The diplomatic ties between India and Senegal, two nations celebrating six decades of diplomatic relations, were recently boosted by the Indian Vice President’s visit to Senegal. This visit saw the signing of three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) covering cultural exchange, youth cooperation, and a visa-free regime.
Highlights from the Visit
One of the key outcomes of this visit was an MoU for a visa-free regimen for diplomatic and official passport holders. This arrangement enhances bilateral cooperation by facilitating seamless travel for officials and diplomats between the two countries.
A second MoU renewed a Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP) for 2022-26. This promotes more cultural exchanges and strengthens people-to-people contacts. Besides, recognizing a predominantly young population in both countries, the third MoU on bilateral cooperation in youth matters offers mutual benefits through knowledge sharing and youth exchanges.
Trade Expansion
Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, Indo-Senegalese trade saw a 37% surge to USD 1.5 billion over the past year. To further stimulate economic ties, India called for diversifying the trade basket, especially in sectors like agriculture, oil & gas, health, railways, mining, defence, and green energy. With Senegal being a significant source of phosphates imported by India, it creates opportunities for Indian companies with expertise in producing heavy earth moving equipment.
Education and Training Enhancements
In terms of education and skill development, the second phase of upgrading the Entrepreneurial Training & Development Centre (CEDT) at Dakar was given a green light. Established in Dakar in 2002 under Indian grant assistance, CEDT annually trains around 1000 youth from Senegal and 19 other African countries in six different disciplines.
To overcome the language barrier that held French-speaking Senegal off from availing the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programs, India introduced a Special ITEC Course on English training for Senegalese public servants.
Virtual Learning and Medical Programs
Acknowledging the large number of African students studying in India, increased cooperation with Senegal was sought for implementing the E-Vidya Bharati and E-Aarogya Bharati (E-VBAB) initiative. This tele-education and tele-medicine initiative largely benefits Senegalese students.
Addressing Detainment of Indian Nationals
On a serious note, India raised the issue of four detained Indian nationals, crew members of ship M.V. Asso-6 since June 2021 on alleged drug trafficking charges. The Indian government requested the acceleration of their trial process to allow these individuals to return home if released.
India’s International Standing and Relationships
India’s diplomatic efforts were also directed at strengthening its international position. It expressed gratitude for Senegal’s support for India’s permanent UNSC membership while reiterating its unwavering support to the Common African Position as per the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration.
As both nations are members of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), India called for its revitalization and responsiveness to contemporary issues affecting the developing world.
India-Senegal Relations: Key Points
Since establishing Ambassadorial level diplomatic relations in 1962, India and Senegal have enjoyed amicable bilateral relations grounded in shared values of democracy, development, and secularism.
Commercial relations see India primarily exporting textiles, food items, automobiles, and pharmaceuticals, while importing phosphoric acid and raw cashew from Senegal.
Cultural exchanges feature prominently in the bilateral relations, with numerous Indian cultural events hosted in Senegal. India also offers ICCR scholarships, fostering a vibrant Indian diaspora in Senegal who work for Indian companies and run their businesses.
Recognitions and Support
India congratulated Senegal on its assumption of the Presidency of the African Union and sought Senegalese support for early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) to combat cross-border terrorism.