriculture, digital technology, capacity building, maritime security and defence, as well as discuss issues of common concern in international arena. President besides

In Benin, both sides agreed to make efforts to broaden export basket and support mutual investment. President Kovind announced the extension of e-visa facility which he noted will help to improve business relations. In the Gambia, President Kovind highlighted India’s expectations of the Gambia’s continued support for Indian enterprises and investment. In Guinea, President Kovind underlined the keenness of Indian companies to invest in Guinea, especially in the mining, infrastructure, health and pharmaceutical sectors.

To enhance development partnership as per the priorities of the respective countries, the Indian President made various announcements. He announced a Line of Credit of US$ 100 million to Benin for its national priority projects; a special ITEC course in English proficiency and a special Professional Course for Foreign Diplomats from Benin; an assistance of US$ 500,000 to the Gambia in support of skill development and cottage industry projects; offered training in the fields of judiciary, police, administration and technical expertise, as per Gambia’s request; assistance of a new Line of Credit of US$ 170 million to Guinea for Conakry Water Supply Project .President Kovind also stressed on the cooperation in solar energy to combat climate change and appreciated the leadership of Benin, the Gambia and Guinea for joining hands with India as stakeholders in the International Solar Alliance.

Enhancing defence and security cooperation was also stressed upon by India. Given the rise of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, India offered training assistance to Benin to expand its anti-piracy capacity. In the joint statements both sides raised concern over the rise of terrorism and expressed the need for the early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International terrorism.

The three visits witnessed signing of various MoUs to enhance partnership. In Benin the two sides signed four agreements on Cultural Exchange, Cooperation in Export Credit and Investment Insurance, e-VBAB (e-Vidya Bharati and e-Arogya Bharati) network project, visa exemption for Indian diplomatic/official passports. In the Gambia both sides signed and exchanged MoUs on Cooperation in the field of Traditional Systems of Medicine and Homeopathy. In Guinea also, the two Presidents witnessed the signing of MoUs on cooperation in the field of traditional system of medicine and homeopathy; e-VBAB Network Project; and in the field of renewable energy.

Overall President Kovind’s 3 nation tour t was very successful in fostering closer ties with the region.

Script: Dr. Nivedita Ray, Strategic Analyst on Africa