Country Data

Country Data
1. Country: Albania..........................................................................................................................5
2. Country: Algeria..........................................................................................................................6
3. Country: Antigua & Barbuda......................................................................................................7
4. Country: Armenia........................................................................................................................8
5. Country: Azerbaijan....................................................................................................................9
6. Country: Bahrain.......................................................................................................................10
7. Country: Bangladesh................................................................................................................11
8. Country: Barbados....................................................................................................................13
9. Country: Belarus.......................................................................................................................14
10. Country: Belize......................................................................................................................15
11. Country: Benin.......................................................................................................................16
12. Country: Bhutan....................................................................................................................17
13. Country: Bosnia and Herzegovina......................................................................................19
14. Country: Botswana................................................................................................................20
15. Country: Burundi...................................................................................................................21
16. Country: Cambodia...............................................................................................................22
17. Country: Cameroon..............................................................................................................24
18. Country: Central African Republic......................................................................................25
19. Country: Chad.......................................................................................................................26
20. Country: Chile........................................................................................................................27
21. Country: Colombia................................................................................................................28
22. Country: Costa Rica..............................................................................................................29
23. Country: Cuba.......................................................................................................................30
24. Country: Democratic Republic of Congo............................................................................31
25. Country: Djibouti....................................................................................................................33
26. Country: Dominica................................................................................................................34
27. Country: Dominican Republic (DR)....................................................................................35
28. Country: Ecuador..................................................................................................................36
29. Country: Egypt.......................................................................................................................37
30. Country: El Salvador.............................................................................................................38
31. Country: Equatorial Guinea.................................................................................................39
32. Country: Eritrea.....................................................................................................................40
33. Country: Eswatini..................................................................................................................41
34. Country: Ethiopia...................................................................................................................43
35. Country: Gabon.....................................................................................................................45
36. Country: Georgia...................................................................................................................46
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37. Country: Ghana.....................................................................................................................47
38. Country: Grenada..................................................................................................................49
39. Country: Guatemala..............................................................................................................50
40. Country: Guinea....................................................................................................................51
41. Country: Guinea Bissau.......................................................................................................53
42. Country: Guyana...................................................................................................................54
43. Country: Haiti.........................................................................................................................55
44. Country: Honduras................................................................................................................56
45. Country: Iran..........................................................................................................................57
46. Country: Iraq..........................................................................................................................58
47. Country: Ivory Coast.............................................................................................................59
48. Country: Jamaica..................................................................................................................60
49. Country: Kazakhstan............................................................................................................62
50. Country: Kenya......................................................................................................................63
51. Country: Kiribati.....................................................................................................................65
52. Country: Kyrgyzstan.............................................................................................................66
53. Country: Lao PDR.................................................................................................................67
54. Country: Lebanon..................................................................................................................69
55. Country: Lesotho...................................................................................................................70
56. Country: Liberia.....................................................................................................................71
57. Country: Libya.......................................................................................................................72
58. Country: Madagascar...........................................................................................................73
59. Country: Malawi.....................................................................................................................74
60. Country: Malaysia.................................................................................................................76
61. Country: Maldives.................................................................................................................77
62. Country: Mali..........................................................................................................................80
63. Country: Marshall Islands....................................................................................................82
64. Country: Mauritania..............................................................................................................83
65. Country: Mauritius.................................................................................................................84
66. Country: Micronesia..............................................................................................................86
67. Country: Moldova..................................................................................................................87
68. Country: Mongolia.................................................................................................................88
69. Country: Mozambique..........................................................................................................90
70. Country: Namibia..................................................................................................................93
71. Country: Nauru......................................................................................................................95
72. Country: Nepal.......................................................................................................................96
73. Country: Nicaragua.............................................................................................................100
74. Country: Niger.....................................................................................................................101
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75. Country: North Macedonia.................................................................................................102
76. Country: Oman....................................................................................................................103
77. Country: Palau.....................................................................................................................104
78. Country: Panama................................................................................................................106
79. Country: Papua New Guinea.............................................................................................107
80. Country: Paraguay..............................................................................................................108
81. Country: Peru.......................................................................................................................109
82. Country: Philippines............................................................................................................110
83. Country: Republic of Congo..............................................................................................111
84. Country: Rwanda................................................................................................................112
85. Country: Samoa..................................................................................................................113
86. Country: Sao Tome and Principe......................................................................................114
87. Country: Senegal................................................................................................................115
88. Country: Serbia...................................................................................................................116
89. Country: Seychelles............................................................................................................117
90. Country: Sierra Leone........................................................................................................118
91. Country: Solomon Islands..................................................................................................120
92. Country: Somalia.................................................................................................................121
93. Country: South Sudan........................................................................................................122
94. Country: Sri Lanka..............................................................................................................124
95. Country: St. Kitts and Nevis...............................................................................................126
96. Country: Saint Lucia...........................................................................................................127
97. Country: St. Vincent & Grenadines...................................................................................128
98. Country: Sudan...................................................................................................................130
99. Country: Suriname..............................................................................................................132
100. Country: Syria......................................................................................................................134
101. Country: Tajikistan..............................................................................................................135
102. Country: Tanzania...............................................................................................................137
103. Country: Thailand................................................................................................................139
104. Country: The Bahamas......................................................................................................140
105. Country: The Gambia.........................................................................................................141
106. Country: Timor Leste..........................................................................................................142
107. Country: Togo......................................................................................................................143
108. Country: Tonga....................................................................................................................144
109. Country: Trinidad & Tobago..............................................................................................145
110. Country: Tunisia..................................................................................................................146
111. Country: Turkmenistan.......................................................................................................147
112. Country: Tuvalu...................................................................................................................148
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113. Country: United Arab Emirates.........................................................................................149
114. Country: Uganda.................................................................................................................150
115. Country: Uruguay................................................................................................................152
116. Country: Uzbekistan...........................................................................................................153
117. Country: Vanuatu................................................................................................................155
118. Country: Venezuela............................................................................................................156
119. Country: Vietnam................................................................................................................157
120. Country: Yemen..................................................................................................................159
121. Country: Zambia..................................................................................................................160
122. Country: Zimbabwe.............................................................................................................162
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1. Country: Albania
Bilateral relations between India and Albania are cordial and friendly. Mother Teresa is an important
bond between the two countries. The International Airport in Tirana is named after Mother Teresa who
is regarded as an Albanian national icon.
Cooperation to tackle the challenge of COVID-19 Pandemic

 India has extended humanitarian assistance of 50,000 doses of Covid-19 vaccine (Covishield) to
the Republic of Albania to fight the pandemic in April 2021.
Capacity Building & Other Exchanges

 As part of capacity building trainings, eight professionals from Albania have been trained in India
under ITEC since 2002.
 Of these, seven professionals have been trained just in the previous 9 years since 2014-15.
 Albanian diplomats have also attended various courses conducted by SSIFS, New Delhi, for
Foreign Diplomats.
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2. Country: Algeria
The diplomatic relationship between India and Algeria was established in 1962, the same year that
Algeria gained independence. Since the beginning, the relations between the two countries have
been warm and cordial. Both countries have been consistently supporting each other on vital issues at
international fora.

 India cleared commercial supply of Paracetamol and Hydroxychloroquine to Algeria in April and
May 2020.
 50,000 doses of Covid-19 Made-in-India vaccines were sent to Algeria in February 2021.
Special Endeavour: Space Cooperation

 India and Algeria have signed an agreement on cooperation in the field of space sciences,
technologies and application in September, 2018. The Agreement has been ratified by both the
sides and has come into force.
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3. Country: Antigua & Barbuda
India and Antigua & Barbuda enjoy warm and friendly relations with similarity of views on most issues
of common concern. In a foreign policy statement, Antigua & Barbuda (A&B) has expressed its desire
to further develop relations with India. There is no structured or institutional dialogue mechanism
between the two countries.

 India assisted with medicine (10,000 Hydroxychloroquine tablets) and US$ 1 million Grant
through India-UNDP Fund to the Government of Antigua and Barbuda for combating COVID-19
pandemic by improving health infrastructure and capacities in Antigua and Barbuda.
fight the pandemic in February 2021.
Development Cooperation (Grants/ LoCs/ Assistance)

 India provided a direct cash assistance of US$100,000/- and another US $1 million through
UNDP from India-UN Development Partnership Fund for rehabilitation of Barbuda after the
devastating hurricane Irma in 2017 under which Hannah Thomas Hospital in Barbuda was
refurbished/renovated and inaugurated by the Prime Minister of Antigua & Barbuda in August,
2020.
 In September 2020 assistance of US$ 1 million was given from I-UNDP Fund to restoring public
infrastructure post hurricane IRMA.
 In October 2021 assistance of US$ 1 million was given from I-UNDP fund to support on COVID-
19 response.

 For the Academic Year 2022-23, Antigua & Barbuda has been allocated with 2 slots under Atal
Bihari Vajpayee General Scholarship Scheme (ABVGSS) of ICCR.
 As part of capacity building trainings, nearly 84 professionals from Antigua & Barbuda have been
trained in India under ITEC since 2002. Of these, 38 professionals have been trained just in the
previous 9 years since 2014-15.
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4. Country: Armenia
After the breakup of the USSR, India recognized Armenia on December 26, 1991, three months after
its declaration of independence. The Protocol on establishment of Diplomatic relations between India
and Armenia was signed on 31 August 1992. India opened its Embassy in 2 Yerevan on 01 March
1999.

 In April 2020, India provided Hydroxychloroquine tablets as humanitarian medical assistance to
Armenia in the fight against Covid-19 pandemic.

 India has extended assistance to Armenia in the past from time to time. Following the catastrophic
earthquake in Soviet Armenia in 1988, USD 2.2 million cash and USD 1.1 million relief supplies
were donated by India.
 An Indian medical team also visited Armenia for relief work. In 1994-95, India donated two
consignments of medicines as humanitarian assistance to Armenia for the persons affected by
the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh.
 Following the summer 2000 drought in Armenia, India gifted 750 MT of wheat and 250 MT of rice
to Armenia in February 2002. In October 2003, India announced a grant of USD 5 million against
which 300 tractors from India were supplied to Armenia in December 2006.
 Recently, India and Armenia signed an MoU on High Impact Community Development Projects in
Armenia with financial and technical assistance from India.
 During 2009-2010, India contributed US $ 215,000/- for the restoration of a dilapidated school
building in a relatively remote rural area.
 In addition, India in collaboration with Armenian authorities provided assistance for the
establishment of a Centre for Excellence in Information and Communication Technology in
Yerevan at a cost of Rs. 7.56 crores (US $ 1.67 million).
 The Centre is the only hi-tech institution in the region equipped with a made in India Super
Computer – PARAM. The Centre was jointly inaugurated on 7 November 2011 by Armenian
Prime Minister and Indian Minister of State for Communication and Information Technology.

