India and Chad held the first-ever Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) on February 13, 2025, in N’Djamena, Republic of Chad, marking a significant step in expanding their diplomatic and economic ties. The discussions were co-chaired by Shri Sevala Naik Mude, Additional Secretary (Central and West Africa), Ministry of External Affairs, India, and Mrs. Fatime Aldjineh Garfa, Minister Delegate for Foreign Affairs, Republic of Chad.
Comprehensive Review of Bilateral Relations
Both sides conducted an in-depth review of India-Chad relations, covering key areas of cooperation, including:
✅ Trade and Investment – Enhancing economic engagement and business opportunities.
✅ Health & Pharmaceuticals – Strengthening pharmaceutical trade and medical partnerships.
✅ Education & Capacity Building – Expanding academic exchanges and skill development programs.
✅ Defense Cooperation – Exploring avenues for security collaboration.
✅ Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) – Enhancing Chad’s digital economy with Indian expertise.
✅ Agriculture & Industrialization – Promoting sustainable agricultural practices and food security.
✅ People-to-People & Cultural Exchanges – Strengthening historical and cultural bonds.
1️⃣ India’s Strong Support for Africa’s Global Representation
India reiterated its commitment to Africa’s global representation. Chad expressed deep appreciation for India’s efforts in making the African Union a permanent member of the G20, highlighting that this inclusion strengthens the Global South’s voice in global decision-making.
2️⃣ High-Level Meetings with Chadian Leadership
During his visit, Shri Sevala Naik Mude met with several key ministers and government officials in Chad, including:
🔹 Prime Minister and Head of Government, Ambassador Allah Maye Halina
🔹 Minister of Public Health, Dr. Abdelmadjid Abdelkerim
🔹 Minister of Telecommunications, Digital Economy & Digitization, Boukar Michel
🔹 Minister of Agricultural Production & Industrialization, Mr. Kedha Balla
🔹 Minister of Commerce & Industry, Mr. Guibolo Fanga Mathieu
🔹 Minister of Mines, Petroleum & Geology, Mrs. Ndolenodji Alix Naimbai
These meetings focused on expanding bilateral cooperation in key sectors, including renewable energy, oil, defense, and infrastructure development.
3️⃣ India-Chad Economic Ties: Expanding Trade & Investment
India and Chad have maintained warm and cordial relations, underpinned by economic engagement. While bilateral trade peaked at USD 513.59 million in 2018-19, it declined to USD 83.48 million due to reduced crude oil imports by India.
🔹 45 Indian companies operate in Chad, particularly in oil, trade, and international organizations.
🔹 Bharti Airtel, Chad’s largest mobile network provider, has invested over USD 1.5 billion in the country.
🔹 India and Chad identified new opportunities in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and energy.
4️⃣ Chad’s Active Participation in Global Summits
Chad has been actively engaged in India-led multilateral initiatives, including:
✅ Ministerial participation in all three editions of the Voice of Global South Summits (VoGSS)
✅ Membership in the International Solar Alliance (ISA), strengthening energy cooperation.
5️⃣ Next Steps: Strengthening Strategic Partnership
The Foreign Office Consultations concluded in a cordial and productive atmosphere, with both sides agreeing to hold the next round of discussions in New Delhi at a mutually convenient date.
The 1st India-Chad FOC marks a new phase of diplomatic and economic cooperation, reinforcing both nations’ commitment to deepening their partnership for mutual growth and global stability.