N’Djamena [Chad]: India and Chad held their first round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) on February 13 in N’Djamena, where both sides conducted a comprehensive review of their bilateral relations.
The meeting was co-chaired by Sevala Naik Mude, Additional Secretary (Central and West Africa) from India’s Ministry of External Affairs, and Fatime Aldjineh Garfa, Minister Delegate for Foreign Affairs from Chad.
“During the FOC, both sides undertook a comprehensive review of the entire gamut of India-Chad relations encompassing key areas of bilateral cooperation, including trade, investment, health and pharmaceuticals, education, capacity building, defence, Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), agriculture, and cultural exchanges. Both sides agreed to further deepen bilateral ties and enhance cooperation in multilateral fora,” the official statement read.
Strengthening Multilateral Cooperation
Discussions also covered regional and global issues of importance, with Chad expressing deep appreciation for India’s role in securing the African Union’s permanent membership in the G20. The Chadian delegation acknowledged that this move would enhance the Global South’s representation on the global stage.
High-Level Meetings with Chadian Leadership
During his visit, Additional Secretary Sevala Naik Mude met with several top Chadian officials, including:
- Prime Minister and Head of Government Ambassador Allah Maye Halina
- Minister of Public Health 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
- Minister of Mines, Petroleum and Geology Ndolenodji Alix Naimbai
These meetings focused on expanding collaboration in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, oil, renewable energy, and defence.
Trade and Investment
India and Chad enjoy warm and cordial relations based on mutual respect and shared values. While bilateral trade peaked at USD 513.59 million in 2018-19, it has since declined to USD 83.48 million due to a reduction in India’s crude oil imports.
Currently, around 45 Indian companies operate in Chad, primarily in oil projects and trade. Notably, Bharti Airtel, the largest mobile network provider in the country, has invested over USD 1.5 billion.
Chad’s Engagement with India in Global Forums
Chad has actively participated in all three editions of the Voice of Global South Summits (VoGSS) hosted by India and continues to engage in multilateral initiatives. The country is also a member of the International Solar Alliance, reinforcing its commitment to global sustainability efforts.
Looking Ahead
The FOC was conducted in a cordial and friendly atmosphere, with both sides agreeing to hold the next round of consultations in New Delhi at a mutually convenient date.