 India's current developmental assistance to Armenia includes human resource development and
capacity building which is implemented through Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation
(ITEC) programme.
 Under ITEC, every year on average 35 slots is earmarked for Armenia for short- and medium-
term courses which are extremely popular amongst Government and Public Sector officials.
During 2011-12, the allotted 35 slots were exhausted by October 2011. The Government of India
allotted an additional 10 slots taking the total to 45 during the period 2011-12. For 2012-13, the
Government of India has sanctioned 45 ITEC slots for Armenia.
 ICCR, under Atal bihari Vajpayee General Scholarship Scheme (ABVGSS) offers 2 slots every
year to Armenia. Armenia has been availing of scholarship slots under ABVGSS of ICCR.
 India agreed to extend Technical and In-Kind support for Armenia’s Census 2011. A team of
experts from Armenia’s National Statistical Service underwent a training programme in India in
February 2011 to share the experience of the Office of the Registrar General and Census
Commissioner of India engaged with Census India 2011.
 Another important project completed with the assistance of the Government of India in 2011
related to a study to determine the feasibility of establishing a public-private partnership project in
telemedicine.
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5. Country: Azerbaijan
India and Azerbaijan have age-old historical relations and shared traditions. The Ateshgah fire temple
in the vicinity of Baku is a fine example. This medieval monument with Devanagri and Gurmukhi wall
inscriptions is a surviving proof of the age-old relationship between the two countries. The trade links
with India, led to renewed contacts of the Indian merchants heading towards Europe through the Silk
Route.

 India-Azerbaijan relations are friendly and growing. Both countries signed an agreement on
Economic and Technical Cooperation in June 1998.
 The agreement to establish the India-Azerbaijan Intergovernmental Commission (IGC) on Trade,
Economic, Scientific and Technological Cooperation was signed in Apr 2007.

 Under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme, the Government of
India offers about 30 fully-paid training courses to Azerbaijani officials every year.
 During the period of pandemic, these training programmes were switched to online mode and
more than 200 Azerbaijani scholars attended e-ITEC programmes.
 India also provides scholar slots to Azerbaijani students under the General Scholarship Scheme
of the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR). Azerbaijani diplomats are also trained under
the Professional Course for Foreign Diplomats (PCFD) in India.
 A Hindi teaching Center with the support of ICCR functioned at the Azerbaijan University of
Languages (AUL) between October 2010 and November 2019. An India Centre is also functioning
in the Institute of Literature of Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS).
 For the Academic Year 2022-23, Azerbaijan has been allocated with 1 slot under Atal Bihari
Vajpayee General Scholarship Scheme (ABVGSS) of ICCR.
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6. Country: Bahrain
India and Bahrain enjoy excellent bilateral relations characterized by cordial political, economic and
cultural contacts.

 The Govt. of India gifted 100,000 doses of made in India Covishield vaccines to Bahrain in
January 2021.
 Earlier Govt. of India provided 1.5 million Hydroxychloroquine tablets on commercial basis and
facilitated travel of nurses and medical professionals to Bahrain, besides keeping supply lines
open for Bahrain and other GCC countries for essential trade, food products and medicine etc.

 India and Bahrain have had economic and trade relations for over several centuries; these
relations received fresh impetus from the oil boom of the early seventies.
 Relative prosperity and higher standard of living in Bahrain boosted global imports of goods and
services, including from India.
 Bahrain Government's policy of industrial diversification also played an important role in
enhancing economic co-operation between India and Bahrain.

 For the Academic Year 2022-23, Bahrain has been allocated with 2 slots under Atal Bihari
Vajpayee General Scholarship Scheme (ABVGSS) of ICCR.
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7. Country: Bangladesh
India is the first country to recognize Bangladesh as a separate and independent state and
established diplomatic relations with the country immediately after its independence in December
1971. India's links with Bangladesh are civilizational, cultural, social and economic. India shares its
longest land border with Bangladesh, with five Indian states sharing land boundary with Bangladesh.
There is much that unites the two countries – a shared history and common heritage, linguistic and
cultural ties, passion for music, literature and the arts. This commonality is reflected in our multi-
dimensional and expanding relations. India and Bangladesh’s geographical locations complement
each other and present an opportunity for both to further develop their connectivity links and
economies, especially with India’s north-eastern region.

 Government of India has gifted 3.3 million Covishield (Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines) to
Bangladesh to assist in its fight against the pandemic.
 Government of India has also supplied 15 million vaccine doses commercially and 9.78 million
doses under Covax scheme.
 Two ‘Mobile Oxygen Plants’ were gifted to Bangladesh with the help of INS Savitri in September
2021.
 India operated ‘Oxygen Express’ trains to transport Liquid Medical Oxygen (LMO) in railway
containers, as part of commercial purchases made by Bangladesh. 20 such trains operated
during the second wave of COVID-19 transporting more than 4000 MT of LMO to Bangladesh.
 As another friendly gesture, about 20 tons of necessary medical supplies including Oxygen Nasal
Cannula, Oxygen Face Mask, Oxygen Flow Meter, Non-rebreather Mask, Pulse Oxymeter, High
Flow Nasal Canula, Medical Oxygen Cylinder and Infrared Thermometer was gifted to
Bangladesh in August 2021.
 India also handed over 109 Life Support Ambulances to Bangladesh in line with PM’s
commitment during the second wave of COVID-19.
 During COVID-19, India also provided capacity building training to 350 medical professionals in
Bangla language.

 With a development cooperation portfolio of nearly 10 billion USD comprising loans, grant
assistance and concessional financing, Bangladesh receives development cooperation
assistance from India at uniquely concessional terms.
 India has extended 3 Lines of Credits (LoCs) to Bangladesh amounting to around USD 7.362
billion for development of infrastructure in various sectors including roads, railways, shipping and
ports.
 In addition to these three LoCs, the Government of India has also been providing grant assistance
to Bangladesh for various infrastructure projects including, construction of Akhaura-Agartala rail
link for an amount of US$ 0.116 bn.
 Dredging of inland waterways in Bangladesh and construction of India-Bangladesh Friendship
Pipeline to supply High Speed Diesel from Siliguri to Parbotipur in Bangladesh and concessional
financing of USD 1.6 billion for construction of Maitri Super Thermal Power Plant in Bangladesh.
 India has also extended a 500 million USD Defence LoC to Bangladesh, further strengthening
defence cooperation between the two countries.
 High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs) constitute an active pillar of India’s
development assistance. The Government of India has funded 76 HICDPs including construction
of student hostels, academic buildings, skill development and training institutes, cultural centres,
and orphanages etc in Bangladesh.
 Another 17 HICDPs are being implemented, with all the 93 projects amounting to over USD 45
mn. These community-oriented projects have been well received in Bangladesh.

 Human resource development is a key component of India’s development cooperation efforts in
Bangladesh through its several ongoing training programs and scholarships. The Government of
India has been providing training to Bangladesh Civil Service officials, police officials, judicial
officials and judges, professionals, among others, at various premier training institutes in India.
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 As part of capacity building trainings, more than 8500 police officials, judges, judicial officers,
journalists, professionals etc. from Bangladesh have been trained by India. This includes nearly
3742 professionals having received training under Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation
(ITEC) in last nine years since 2014-15.
 In March 2021 during the visit of Prime Minister Modi to Dhaka, India announced 1000 “Suborno
Jayanti Scholarships” for Bangladeshi students.
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8. Country: Barbados
Barbados and India enjoy close and cordial relations and interact actively in the UN, Commonwealth
and NAM. Barbadian government has expressed interest in pursuing cooperation with India in the
field of information technology, cotton cultivation and textile industry, film industry, academic
exchanges, cultural cooperation etc.

 Govt. of India provided as a token of solidarity lifesaving drugs and protective gear worth US$
100000 to Govt. and people of Barbados to assist in their fight against Covid 19 pandemic, which
were handed over in November 2020 to the Govt. of Barbados.
 As a gesture of solidarity, GoI donated 100,000 doses of made in India Covishield vaccine to
Barbados in February 2021.
 In December 2022 assistance of US$ 675000 was given from I-UNDP fund to support on Covid-
19 response.

 Under the India-UN Development Partnership Fund -Commonwealth Window and implemented
by UNOSSC, a USD 1 million grant has been provided. The project for ‘Local Content
Development in Energy Industry value chain’ to the value of USD 550,000 was approved. The
key components of the project were handed over to the Minister for Energy and Business in
August 2023. The project is expected to be completed in December 2023.
 Barbados submitted a proposal for a project ‘Support on Covid -19 Response amount to USD
675,000 for strengthening Barbados medical sector under the India-UNDP Fund. The project has
been completed and handed over in October 2023, benefiting 11 hospitals and procuring 107
pieces of medical equipment to enhance the capacity of health service sector in Barbados.
 In September 2020 an assistance of US$ 550000 was given from I-UNDP fund for Local content
development project.

 Foreign Service Officials Affairs participated in the PCFD/CARICOM special diplomatic training
programme at Foreign Service Institute at New Delhi in 2017.
 The education system of Barbados is sound. Barbados provides a sound platform for R&D centre,
ICT etc. They would very much like Indian IT and financial services professionals to work in
Barbados. There is a request from Barbados for some scholarships for its students to study in
higher educational institutes in India. The Barbadian side would also like India’s assistance in
Heritage Management, tele-medicine, training technicians, film sector, education, sports and
culture. Our proposal for setting up IITs in Barbados was shared with the Barbados authorities but
a response is awaited.
 As part of capacity building trainings, nearly 31 professionals from Barbados have been trained in
India under ITEC since 2002. Of these, 8 professionals have been trained just in the previous 9
years since 2014-15.
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9. Country: Belarus
India’s relations with Belarus have been traditionally warm and cordial. India was one of the first
countries to recognize Belarus as independent country in 1991. Formal diplomatic relations were
established and the Indian diplomatic mission in Minsk was opened in 1992 and Belarus opened its
Mission in New Delhi in 1998. India and Belarus enjoy good understanding and commonality of views
on various matters and cooperate with each other in multilateral fora on issues of mutual interest.

