The Vice President of India recently embarked on a diplomatic journey to two African nations – Comoros and Sierra Leone. This marked the first-ever visit by an Indian dignitary of such high rank to the Southeast African archipelago, Comoros, as well as to Western Africa’s Sierra Leone. The primary objective was to strengthen ties with these African countries.
Strengthening India-Comoros Relations
There were significant developments in the India-Comoros relationship as part of this visit. Six Memorandums of Understandings (MoUs) were inked in areas like defence, health, and culture. A notable aspect is the e-Arogya Bharati and e- Vidya Bharati schemes that aim to provide digital healthcare and education services, respectively.
India announced a Line-of-credit worth USD 41.6 million for two major projects in Moroni, the capital of Comoros. These include establishing an 18MW power plant and a vocational training center. India also expressed its desire to boost defence ties, particularly regarding maritime security, which is a crucial element in the overarching security framework in the Indian Ocean.
In terms of international relations, Comoros supports India’s bid for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council (UNSC) and is a part of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and the International Solar Alliance. Additionally, Comoros benefits from the scholarship/training programmes offered by India under the Indian Technical & Economic Cooperation (ITEC) scheme.
Building New Bridges: India and Sierra Leone
India’s ties with Sierra Leone received a substantial boost during the Vice President’s visit. Among the key decisions was the establishment of an Indian High Commission in Sierra Leone. Both countries agreed to enhance cooperation in various spheres, including agriculture, food processing, Information Technology (IT), infrastructure development, and capacity building.
An important MoU signed aimed at integrating Sierra Leone into India’s Pan-African tele-Education, tele-Medicine initiatives, e-VidyaBharati, and e-Arogya Bharati. Furthermore, India expressed its willingness to set up a Centre of Excellence in IT in Sierra Leone.
| Fact | Data |
|---|---|
| India’s contribution to UN Mission in Sierra Leone | Deployment of 4000 strong Indian Military contingent |
| Concessional lines of credit extended by India to Sierra Leone | USD 123 million in sectors such as agriculture, water, and transmission line |
| Beneficiaries of ITEC programme | 161 countries across Asia, Africa, East Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean, Pacific, and Small Island nations |
Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme
The ITEC programme represents an integral part of India’s global diplomacy. Launched by the Government of India on 15th September 1964, it serves as a platform for bilateral cooperation and technical assistance. The ITEC and its sister programme – Special Commonwealth African Assistance Programme (SCAAP), invite 161 countries across various regions to share in India’s developmental experiences gained over six decades of independence.
The ITEC programme includes organizing training courses in India, deputing Indian experts abroad, providing disaster relief aid, gifting equipment, facilitating study tours, and offering feasibility studies/consultancy services.