What happened?
The first round of India-Chad Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) was held on 13 February 2025 in N’Djamena, Republic of Chad. It was co-chaired by Sevala Naik Mude, Additional Secretary for Central and West Africa, and Mrs. Fatime Aldjineh Garfa from Chad. During the FOC, both sides conducted a comprehensive review of India-Chad relations, encompassing key areas of bilateral cooperation.
Why it matters to India:
India and Chad maintain cordial relations characterised by mutual respect and shared values. Economically, bilateral trade reached $513.59 million in 2018-19, primarily due to India’s import of crude oil from Chad. Indian companies, notably Airtel, have invested significantly in Chad’s telecommunications sector, enhancing connectivity and economic ties. Chad’s strategic location in Central Africa and its role as a member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) further underscore its importance to India. The two nations have identified areas for cooperation, including agriculture, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, and defence, aiming to strengthen their bilateral partnership.