 IT, healthcare, financial services, transport and logistics are other potential areas of cooperation.
As for the energy sector, India has participated in the reconstruction of Grodno power plant in
Belarus. BHEL supplied and installed equipment and machinery for Grodno Power Project II.
 MoU between Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi, India and Belarusian State
Agricultural Academy, Gorki, Belarus for Cooperation in Agricultural Research and Education.
 MoU between the Indian Council of World Affairs (New Delhi, India) and Belarusian Institute of
Strategic Research on Cooperation in the field of research.
 Protocol of 11th Session of India-Belarus Inter-Governmental Commission on Economic, Trade,
Industrial, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation.
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10. Country: Belize
Belize, formerly British Honduras, is the only English-speaking country in Central America and is a
member of the Commonwealth and the System of Integration in Central America group.
Notwithstanding the distance, India and Belize enjoy friendly, warm, and cordial relations. Belize
traditionally supports India on most issues, in the UN and other multilateral fora, and vice versa.

 Another set of 10,000 doses of Covovax vaccine was donated to Belize in April 2023.
 Government of India provided as a token of solidarity lifesaving drugs worth US$ 127,000 to the
Government and people of Belize to assist in their fight against Covid 19 pandemic in April 2020
and a shipment of medical supplies in June 2020 to fight Covid19.
 Government of India also donated 25,000 doses of Covishield vaccines to Belize in March 2021
and 10,000 doses in July 2022.
 US$ 1 million for strengthening clinical management of COVID-19 patients and reducing of risk of
COVID-19 among health workers in Belize. This project is ongoing.

 US$ 1 million for strengthening of maternal and child health services in CARICOM member states
to support the attainment, maintenance and sustainability of the elimination of mother-to-child
transmission of HIV, Syphilis and Hepatitis B. This project was approved in August 2023.
 US$ 590,000 for support to Infrastructure for Human Social Transformation and Development,
Health and Sports. The project was completed in 2021.

 An MoU finalizing the proposal for setting up India Belize Centre of Engineering at the University
of Belize, Belmopan was signed. HMT(I) has successfully implemented the project and regular
training sessions are being held since July 2023.
 In March 2017 Government of India donated 40 computers worth US$ 50,000/- for The Orange
Walk Institute for Vocational Education & Training. Earlier in February 2013, Government of India
donated 50 computers to the Institute.
 As part of capacity building trainings, nearly 56 professionals from Belize have been trained in
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11. Country: Benin
India and Benin have friendly ties characterized by democracy and secularism. Benin as a shining
example of a tolerant, progressive multi-ethnic and multi-religious society with a multiparty democracy
is a natural partner to India, being the world's largest democracy.

 India donated a 6 tonne-consignment of essential medicines, including HCQS and antibiotics, to
the Republic of Benin. During the Covid-19 pandemic, a total of 293 stranded Indian nationals in
Benin have been repatriated to India in 3 flights.
 India sent consignment of 1,44,000 doses of Covishield vaccine from the Serum Institute of India
(SII), under the Covax scheme of GAVI. It is the first consignment of Covid-19 vaccines to reach
the Republic of Benin.

 India announced a Line of Credit (LoC) of US$ 15 million for Benin Two grants of one million
dollars each for mutually identified projects in Health & Education sectors as well as setting up of
an IT Centre for Excellence and a Centre of Demonstration of Technology (both on grant basis)
were also agreed to. Five bilateral agreements with Benin including an MOU were concluded with
Benin on setting up an Information Technology Centre of Excellence (CETI) in the Republic of
Benin.
 A Line of Credit of US$ 15 million for agricultural equipment was provided by India. Two grants of
$1 million each for mutually identified projects in Health and Education sectors have also been
utilized. From the Lines of Credit offered by India to ECOWAS Bank for Investment and
Development (EBID), Benin availed the following LoCs: (i) US $18.8 million LoC facility for first
phase of rural electrification project, (ii) the second phase of Rural Electrification in Benin through
LOC of US$20 million has also been completed, and (iii) through an LoC of US $10 million,
procurement process is ongoing for acquisition of material and medico-technical equipment for
the health facilities in Benin.
 India had donated 100 tractors each, 4 Tata buses in July 2010 and 60 ambulances to Benin.
Another Line of Credit of $ 15 million for tractor and agricultural machinery assembly plant was
provided. Another LoC of US$ 42.61 million equivalent has been extended for upgradation of
water supply schemes in 69 villages in Benin.
 Benin received support from India under the Cotton Technical Assistance Programme (TAP).
 Benin is part of the Pan African e-Network project. An MoU on e-VBAB (Tele-education and Tele-
medicine) was signed between the Republic of Benin and TCIL,
 A soft Line of Credit of USD 100 million has been extended to Benin for its national priority
projects.
 In December 2021 assistance of US$ 300000 was given from I-UNDP fund to project Promoting
Youth and Women employment through agriculture diversification.

 ITEC/e-ITEC: India has been supporting Benin’s efforts in Capacity building under Indian
Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme. India offers 20 training slots under
ITEC to Benin annually. 10 Beninese officials attended short to medium terms training
programmes in diverse subjects ranging from IT to Parliamentary studies. Further various e-ITEC
slot has been utilized by Beninese nationals for different training programmes.
 India has been offering additional training programmes to Benin in diverse subjects ranging from
Agriculture to Hydro power. Benin officials were trained under IAFS-III Programmes. A Beninese
diplomat attended the 65th Professional Course for Foreign Diplomats (PCFD) in Foreign Service
Institute, New Delhi. Every year there are 5-10 scholarships offered by the Indian Council for
Cultural Relations (ICCR) for Beninese nationals to pursue undergraduate / post graduate
courses in India.
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12. Country: Bhutan
India and Bhutan share a unique and time-tested bilateral relationship, characterized by utmost trust,
goodwill and mutual understanding. The special relationship has been sustained by a tradition of
regular high-level visits and dialogues between the two countries.
Bhutan - India Development Cooperation is wide-ranging and multi-faceted in consonance with the
Vision of His Majesty the Druk Gyalpo and the Concept of Gross National Happiness for all. By 2023,
Bhutan aims to graduate from the list of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) which would require
holistic capacity development of various sectors of the Bhutanese economy. The 12th Five Year Plan
of Bhutan aims to build a “Just, Harmonious and Sustainable Society through enhanced
Decentralisation”.

 Bhutan was the first country to receive the made in India Covishield vaccines under Ministry of
External Affairs Vaccine Maitri Initiative.
 A total of 550,000 doses of Covishield were given to Bhutan as a gift. The Government of India
delivered total 12 medical consignments to Bhutan containing essential medicines.

 For the 12th Five Year Plan of Bhutan, India is providing an assistance of Nu. /Rs. 45 billion out of
which Nu. /Rs. 28 billion has been earmarked for Project Tied Assistance (PTA) projects. These
projects are spread over various sectors, inter-alia, Health, Education, Agriculture, Economic
Development, ICT, Infrastructure, Urban Development, Technical & Vocational Trainings,
Judiciary, Sports and Capacity building of Public Servants.
 At present, India is supporting 77 Project Tied Assistance (PTA) projects with an outlay of Nu.
/Rs. 28 billion, 526 High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDP)/Small Development
Projects (SDP) at an outlay of Nu. /Rs. 8.5 billion. Apart from this, India has committed Program
Grant development assistance to Bhutan to the tune of Nu. /Rs. 8.5 billion and a transitional
Trade Support Facility (TSF) amounting to Nu. /Rs. 4 billion for Bhutan’s 12th Five Year Plan.
 India will be extending grant assistance of INR 2 billion to the Gyalsung Project - a visionary
initiative of His Majesty the King of Bhutan, which will enable the youth to equip themselves with
critical skills and to contribute in nation-building efforts.
 The two countries have enjoyed longstanding mutually beneficial cooperation in the hydro-sector.
Till date the Government of India has constructed four major hydro-electric projects (HEPs) in
Bhutan totaling 2136 MW. Bhutan exported electricity worth Rs. 2443 crores to India.
Cooperation in New and Emerging Areas

 Ground Earth Station of the South Asia Satellite (SAS) in Thimphu was established under the
space cooperation between India-Bhutan.
 Fin-tech is another new domain of collaboration between India and Bhutan. The RuPay Card was
launched in Bhutan to enable acceptance of payments in Bhutan using RuPay cards issued by
Indian banks and vice-versa thereby enabling the full inter-operability of the flagship digital
project. This is meant to benefit Indian visitors in Bhutan and Bhutanese citizens who travel and
transit to India for education, tourism and work.
 In 2021, India’s Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM) application was launched in Bhutan with the
objective of promoting cashless payments between the two nations.
 The integration of Bhutan’s DrukRen with India’s National Knowledge Network is a key
cooperation in the domain of e-Learning. This integration creates an information highway between
the universities, research institutions, libraries, health-care and agricultural institutions of the two
nations. The network is being actively used by 28 active DrukREN members including the top
universities, colleges and hospital in Bhutan and is benefitting more than 10,000 users.
 The E-library project complements Bhutan's efforts at digital transformation and e-learning. The
project commenced its work in September, 2016 and was handed over to the Ministry of
Education in June 2020. The project includes the development of an e-library portal,
establishment of a data centre in Thimphu Tech Park, creation and management of e-content and
the creation of e-libraries in 49 schools and 12 colleges in each district of Bhutan. The e-library
project is presently benefiting 160,000 high-school students and 9800 college-going students.
17
 In November 2022, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) signed an agreement with the Royal
Monetary Authority of Bhutan (RMA) for providing an additional currency swap support to the
RMA of up to USD 200 million equivalent in INR (approximately INR 1657 crore). This support is
in addition to the extant currency swap support of USD 200 million INR equivalent extended by
the RBI. The swap agreement between the RBI and the RMA is intended to provide a backstop
line of funding for RMA for short-term foreign exchange liquidity requirements or to meet any
balance of payments and liquidity crises. This facility will also help to promote trade and
investment between the two countries.

