ABIDJAN, Oct 8: India and Cote d’Ivoire have discussed expanding bilateral cooperation in defence, counterterrorism, trade and development, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar meeting senior leaders during his visit to the West African nation.
Jaishankar arrived in Cote d’Ivoire on Wednesday from Ghana as part of his three-nation African tour, which also includes Ethiopia.
During his meeting with Ivorian Vice Prime Minister and Defence Minister Tene Birahima Ouattara in Abidjan, the two sides explored ways to strengthen defence cooperation through training, capacity building and institutional exchanges.
Jaishankar said the growing partnership was based on mutual trust, shared interests and efforts to enhance capabilities. He added that both countries exchanged views on expanding collaboration in defence and counterterrorism.
Ouattara said his discussions with the Indian minister focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation. He reaffirmed their shared commitment to building a strategic partnership that promotes peace, security and development.
Earlier, Jaishankar held comprehensive discussions with Cote d’Ivoire’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Niale Kaba, on expanding cooperation across several sectors.
The talks covered trade, investment, infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare and people-to-people relations. Jaishankar emphasised that India’s development partnership would be guided by the priorities and needs of Cote d’Ivoire.
The two leaders also discussed enhancing coordination and engagement in multilateral forums.
As part of his engagements, Jaishankar interacted with graduates of India’s Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme. He highlighted the role of India’s capacity-building initiatives in addressing partner countries’ requirements and strengthening connections between people.
The minister also met members of the Indian community in Cote d’Ivoire and spoke about the transformations taking place in India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He highlighted India’s efforts to strengthen Africa’s representation in global institutions, including its support for the African Union’s permanent membership in the G20 during India’s presidency.
Jaishankar’s visit comes amid New Delhi’s efforts to deepen relations with African nations and strengthen engagement with the Global South. India has been seeking greater cooperation with its African partners in trade, investment, healthcare, defence, technology and human resource development.
During his earlier stop in Ghana, the external affairs minister discussed expanding bilateral cooperation into pharmaceuticals, healthcare, mining, defence, railways and digital technology.
The final leg of his tour will take him to Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, where he is scheduled to hold further diplomatic engagements and chair a Regional Heads of Mission Conference involving Indian envoys posted across the region.
The Ministry of External Affairs said the visit reflects India’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Africa and reinforcing solidarity with countries of the Global South.