President Droupadi Murmu will make her first trip to Algeria, Mauritania, and Malawi from October 13 to 19, 2024, aiming to strengthen India’s ties with Africa. This visit is historic as it is the first by an Indian President to these nations, coinciding with the African Union’s membership in the G20. President Murmu will engage in discussions, inaugurate an India Corner in Algeria, and sign four MoUs, advancing economic, cultural, and community ties in the region.
President Droupadi Murmu is set to embark on her inaugural visit as an Indian head of state to Africa, engaging with Algeria, Mauritania, and Malawi from October 13 to 19, 2024. This significant trip underscores India’s intentions to enhance its collaboration with African nations, as articulated by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The visit is particularly notable, coming one year post the African Union’s elevation to a permanent member of the G20 during India’s Presidency, marking a pivotal moment in India-Africa relations. According to Dammu Ravi, secretary for economic relations at the MEA, the undertaking is emblematic of India’s broader ambition to solidify its ties with the continent, recognized as comprising 54 nations and representing the core of the Global South. The journey will commence in Algiers on October 13, marking the first official visit by an Indian President to Algeria in 39 years. President Murmu is scheduled to engage in bilateral discussions with her Algerian counterpart, participate in the India-Algeria Economic Forum, and inaugurate an India Corner at Hamma Garden, located in Jardin d’Essai. Following Algeria, President Murmu will travel to Mauritania on October 16, where she plans to meet with President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani and interact with the small Indian expatriate community, which numbers approximately 150 individuals. This portion of the trip will also see the signing of four memoranda of understanding (MoUs), focusing on areas such as cultural cooperation and the establishment of a visa-waiver agreement for holders of diplomatic and official passports. The final leg of her journey will take place in Malawi from October 17 to 19. During this visit, President Murmu will convene discussions with the Malawian leadership, engage with leaders in trade and industry, and explore cultural and historical sites alongside the Indian diaspora.
The planned visit by President Droupadi Murmu to Algeria, Mauritania, and Malawi represents a critical step in bolstering India’s diplomatic and economic relations with Africa. It highlights India’s strategic pivot towards Africa as it aims to strengthen its ties with this diverse continent that is significant for global relations, encapsulated in the recognition of the African Union within the G20. This trip symbolizes not only the deepening bilateral ties but also reaffirms India’s commitment to fostering cooperation in various domains including culture, commerce, and community ties within African nations.
In conclusion, President Droupadi Murmu’s forthcoming visit to Algeria, Mauritania, and Malawi marks a historic first for Indian leadership engagements in these nations. It reflects India’s commitment to expanding its influence and partnership in Africa, emphasizing cultural, economic, and diplomatic ties. The trip is expected to yield significant diplomatic agreements and foster a robust dialogue aimed at enhancing cooperation across multiple sectors.
Original Source: indianexpress.com