 Many Bhutanese students benefit from scholarships provided by the GOI for studying in Indian
educational institutions. In addition, many Bhutanese youth also enroll as self-financed students in
Indian universities. During the State visit of Prime Minister of India to Bhutan in 2019, four MOUs
on cooperation in STEM Education were signed between the Royal University of Bhutan and the
Indian Institutes of Technology at Delhi, Bombay, Kanpur and the National Institute of
Technology, Silchar.
 The current offers from India to Bhutan in terms of Scholarship Schemes include the
Ambassador’s Scholarship, prestigious Nehru Wangchuck Scholarship, Five-Year Plan project-
tied assistance based Undergraduate Scholarship, Nalanda University Scholarship, ICCR
Undergraduate Engineering scholarships. ICCR, AYUSH, BIMSTEC and SAARC scholarships
have also provided a strong foundation to the bilateral engagement in education. Bhutanese
students have also been availing of seats at IIT-Kanpur under India-Bhutan Friendship
Scholarship, IIT Gandhinagar Global Fellowship and the Rashtriya Raksha University
Scholarships. Every year, approx. 1,000 Bhutanese students studying in Indian colleges and
institutes benefit from the award of the Ambassador’s Scholarship, which was instituted in 2001.
 Under the capacity-building ITEC program, about 325 slots for the in-person training, along with
unlimited e-ITEC slots, are allotted annually to Bhutan for upgrading administrative and technical
skills of government officials and private sector employees in Bhutan. In 2022, Government of
India also customized special ITEC progammes for training 100 Bhutanese young entrepreneurs
at the prestigious Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Ahmedabad and 30
entrepreneurs at the Indian Institute of Packaging.
 Under Aid to Bhutan Scholarship Scheme of ICCR, 25 slots are allotted annually. Former Foreign
Minister of the Kingdom of Bhutan, Mr. Damcho Dorji was conferred ICCR Distinguished Alumni
Award – 2018 in New Delhi (28 January 2019). Executive Director of Music of Bhutan Research
Centre, Mr. Sonam Dorji was conferred ICCR Distinguished Alumni Award – 2021 in Thimphu (26
May 2022).
18
13. Country: Bosnia and Herzegovina
India and Bosnia & Herzegovina (BiH) enjoy warm and friendly relations and BiH regards India as a
great multi-cultural and multi-religious democracy an objective that BiH aspires to become. BiH has
shown keen interest to further develop and strengthen bilateral cooperation in all fields including
economic and cultural.

 India provided humanitarian assistance of US $ 100,000 to BiH in May 2014, when
unprecedented floods struck the country and more than 60 lives were lost and about 100,000
houses and other properties were destroyed.

 As part of capacity building trainings, nearly 14 professionals from BiH have been trained in India
under ITEC in the previous 9 years since 2014-15.
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14. Country: Botswana
India’s relations with Botswana have been close and friendly. India established diplomatic relations
with Botswana immediately after its independence in 1966 and opened its diplomatic mission in
Gaborone in 1987. Botswana is an active member of Southern African Development Community
(SADC), South African Customs Union (SACU), WTO and other international organizations. A number
of high-level visits have been exchanged between India and Botswana since its independence.

 India donated 30,000 doses of COVISHIELD vaccine manufactured by Serum Institute of India in
March 2021.
 This was the first consignment of COVID-19 vaccines in Botswana. Botswana has also given
Emergency Use Authorization to COVAXIN manufactured by Bharat Biotech, India.

 India donated anti-tuberculosis drugs to the Government of Botswana. Minister of Health Dr.
Edwin G. Dikoloti received the consignment from the High Commissioner on 9 June 2022. While
conveying his gratitude to the Government of India for the donation, Minister Dikoloti said that the
donation will play a crucial role in extending availability of drugs for people in need and improving
quality of life.

 India’s assistance and cooperation with Botswana in institutional capacity building has been a
strong pillar in our bilateral relations.
 Government of India’s Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme,
Professional Courses for Diplomats conducted by the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service,
and University scholarships under ICCR are very popular in Botswana. Since 2015-16 more than
1000 Batswana have visited India under the above scholarships/capacity building programmes.
Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service (SSIFS), New Delhi organized a special training
program for 18 Botswana diplomats in May 2019.
 Under Africa Scholarship Scheme of ICCR, Botswana has been allocated with 48 slots for the
Academic Year 2022-23.
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15. Country: Burundi
India and Burundi enjoy cordial and friendly relations. The opening of Burundi’s resident mission in
New Delhi in 2009 and progressive interactions between political leaderships of the two countries
have lent importance and direction to the relationship.

 Government of India has extended a Line of Credit of US$ 80 million for the 20MW Kabu hydro-
electric project. In this regard, an agreement between the EXIM Bank of India and the
Government of Burundi was signed in May, 2011. The project is likely to be completed by October
2023.
 Two LoCs between India and Burundi for construction of its Parliament building in Gitega [USD
102.27 million] and (ii) construction of two Ministerial buildings in Bujumbura [USD 59.09 million]
signed in July 2019 between EXIM Bank of India and Burundian side. Further process is
underway for selection of Project Management Consultant).
Cooperation in New and Emerging Area

 A project to build and equip a centre for HIV/AIDS prevention, testing and treatment was
completed in December 2012. The Centre provides various health-care services, covering
reproductive health, sexually transmitted diseases, prenatal care and family planning.
 At the second India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-II) in Government of India announced 40
biomass gasifier systems, out of which a cluster bio-mass gasifier system is to be established in
Burundi. These are expected to provide low-cost sustainable electricity in villages by powering a
gas engine.
 At IAFS-II, India also offered, among other things, eight Farm Science Centers (FSCs). FSC is an
innovative institution of the Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) which has played a
pivotal role in application of technology at farm levels in India since 1974. Burundi has been
selected by the East African Community for hosting one such FSC.
 Under IAFS-I, India offered eight Vocational Training Centers (VTCs); one each to the eight
RECs. Burundi was nominated as one of the countries to host the VTC. The centre was
inaugurated in December 2016. It imparts vocational training to people from the region to enable
them to be gainfully employed or become entrepreneurs.
 A tele-medicine centre and a tele-education centre were set up in Bujumbura in 2010 under the
first phase of Pan-African E- Network Project. The project aims to provide quality and real-time
medical care and education from India at a fraction of cost.
 India gifted medicines worth US $ 1.1 million to Burundi in September 2019.
 Gift of 100,000 NCERT text books was handed over to the Education Ministry of Burundi in March
2020.

 Under Africa Scholarship Scheme of ICCR, Burundi has been offered with 10 scholarship slots for
the Academic Year 2023-24.
 Vocational Training Centre inaugurated in 2016.
 40 short capacity building courses under ITEC.
21
16. Country: Cambodia
India-Cambodia relations go back to the 1st century AD when Hindu and Buddhist religious and
cultural influences emanated out of India to various parts of South-East Asia. India-Cambodia bilateral
relations are warm, cordial and both countries cooperate in a number of multilateral and regional fora.

 Government of India has provided 1.977 million paracetamol tablets to Cambodia to assist in their
fight against Covid 19 pandemic.
 Government of India has donated 325,000 doses of made in India vaccines to Cambodia under
Quad initiatives, 324000 doses under COVAX scheme and 10,000 doses commercially.

 Government of India has so far extended Line of Credits (LOC) of US$ 102.12 million to
Cambodia for water development and transmission line projects.
 Further, India offered a grant in aid of US$ 8.5 million for supply and installation of 1500 Afridev
hand-operated pumps to augment supply of drinking water in rural areas of Cambodia.
 Government of India has also provided grant in aid of approximately US$ 3 million for two
projects namely; Siem Reap Basin – Development of Master Plan and Study of Ground Water
Resources of Kampong Speu Province.
 India also assisted in the project for redevelopment of India-Cambodia Friendship school in 2015.
 A grant assistance of US$ 426,000 for making three districts and one commune in Koh Kong
Province, Cambodia land mine free was announced during the visit of Hon`ble Vice President of
India to Cambodia in November 2022. The Agreement for the grant assistance was signed on
August 31, 2023.
 A month-long artificial limb fitment camp by Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti under
India for Humanity initiative of MEA took place in Banteay Meanchey Province of Cambodia
during March 2023. Cambodia Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) was the
partner from the Cambodian side. More than 650 people were fitted with artificial limbs in the
camp.
 Under Quick Impact Project Scheme, it has been decided to offer Indian grant assistance for
implementation of small projects with capital cost of US$ 50000 for socio-economic development
for creation or upgradation of physical infrastructure such as roads, local community centers etc.,
and social infrastructure such as in the education, health, sanitation or community development
sectors. The short gestation projects are aimed to directly benefit local communities, with
immediate and visible results which contribute significantly to economic and social development
and improvement of public welfare and would give fresh impetus to cooperation under Mekong-
Ganga Cooperation.
Special Endeavour: Heritage Restoration

 Government of India was first to respond to an appeal by the Cambodian Government to save the
famous Angkor Wat temples. Various teams of Archaeological Survey of India worked from 1986
to 1993 for the restoration work of Angkor Wat. The Project, financed by the Ministry of External
Affairs (MEA) was the single largest project with the cost of around US$ 4 million, and is still
appreciated by Cambodia. Further on Cambodia’s request, India also agreed to restore Ta Prohm
temple in Siem Reap. Restoration of temple complex at Ta-Prohm has been a major ongoing
project and work by the ASI team has been widely appreciated. Phase II of the project was
completed in July 2015 and the new phase of project will commence soon.
Special Endeavour: Mekong-Ganga Cooperation Initiative, Entrepreneurship Development

Institute
 Under MGC Initiative, Mekong-Ganga Cooperation Asian Traditional Textiles Museum at
Siem Reap, Cambodia has been set up and scholarships are being offered for diverse areas of
study such as Culture, Buddhist, IT, Vocational training etc., to enable scholars from the MGC
countries to study in India.
Special Endeavour: Cambodia India Entrepreneurship Development Institute

 As a part of India's support to the Initiative for ASEAN integration (IAI), Government of India
proposed to set up Entrepreneurship Development Centre, based on the advice of the expert
22
delegation commissioned by the Ministry of External Affairs to undertake a quick need
assessment study for setting up such Centre in the new member countries of ASEAN namely:
Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam (CLMV countries). Entrepreneurship Development
Institute of India (EDII) Ahmedabad, an internationally renowned Institute in the field of
entrepreneurship training, teaching and research was commissioned to help the Government in
executing the project and setting up the Centre in these countries. The Cambodia-India
Entrepreneurship Development Centre (CIEDC) was renamed as Cambodia-India
Entrepreneurship Development Institute (CIEDI) later.

