What happened?
The inaugural India-Equatorial Guinea Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) were held on 10 February 2025 in Malabo, Republic of Equatorial Guinea. The meeting was co-chaired by Sevala Naik Mude, Additional Secretary (Central and West Africa), Ministry of External Affairs, India, and Mr Matias Nguema Mba Medja, Secretary General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Diaspora, Equatorial Guinea.
Discussions covered a comprehensive review of bilateral relations, with a focus on trade, investment, mining, agriculture, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, education, defence, maritime security, and digital infrastructure. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to expanding economic and diplomatic engagement, as well as enhancing cooperation in multilateral forums.
Why it matters to India:
India’s engagement with Equatorial Guinea aligns with its broader Africa strategy, emphasising economic cooperation, energy security, and capacity building. India gifted 10,000 kg of anti-retroviral drugs and diagnostic kits for HIV management, reinforcing its commitment to global healthcare partnerships.
Bilateral trade between the two countries reached USD 347.10 million in 2023–24, with oil and gas imports constituting a significant portion. While trade peaked at USD 983.80 million in 2019–20, there remains substantial potential for diversification, particularly in agriculture, manufacturing, mining, and pharmaceuticals.
Equatorial Guinea’s participation in India-led multilateral initiatives such as the Voice of Global South Summits and International Solar Alliance further strengthens diplomatic ties. The commitment to holding the next round of consultations in New Delhi signals the intent to deepen cooperation across sectors.