 Capacity building programme by way of training of Cambodian Government and private officials is
part of Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme which was instituted by
Government of India as a bilateral programme of assistance.
 Through this capacity building programme, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India
assists Cambodian Government/Semi-Government and private officials in improving their skills in
the fields like Account, Audit, Banking and Finance / Environmental and Renewable Energy / IT,
Telecommunication and English / Management / SME, Rural Development and many Technical
and Specialized courses by more many premier training institutions of excellence in their
respective areas spread in different parts of India.
 Around 1500 Cambodian officials have benefitted from the ITEC scholarship programme till date.
Capacity building through ITEC programmes is highly appreciated by the Cambodian officials and
majority of the officials selected enthusiastically attend the respective courses. In addition to
getting training, this also provides them opportunity to get exposure to diverse Indian culture,
cuisine and climate and establish and nurture people-to-people relationship between India and
Cambodia.
 For the Academic Year 2022-23, Cambodia has been allocated with 8 slots under Atal bihari
Vajpayee General Scholarship Scheme (ABVGSS) of ICCR & 10 slots under Mekong Ganga
Cooperation Scholarship Scheme.
 Secretary of State in Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation, Mrs. Eat Sophea was
conferred ICCR Distinguished Alumni Award 2021 in Phnom Penh (29 August 2022).
 ICCR is administrating a Chair of Buddhist Studies at PSRB University, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
MoU valid till September, 2025 (Chair is currently occupied).
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17. Country: Cameroon
Relations between India and Cameroon have been friendly and cordial. The Cameroonian leaders
appreciate India’s contributions to Africa, its secular democracy and economic progress and the
leadership it provided to the Non-Aligned Movement. Cameroon actively supported Indian candidature
for the Commonwealth Secretary General. The High Commissioner in Abuja is concurrently
accredited to Cameroon.

Govt. of India has provided 174000 Paracetamol tablets to Govt. and people of Cameroon during
COVID-19 pandemic. GoI has provided 391200 doses of made in India vaccines to Cameroon under
Covax scheme to assist in their fight against Covid 19 pandemic.

 In May 2009, a $ 37.65 million Indian Line of Credit (LoC) for Cameroon funding a project each of
Rice and Maize Farm Plantation was operationalized. In September 2012, India and Cameroon
signed on a new LOC of $ 42 million for Cassava plantation project in Cameroon.
 India gifted 60 tractors to Cameroon in 2007.
 Cameroon signed a commercial loan agreement with Exim Bank of India worth USD 93.50 million
for construction of 225 kV Nkongsamba - Bafoussam and Yaounde – AbongMbang Transmission
Line. The project was handed over to an Indian company “Kalpataru” in November 2019 was
completed and handed over to Cameroon in July 2022.
 Cameroon signed another commercial agreement with EXIM Bank of India worth US$ 164.69
million for construction of project (400 KV, 226 Km transmission lines and two numbers 400/225
KV terminal sub-stations).
 In June 2022 assistance of US$ 1 million was given from I-UNDP fund for the project- Scaling up
rural household’s use of renewable energy and energy efficient technologies.
Cooperation in New and Emerging Area

 A Triangular Development Cooperation Project involving GIZ (Germany), UHSB (India) and IARD
(Cameroon) for the pilot project in Cameroon on Potato Seed Production through Rooted Apical
Cuttings (RAC) Technology was implemented. This project has been a big success. The
successful completion of this project will further enhance cooperation in the agricultural sector.

 India has been supporting Cameroon’s efforts in capacity building under Indian Technical and
Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme since 1964. India offers 32 training slots under ITEC to
Cameroon annually and during the year all the slots were utilized. 3 slots have been allocated to
Cameroon under the Africa Scholarship Scheme of ICCR.
 Consequent to the third India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-III) held in New Delhi in October 2015,
India has been offering additional training programmes to Cameroon in diverse subjects ranging
from Agriculture to Hydropower. In 2017-18, 4 Cameroonians have been trained under India-
Africa Forum Summit-III (IAFS-III) Programmes in the prominent training Institutes in India.
24
18. Country: Central African Republic
India and Central African Republic [CAR] enjoy friendly relations. CAR has supported India’s
candidature at various international forums. Both countries are keen to strengthen the existing
relations.

 India extended an LoC of $29.5 million to set up a 400 MT/day cement plant in Bangui. CAR
availed a line of credit of $20 million from India for limestone mining for the cement plant in
Bangui.
 India provided CAR with a line of credit of $5.5 million to purchase 100 buses, spare parts, and to
construct a bus workshop. India supplied CAR with the buses and spare parts, constructed the
bus workshop and handed it over to CAR authorities by 2011.
 CAR and India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in March 2010 to establish
an Information Technology (IT) Centre for Excellence in Bangui. In September 2010, they signed
an MoU to establish two learning stations under the Hole-in-Wall Computer Education
project. The two stations were opened in August 2011. Under the Pan-African e-Network project,
India set up tele-education, tele-medicine and VVIP connectivity in Bangui.

 Citizens of CAR are eligible for scholarships under the Indian Technical and Economic
Cooperation Programme (ITEC) and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations. Many Central
African women have attended the ITEC training course on solar electrification and rooftop water
harvesting at Barefoot College in Tilonia, Rajasthan.
 33 Slots under ITEC during 2010-2020. 1 slot of IAFS was also utilized in 2012-13. 4 CAR women
availed of ITEC training in solar electrification and rooftop water harvesting course at Barefoot
College, Rajasthan during 2014-15.
 Under Africa Scholarship Scheme of ICCR, 1 slot has been allocated to CAR for the Academic
Year 2022-23.
25
19. Country: Chad
Relations between India and Chad are very cordial and India enjoys great goodwill and admiration in
the Republic of Chad. High level contacts and cooperation between India and Chad have picked up
since 2004 with many bilateral Visits & High-level interactions.

 India donated 5,000 metric tonnes of rice to Chad in 2004. India provided Chad with lines of
credit worth $50 million, in 2005, for five manufacturing projects under the Techno-Economic
Approach for Africa–India Movement (TEAM-9) initiative. The projects include setting up a bicycle
manufacturing, a plant for manufacturing and assembly of agricultural tractors, power tillers,
trailers and implements, a steel billet plant and rolling mill, a cotton yarn plant, and a fruit juice
plant.
 Chad signed an agreement on 19 January 2012 to avail a $40.32 million line of credit for four
projects in the country - a solar rural electrification project ($15 million), the addition of weaving
and processing capacities to a spinning mill ($15.90 million), establishing a compost production
unit ($7.20 million), a production unit for livestock feed ($2.22 million). In November 2013, the
plan for a livestock feed plant was replaced an animal feed plant, and a line of credit worth $9.3
million was provided. In May 2012, India provided a line of credit of $18.08 million to establish a
pharmaceutical manufacturing plant.
 The Government of Chad signed an MoU to implement the Pan-African e-Network project in May
2009.
 In May 2019 assistance of US$ 600000 was given from I-UNDP fund for project- Resilience of
vulnerable populations.

 Citizens of Chad are eligible for scholarships under the Indian Technical and Economic
Cooperation Programme and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations. Chadian diplomats have
also attended the Professional Course for Foreign Diplomats (PCFD) organized by the Foreign
Service Institute of the Ministry of External Affairs. Chadian nationals have also received Hindi
language training fellowships in India.
 Under Africa Scholarship Scheme of ICCR, 8 slots have been allocated to Chad for the Academic
Year 2022-23.
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20. Country: Chile
India-Chile relations are characterized by warmth, friendship and a commonality of views on a wide
range of issues. The bilateral relations have strengthened over the years with the exchange of high-
level visits.

 India and Chile have signed Agreements/ MoUs covering various fields of cooperation such as
Sports, S&T, Antarctica, Defence, Air Services, Agriculture, New and Renewable Energy,
Education, Outer Space, Geology and Mineral Resources, and Gainful employment of spouses
and eligible dependents of diplomatic personnel.
 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the Government of the Republic
of India and the Government of the Republic of Chile for cooperation in the field of Agriculture and
Allied sectors.

 As part of capacity building trainings, nearly 293 professionals from Chile have been trained in
27
21. Country: Colombia
Colombia and India established diplomatic relations on January 19, 1959 and will complete 60 years
in 2019. In March 1972, Colombia opened its embassy in New Delhi, India. The following year India
established its embassy in Bogota. In these years, the relationship between the two countries has
expanded in political, commercial and cultural fields. India and Colombia have had friendly and cordial
bilateral relations.

 Mission facilitated approval for multiple orders of Paracetamol for Colombian companies due to
outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic.

 An MoU on cooperation in Science and Technology between India and Colombia was signed in
June 2005.
 An MoU on Bamboo Applications and R&D was signed between India and Colombia in November
2009. Under the MoU, Department of Science and Technology - the nodal agency from the Indian
side - designated the National Mission of Bamboo Applications (NMBA) as the partner institute. A
Colombian delegation visited India in October 2015 to pursue the implementation of the MOU on
bamboo applications.
 Colombia is one of the founder members of the NAM S&T Centre in New Delhi. Colombia signed
the Centre’s Statute in February 1985 in New York. COLCIENCIAS (the predecessor of Ministry
of Science, Technology and Innovation) has been representing Colombia as the Focal Point of
the NAM S&T Centre.
 More than 15 scientists from Colombia have participated in the activities organized by the NAM
S&T Centre with full financial support of the GOI. The NAM S&T Centre also has active
cooperation with the Maloka Science Centre, Bogotá.
 On 29 November 2018, ISRO successfully launched defence nano-satellite ( FACSAT 1) of
Colombian Air Force on the launch vehicle PSLV. It was the first ever Colombian Air Force nano-
satellite. This was historic occasion in bilateral relations showcasing India’s prowess in space
sciences.
 In September 2021, India and Colombia signed an MoU for cooperation in the peaceful uses of
space.
 India and Colombia signed an MoU for cooperation in Health in 2010.
 In September-October 2021, a high level health delegation from Colombia visited India to explore
areas of cooperation in health and pharmaceutical research including joint production of vaccines.
During the visit, a Letter of Intent between Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR),
Department of Health Research (DHR), New Delhi, India and the Ministry of Health & Social
Protection, Bogota, Colombia and the Ministry of Science, Technology & Innovation, Bogota,
Colombia for collaboration in various areas of health and bio-medical research was signed in New
Delhi on 2 October 2021.
 Colombian Engineers were imparted to training at Central Electronics Limited Sahibabad in
upkeep and maintenance of the energy unit of the donated solar lighting system in Tayrona
National Park in Colombian city of Santa Marta.

 Colombia has annually offered 8 to 9 scholarships for Language Assistants from 2017 – 2020.
Another 8 scholarships to tourist guide to learn Spanish in Colombia were offered in 2017 and
2018.
 Colombian health professionals participated in the e-ITEC programme ‘Managing COVID-19
Pandemic- Experiences and Best Practices of India’ from 11-15 May 2020 and in a related course
on 18 April 2020, both of which were organized by PGI Chandigarh.
 Under the ITEC programme, 25 school teachers have been trained in teaching of English
language every year since 2015. The first ITEC festival to promote awareness of ITEC
scholarships was held in the Embassy in May 2018.
 In 2018-19, 91 ITEC slots were utilized by Colombia. In 2019-20, the number of ITEC slots for
Colombia was increased to 100, out of which 77 slots were utilized. The last ITEC day was
celebrated at the Embassy in September 2021 over the virtual platform.
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22. Country: Costa Rica
India and Costa Rica enjoy cordial and warm relations, which are being strengthened by the growing
commercial engagement between the two countries. Following India’s appointment of an Honorary
Consul in San Jose in 1995, Costa Rica reciprocated by opening an Honorary Consulate in New Delhi
in 1996. Costa Rica opened its Embassy in New Delhi in April 2010. The Indian Embassy in Panama
is concurrently accredited to Costa Rica. India appointed its Honorary Consul General in San Jose in
2022.

 India’s assistance to Costa Rica includes, donation of photovoltaic equipment worth Rs.1.85
million in 1997 for setting up a solar energy research laboratory for training purposes at the
University of Heredia under the ITEC programme.
 Donation of a telephone exchange to Costa Rica’s telecom operator ICE in 1998.
 Relief assistance of US$ 25,000 to help rehabilitate flood victims in 1996.
 India also donated 18 Bajaj 3-wheelers in Dec 2005 to be used by the police department of San
Jose.
 India donated US$ 100,000 for relief and rehabilitation of victims of Hurricane Tomas in Nov
2010.
 A Centre of Excellence in Information Technology (CEIT) was installed by C-DAC at National
Technical University (UTN), Alajuela, Costa Rica and the Centre was inaugurated in March 2016
and three Aptech trainers were deployed in September 2016 for 2 years to impart training to
Costa Ricans.

 As part of capacity building trainings, nearly 209 professionals from Costa Rica have been trained
in India under ITEC since 2002. Of these, 51 professionals have been trained just in the previous
9 years since 2014-15.
 The ITEC programme is popular in Costa Rica and 20 ITEC slots were allocated for the year
2018-19, which have been doubled to 40 slots as announced during the HVPI Visit to Costa Rica
in March 2019.
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23. Country: Cuba
Relationship with Cuba on the bilateral front has been traditionally warm and friendly, and an excellent
cooperation at multilateral level. India supports Cuba since its Revolution in 1959 in all their efforts to
become a developed nation, both socially and economically. India was amongst the first countries to
extend recognition to Cuba after the Revolution. Both countries have maintained close contacts with
each other in various international fora, being founding members of NAM, International Solar Alliance,
etc. Development Cooperation with Cuba has been an important element of our relationship. It is
multidimensional in nature.

 During the first wave of COVID-19 India donated 524 boxes of lifesaving medicines to Cuba.

 In early 1990s, India supported Cuba in the form of aid when it was passing through severe
economic crisis. A 5Kw solar power plant was donated to Cuba under Indian Technical and
Economic Cooperation in 1995. It was followed by a one-time post commissioning spare parts
support worth around US$ 650 thousand.
 Government of India granted an aid of US$ 2 million in cash as disaster relief assistance to Cuba
in the wake of massive devastation caused by the hurricanes ‘Gustav’, ‘Ike’ and ‘Paloma’ during
August and September 2008. In 2008, Government of India wrote off the principal and interest of
US$62 million debt owed to India. The donation was a measure of solidarity towards the friendly
people of Cuba. Later in 2016, in the aftermath of Hurricane ‘Mathew’, India announced donation
of medical supplies worth USD 1 million. Government of India approved an aid of US$ 150,000 as
an emergency financial assistance to Cuba aftermath the Hurricane ‘Irma’ in September 2017.
 For the development of agriculture and food security, 60 tractors and other agricultural equipment,
worth around US$ 6,25,000/-, were donated by Government of India. Euro 100 million was given
as short-term loan by Government of India in June 2022 for procurement of rice from India by
Cuba, which was fully utilized by July 2023. 166,945 MT of rice was supplied under this.
 The other dimension of our cooperation is the soft loan by way of Line of Credit (LoC) for
developmental projects in Cuba on agro-food and energy security.
 The LoC of US$ 2.71 million for Bulk blending fertilizer Plant in Cienfuegos was signed in
November 2014. The project was completed in 2019, and plant is used for blending NPK
fertilizers for agricultural use.
 The LoC of US$ 5.05 million for Modernization of injectable products plant in Havana was signed
in November 2014. The project is near completion. Once completed, the plant will help Cuba
meet the domestic demand of the veterinarian pharmaceutical products and lower the imports
dependency, which would have positive effects on the financial balance as well.
 Three of the total five LoCs, to the tune of US$ 235.30 million, are in renewable energy sector to
assist Cuba’s energy security. These projects are in different tendering/DPR stages. The LoC of
US$ 90.30 million for setting up a 50 MW co-generation power project at the Sugar Mill "30 de
noviembre" in Artemisa province was signed in April 2018. After initial assessments, the project
has now been adjusted for 35MW. The LoC of US$ 70 million for Setting up a 51 MW wind energy
farm in Holguin was signed in April 2018. And the LoC of US$ 75 million for Installation of 75
MWp photovoltaic Solar parks in Cuba was signed in July 2019. Under the solar energy project,
solar parks will be installed in different locations across the Cuba to fulfill the energy needs of the
communities.
 As part of capacity building trainings, nearly 783 professionals from Cuba have been trained in
 In addition, several courses organized by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations and the
Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service have benefited Cuban citizens and diplomats over the
years.
 India donated an IT Centre – India Cuba Knowledge Centre- to Cuba for two years in 2006 and
later extended it for another year.
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24. Country: Democratic Republic of Congo
India always had a cordial and friendly relationship with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
India was among the first countries to establish a diplomatic mission in Kinshasa. India sent its
Gurkha troops to DRC during 1960-62, under ONUC, for countering the rebellion in Katanga. Around
2000 peacekeepers are presently deployed under MONUSCO.
Cooperation to tackle the challenge of COVID-19 pandemic

 India has extended humanitarian assistance of 50,000 doses of Covid-19 vaccine to the
Government and people of DR Congo and 1.71 million doses under Covax scheme.

The following GOI Grants and LoCs have been extended to the DRC:
 60 “Sonalika” tractors with accessories & spares worth US$ 0.66 million [2006- 07];
 US$ 1 million for supply of medicines [2008-09];
 A MoU for setting up an IT Centre of Excellence in Kinshasa is under consideration;
 Tele-education and Tele-medicine projects have been implemented under the Pan African e-
network project.
 MoU on the e-Vidya Bharti and e-Arogya Bharti (e-VBAB) was signed with the DRC Government
in August 2019.
 In March 2021, India donated 50,000 made in India Covid vaccines to DRC.
 US$ 33.5 million for setting up a cement plant and acquisition of buses for the urban transport
sector (2005-06). The supply of buses and spares have been completed;
 US$ 25 million Rural Water Supply Project was completed in 2011;
 US$ 42 million Kakobola 9.3 MW Hydropower Project, Bandundu Province (2010). The Project
has been completed and handed over to the Government of DR Congo.
 LoCs of US$ 34.50 million for the Development of Transmission and Distribution Line Project for
evacuation of power from Kakobola Hydropower Project was signed on 28th May, 2015. The
project is expected to begin in early February 2019.
 LoCs of US$ 168 million for the Katende Hydropower Project (64 MW), in the Kasai Occidental
Province, was signed in July 2011 and the contract awarded to a consortium, however, selection
of a new contractor is under process. Addition LoC of US$ 82 Million in 2014 and US $ 180
Million in 2023 were also provided to this project. A grant of US $ 20 Million was given this year.
 Agreement for a LoCs of US$ 109.942 million for Transmission and Distribution Line Project for
the evacuation of power from the Katende Hydropower Project was signed on 28th May, 2015. 6
Solar photo voltaic power projects:
o In December 2018, GoI approved an LoC of US$ 33.29 million for installation of 15 MW
Solar Photovoltaic Power Project at Karawa, Province North Ubangi. Process to
implement the LoC is underway;
Solar Photovoltaic Power Project at Lusambo, Province Sankuru. Process to implement
the LoC is underway;
Solar Photovoltaic Power Project at Mbandaka, Province Equator.
o In July 2019, Government of India approved an LoC of USD 56.824 million for 15 MW
Photovoltaic Power Plant and Electrical Network Solar Project at Tshilenge (to be
installed at Mbuji-Mayi),
Photovoltaic Power Plant and Electrical Network Solar Project at Gemena and,
Photovoltaic Power Plant and Electrical Network Solar Project at Manono.

 The Government of India under the aegis of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) is
offering three scholarship slots for the Democratic Republic of Congo nationals, one slot for
Gabonese nationals, and one slot for nationals of Central African Republic under the Atal Bihari
Vajpayee General Scholarship Scheme (A1201) (formerly General Scholarship Scheme) for the
academic year 2023-24.
31
 666 ITEC slots were utilized during 2007 to March 2018. 78 slots were utilized in 2019-19 and 80
slots were utilized in 2019-20
 9 DRC officials benefited from various training courses offered under IAFS-I during 2010-11. 8, 5
and 2 officials attended training under IAFS-II during 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14 respectively.
14 officials attended training under IAFS-III in 2019-20
 7 Congolese women (‘Solar Mamas’) were trained in solar electrification and rooftop water
harvesting course at Barefoot College, Rajasthan under ITEC Programme during 2010-11, 2013-
14 and 2014-15.
 13 ICCR scholarships were utilized during 2012-13, 14 during 2013-14, 7 during 2016-17 and 6
during 2017-18, 15 during 2018-19.
 Two DRC scholars availed of the prestigious CV Raman International Fellowship for African
Researchers in 2014 and 2017.
 e-VBAB project related to tele-education and tele-medicine has become operational in 2020 and
many applicants are taking benefit. Till July 2021 Mission has approved 47 applications of
candidates for various courses.
 In October 2022 one Congolese diplomat participated in three weeks long PCFD course for
foreign diplomats at SSIFS, New Delhi.
 In January 2023 one Congolese participant attended 3 rd Annual disarmament and International
Security Affairs Fellowship Programme at SSIFS, New Delhi.
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25. Country: Djibouti
Historical linkages, cultural affinities and people to people contact between Djibouti and India dates
back prior to India’s independence in 1947 and Djibouti’s independence in 1977. Indian seafarers and
traders from Gujarat and Kerala frequently visited the port of Adulis for trading in spices and silk for
gold and ivory. The Honorary Consul of India started functioning in Djibouti in 1969 before Djibouti’s
independence in 1977. While Djibouti opened its Embassy in New Delhi in 2004, India opened its
resident Mission in Djibouti in 2019.

 India has provided 24,000 doses of Covid-19 vaccine to Djibouti under Covax scheme in March
2021.
 India provided 50 metric tons of food aid (Sugar, Rice and Wheat Flour) to Djibouti in November
2020.
 A consignment of medicines, consisting of 428 packets weighing 5954 kg was gifted to the
Ministry of Health, Government of Djibouti in April 2021.

 Government of India extended a grant of USD 5 million to build Mahatma Gandhi Centre for
Leadership and Entrepreneurship (MGCLE) in January 2017. The project was completed and
inaugurated in November 2018. The Centre is being run successfully and various training courses
are conducted there. It is being utilized by the budding entrepreneurs.
 EXIM Bank has extended four GOI supported Line of Credits aggregating USD 50.39 million to
the Government of Djibouti in four tranches for the construction of cement plant at Ali Sabieh.

 Under ITEC programme, India is extending support to Djibouti for capacity building. So far, about
50 professionals from Djibouti have benefitted from it.
 Similarly, ICCR scholarships are extended to Djiboutian students for pursuing higher education in
India. So far, about 66 Djiboutian students have benefitted from ICCR scholarships.
 Indian embassy in collaboration with the Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti, Jaipur and
ANPH, Djibouti organized an Artificial Limbs Fitment Camp in Djibouti in December 2021. 192
persons benefitted from the Camp with 197 artificial limbs fitted by the BMVSS team.
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26. Country: Dominica
India enjoys traditionally cordial bilateral relations with Commonwealth of Dominica since the
diplomatic relations established in 1981. There is excellent cooperation between the two countries in
multilateral forums, including supporting each other’s candidatures.

 The Medical aid donated by the Government of India for the people and Government of
Commonwealth of Dominica to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19, was formally handed over
to Commonwealth of Dominica at a virtual ceremony held in August 2020.
 Under the Vaccine Maitri Initiative, Government of India donated 70,000 doses of the Covishield
vaccine to Dominica on February 9 2021.
 An MoU on mutual recognition of COVID vaccines between India and Dominica was signed on
May 7, 2021.

 India has been at the forefront in extending humanitarian assistance to Dominica during natural
disaster that struck Dominica from time to time: US$ 100,000 in December 2011 (Hurricane
Ophelia), US$ 300,000 in December 2013 (flash floods), US$ 200,000 in August 2015 (tropical
storm Erica), and US$ 100,000 as immediate relief and US$ 1 million in September 2017 for
infrastructure reconstruction under India-UNDP (Hurricane Maria) – used for reconstructing
housing sector.
 Donation of medicines: On a request from the Dominican Government for donation of medicines
for their public hospitals, GOI has provided medicines, under GOI Grant-in-aid scheme in 2016.
 In September 2020 an assistance of US$ 1 million was given from i-UNDP fund for rehabilitation
of Salisbury education facility post hurricane Maria.
 In February 2021 assistance of US$ 1 million was given from I-UNDP fund for the project-
Strengthening sustainable livelihoods and resilience in the Kalinago territory.

 India has been contributing to capacity building of the Commonwealth of Dominica (CD) by
providing training to its personnel under the ITEC programme at various training institutions in
India.
 As part of capacity building trainings, nearly 71 professionals from Dominica have been trained in
 The Government of India has recently increased the number of annual training slots from 5 to 10
for Dominican nationals. Courses mostly sought after by Dominica are in the areas of IT,
Accounts and Financial Management, HRD, SMEs, etc.
 Centre for Excellence in IT (CEIT): Following the signing of MoU on setting up of a Centre of
Excellence in IT in Dominica in October 2011 under bilateral cooperation programme between
Dominica and India, the Centre has recently been set up. India established the CEIT in June 2016
at an approximate cost of US$ 5,06,000. It was set up by C-DAC at Dominican State College. The
first batch graduated in June 2017. More than 600 candidates have benefited out of the centre so
far
 On request of the Dominican Government, an agriculture and horticulture expert from National
Research Centre for Banana, Thiruchirapalli visited Dominica for a month in January 2011 to
advise the Dominican Government on horticulture
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27. Country: Dominican Republic (DR)
Bilateral relations between India and the Dominican Republic (DR) have been friendly and continue to
deepen in all spheres. Diplomatic relations between India and Dominican Republic were established
in May, 1999. Dominican Republic opened its Embassy in New Delhi on 1st May 2006. India opened
its resident Embassy in Santo Domingo on 1st January 2022. EAM Dr. S Jaishankar paid an official
visit to Dominican Republic from 27-29 April 2023 and inaugurated the Embassy together with DR
Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez in the presence of Vice President Raquel Peña, President of Senate
and Ministers of Defence and Higher Education. DR was one of the first signatories of the Framework
Agreement on International Solar Alliance. It is also an active member of CDRI. Vice President Raqel
Peña paid an official visit to India from 3-5 October 2023

 In April 2020, India had donated 200,000 tablets of Hydroxychloroquine. India again donated
second tranche of 536 boxes of medicines weighing 7170 kgs and protective gears. The donation
included antibiotics, analgesics, antiviral, vitamins, diuretics, surgical gowns and gloves, as well
as sampling tubes, swabs and thermometers, among other supplies.
 Under the Vaccine Maitri Initiative, SII (Serum Institute of India) supplied 20,000 doses of
Covishield vaccines to Dominican Republic (DR) in February 2021 as part of a commercial deal
between the DR Government and SII.
 Second and final tranche of 90,000 doses of vaccines reached in January 2022. Separately in
February 2021, India donated 30,000 doses of Covishield vaccines to DR.

 A large quantity of life saving drugs worth USD 50,000 was donated to Dominican Republic in
March 2006. There had been widespread damage to life and property in Dominican Republic due
the Tropical Storm Noel in Oct-Nov 2007. Upon the official request of the Government of
Dominican Republic, India donated the medicines as humanitarian assistance.

 18 DR professionals were trained at a customized course on Cyber Security and Malware
Analytics from 21 November 2022 to 16 December 2022 at C-DAC, Mohali. In another special
course on Remote Sensing, 14 Dominican professionals were trained at IIRS, Dehradun from 9
January to 3 March 2023.
 2 Dominican professionals attended the UNIspace Nano Satellite Assembly & Training (UNNATI)
organized by ISRO from 15 October 2022 to 15 December 2022 at UR Rao Satellite Centre,
Bengaluru.
 DR is also being offered slots under PCFD programme run by the SSIFS. Till date 13 DR
diplomats have undergone training programmes at SSIFS including a special course for 8
diplomats in 2018. In June 2021, a special virtual session on ‘Reformed Multilateralism’ was
organized by SSIFS with the participation of 72 diplomats/students from INESDYC (DR
Diplomatic Institute) and diplomats from their Missions in Geneva and New York. The 2nd special
course for 21 DR diplomats was successfully organized at SSIFS from 20-29 September 2023.
 MoD also, for the first time, included DR under ITEC Defence programme starting from the
academic year 2023-24. Two courses are offered to DR.
 A group of Dominican youth leaders comprising of Luis Báez, Deputy Representative of the
Province of Peravia; Natalia Mármol, Civil Rights Activist; and Roselvis Vargas, Strategic
Communication Advisor of the Social Policy Cabinet of the Presidency participated in ICCR’s 6th
GenNext Program from 10-19 October 2022.
 Since 1999, Government of India has been offering annual slots to the Dominican Republic for
training in various institutions in India under the ITEC programme. As part of capacity building
trainings, nearly 97 professionals from Dominican Republic have been trained in India under ITEC
since 2002. Of these, 57 professionals have been trained just in the previous 9 years since 2014-
15.
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28. Country: Ecuador
India-Ecuador established diplomatic relations in 1969. The Embassy of India in Bogota is
concurrently accredited to Ecuador. Initially, Ecuador opened its Embassy in New Delhi in 1973,
which functioned till 1977. The Ecuadorian Embassy re-opened in February 2005 and a Consulate
General in Mumbai was established in 2013.

 In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, India donated 1,00,000 tablets of HCQ to Ecuador on the
request of the Embassy of Ecuador in New Delhi and facilitated export of 1.5 million HCQ tablets
on commercial basis. Commercial export of paracetamol to Ecuador was also approved.
 On 14 August 2020, 4,00,000 HCQ tablets, 8000 units of Metronidazole and 8,000 units of
Intravenous Paracetamol were donated to Ecuador.

 Government of India donated medicines for relief to the victims of a severe earthquake in 1987.
 On the request of Ecuador, India donated medicines, worth USD 1 million through two separate
donations in 2008 and 2010.
 Government of India donated 15 tonnes of medicines/equipment worth Rs. 1,61,29,957 to
Ecuador in the wake of 16 April 2016 earthquake.
 Over the last few years, the Mission has been receiving Grant-in-Aid from Ministry of Culture,
which is being utilized for yoga, Gandhi@150 related events, etc. through groups and Association
of Friends of India who are involved in the promotion of promoting Indian culture and heritage.
 In June 2007, a Line of Credit (LoC) of USD 50 million to Ecuador was announced.

 In 2007-08, at the request of Ecuador, a special IT course was conducted exclusively for 56
Ecuadorean nationals.
 A special course on “Science Technology and Innovation Policy” for 25 Ecuadorian universities
Rectors was organized at the Indian Institute of Science in February - March 2020.
 In August 2009, a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a Center of Excellence in
Information Technology (CEIT) was signed in Quito with the Institute of High National Studies.
The CEIT was established in the North Technical University [Universidad de Norte (UTN)], in the
city of Ibarra. The CEIT-UTN became operational in May 2015. With the help of three C-DAC
experts sent from India to train Ecuadorean nationals, the CEIT remained operational till April
2017 and trained 816 people.
 In November 2015, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Indian Institute of
Technology Bombay and University of Cuenca of Ecuador in higher education cooperation for
promotion of scientific research and academic exchanges.
 In 2019-20, a special course on “Science Technology and Innovation Policy” for 25 Ecuadorian
universities Rectors was organized at the Indian Institute of Science.
 As part of capacity building trainings, nearly 345 professionals from Ecuador have been trained in
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29. Country: Egypt
India and Egypt, two of the world’s oldest civilizations, have enjoyed a history of close contact from
ancient times. Even prior to the Common Era, Ashoka’s edicts refer to his relations with Egypt under
Ptolemy II. India and Egypt share close political understanding based on long history of contacts and
cooperation in bilateral, regional and global issues.
The new thrust to bilateral ties comes at a critical moment in India’s emergence as a key player in
evolving geopolitical relations as a voice of the “Global South”, and as a rising economic power. The
India-Egypt strategic partnership is to be built on four pillars that have formed the core of the
relationship — politics, defence and security; economic engagement; academic and scientific
exchanges; cultural and people-to-people contacts.

 The grants-in-aid projects include: Pan Africa Tele-medicine and Tele-education project in
Alexandria University, Solar electrification project in Agaween village and Vocational Training
Centre for textile technology in Shoubra, Cairo, which have been completed. An IT Centre in Al
Azhar University, CEIT, is also operational since February 2019. The proposal for setting up of
Centre of Excellence of IT at Dar-al-Ifta of Egypt is under process.

 The Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme was launched in 1964 as a
bilateral programme of assistance of the Government of India. Being essentially bilateral in
nature, ITEC is about cooperation and partnership for mutual benefit. It is demand-driven and
response-oriented.
 Over the past few years, hundreds of Egyptian government officials have benefited from this
programme. There are various training programmes under ITEC and India Africa Forum Summit-
III (IAFS-III). Since the year 2010, nearly 1,000 Egyptians have travelled to India under the
ITEC/IAFS-III Programmes.
 Technical cooperation and assistance have been a major part of our bilateral relationship. Since
2000, over 1600 Egyptian officials have benefited from ITEC and other programs like ICCR and
IAFS scholarships. We have also organized a special course for Egyptian diplomats and in 2019
at FSI.
 Government of India also offers CV Raman International Fellowship for African Researchers
every year where Egyptian scholars can undertake research in science and technology in
prestigious Indian Research and Development (R&D) institutions. The programme has started in
the year 2010 and so far, more than 40 Egyptian scientists benefited from the programme.
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30. Country: El Salvador
El Salvador and India enjoy close and friendly relations. The Embassy of India in Guatemala is
concurrently accredited to El Salvador. El Salvador opened its Embassy with a resident Ambassador
in New Delhi in 2008.

 During COVID times; India supplied essential medicines and PPE kits.

 India’s development cooperation has been robust with El Salvador. Over the years, India has
been supportive to El Salvador and supplied medicines during the 1998 Hurricane Mitch and in
August 2005.
 In January 2023 assistance of US$ 1 million was given from I-UNDP fund for the project- Reading
at home.

 So far, 208 Salvadorans have been trained in India under India Technical and Economic
Cooperation scholarships. Five Salvadorian diplomats have been trained at SSIFS under the
Professional Course for Foreign Diplomats (PCFD) Programme in 2005, 2012, 2016, 2017 and
2022.
 36 participants from Secretariat of State from El Salvador participated Special Course for Diplo-
mats organized by Sushma Swaraj Indian Foreign Service Institute in New Delhi from 31 st July to
11th August 2023.
 Similarly, as a part of ‘ITEC On Site’ programme, a four-member Indian Mining Expert delegation
visited El Salvador from 3-7 October 2022. During their visit, they visited different abandoned
mining sites for further studies across El Salvador with the accompanying delegation from the
Ministry of Economy of El Salvador.
 The IT Centre was established and functioned for 2 years successfully with the assistance of
Government of India through NIIT. On the request of El Salvador, it was further extended by one
year and after successful completion of the period, the IT Centre was handed over to Salvadoran
authorities in June 2011.
 As part of capacity building trainings, nearly 230 professionals from El Salvador have been
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31. Country: Equatorial Guinea
India and Equatorial Guinea (EG) have traditionally enjoyed warm and a friendly relation even prior to
latter’s independence in 1968. EG established its diplomatic resident mission in New Delhi in October
2016. The goodwill relations got culminated with the opening of Indian Mission in Malabo in March
2019.

 On 8 June 2020, Government of India donated medicine and medical equipment to Equatorial
Guinea to display her solidarity with Equatorial Guinea in fighting against Covid-19 pandemic.

 Hon’ble President of India paid a first-ever high-level visit to Equatorial Guinea announced
“Establishment of Vocational Training Center & English Language Laboratory in Equatorial
Guinea” and “a special English Language Training Course for the officials of EG Foreign Ministry”
during his visit in April 2018.
 A cash grant of USD 15,000/- was presented by the First Lady of India to CANIGE School and
Sampaka Psychiatric Care Centre in Malabo.
 President of Equatorial Guinea visited India on 11 March, 2018 along with an 88-member
delegation to attend the Founding Conference of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and on the
sidelines of this Summit held bilateral discussions with Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra
Modi. Equatorial Guinea signed and ratified the ISA agreement.
 In March, 2022, GOI organised Artificial Limbs Fitment Camp in EG. More than 100 EG nationals
benefited from the Camp.

 32 slots are allocated under ITEC programme and 4 slots under ICCR’s Africa Scholarship
Scheme annually. However, a total of 40 ITEC slots have been utilized by EG.
 4 Equatoguinean diplomats attended the special course organized by Sushma Swaraj Foreign
Service Institute, New Delhi in May 2019 and 4 diplomats in 2022.
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32. Country: Eritrea
Indian traders were familiar with the Eritrean port of Massawa since the 17th century. India formally
recognized Eritrea soon after its dejure independence on 24 May 1993 from Ethiopia. Over the years,
India has been providing capacity building assistance in several fields to Eritrea including legislative
drafting, technical scholarships (agriculture, education, health, handicrafts etc.), and also food aid.

 In 2003 India donated 50 metric tonnes of wheat to Eritrea. Earlier, India had provided 150 metric
tonnes of wheat and 20 metric tonnes of sugar to Eritrea as relief assistance.
 In November 2020 India donated food aid of 50 MT to Eritrea consisting of 30 MT of white wheat
flour, 10 MT of rice and 10 MT of sugar.
 In 2009 Indian Government extended a Line of Credit of US$ 20 million to the Eritrean
Government.
 Government of India’s Pan-African e-network project for Eritrea was inaugurated in August 2010.
All three nodes (VVIP, medical and education) were functional.
 Two screenings of special lectures under the Pan African E-Network project have been done at
the Orotta National Referral Hospital in Asmara in May and July 2012.

 Assistance in form of scholarships through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation
(ITEC) programme has evolved over the years. India has offered capacity building assistance in
several fields to Eritrea including in agriculture, health and education, handicrafts etc. At the
request of the Eritrean Government, India provided a legal expert, under the ITEC scheme, to
Eritrea for two years.
 There are 40 training slots of ITEC courses for Eritrea every year. ICCR allots generally 8 slots to
Eritrea for every academic year. IAFS also allotted 2 slots for Eritrea for the year 2019-20. A total
25 slots were utilized for a special customized training programme of eight weeks on promotion of
Basket and Mat Weaving Artisan Enterprises, on request from the Eritrean Government, at the
National Institute of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Hyderabad from 14/05/2018 to
06/07/2018. In 2022-23 academic year ICCR allotted 11 slots for Eritrea including 3 special slots
for Eritrean Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
 An Eritrean delegation visited several Indian educational institutes in 2010 including Indira Gandhi
National Open University (IGNOU), Jawaharlal Nehru University, Indian Institute of Technology
Delhi, Delhi University and Hamdard University. An agreement was concluded for cooperation
with IGNOU.
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33. Country: Eswatini
India's relations with Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) are close, friendly and cordial. The first resident
Indian Mission in Mbabane started functioning from 13 August 2019.

India donated medicines worth Rs. 1 crore on 26 June 2020. India also donated 20,000 doses of
Covishield vaccines to Eswatini on 11 March 2021.

 Agreements for two Lines of Credit for US$108.28 million for construction of Eswatini Parliament
Building and US$10.4 million for establishment of a Disaster Recovery Site for the National Data
Center at the Royal Science and Technology Park (RSTP) were signed in June 2021. They are
now at various stages of implementation.
 RSTP itself was constructed with a Line of Credit of US$20 million and the same was inaugurated
during the visit of President of India in April 2018.
 An Agriculture Development and Mechanization Project under US$37.9 million LoC was
completed earlier, which resulted in improving the maize productivity of Eswatini by six times.
 During State visit of President of India in April 2018, India gave a cash grant of US$ 1 million to
the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA); in-kind donation of 700 tons of rice and 300
tons of beans for the NDMA and medicines and medical equipment worth US$ 3 million, and
announced a grant assistance of US$ 400,000 for construction of irrigation infrastructure in
Lubuyane in the Hhohho region (underway after the release of first instalment of US$ 200,000 in
October 2019 and second and final instalment of US$ 200,000 released on 07 August 2020).
 The First Lady of India made a donation of 500 blankets to the Philani Maswati Foundation and
the Khulisa Umntfwana Project, two charitable initiatives patronized by HM the Queen Mother.
 Under an MOU to strengthen bilateral cooperation in computer-aided education of children at
elementary-level, three Hole-in-Wall Learning Stations were established. A total of 200 solar
lamps provided by IIT Mumbai for school children in Eswatini for assembly and distribution were
delivered to the school children from Sithobela on 27 February 2020.
 In December 2020, the Board of Directors of the India, Brazil and South Africa Facility for Poverty
and Hunger Alleviation (IBSA Trust Fund) has approved the proposal of the Kingdom of Eswatini
titled “Addressing Water, Health and Poverty Nexus through WASH initiatives for Covid19 and
Climate Change responses in Eswatini to receive funding to the tune of US$ 999,350/-. Mission is
in regular touch with UNDP and the National Disaster Management Agency of Eswatini, who are
implementing the project.
 In December 2019 assistance of US$ 250001 was given from I-UNDP fund for the project –
Participatory poverty assessment.

 In April 2018, during his visit, Hon’ble President of India announced an increase of ITEC slots
from 30 to 50 as also a customized accounting training for 50 Treasury officials at the Institute of
Government Accounts and Finance in India (INGAF). In fulfillment of these commitments, almost
all ITEC slots were utilized and the training of 50 treasury officials was completed in 2018. 26
emaSwati availed ITEC training in India during the training year 2019-20, which include 06 Solar
Mamas, 06 Police Officers of the Royal Eswatini Police Service.
 As many as 166 emaSwati participated in 09 eITEC courses during Covid19 time so far. Out of
these 09 training courses, 06 were exclusive to Eswatini.
 In 2021-22, Eswatini availed 274 eITEC training slots. In all, since the establishment of HCI
Mbabane, more than 300 Emaswati took part in both eITEC and in person ITEC programmes.
 Witness protection training programme: An online training programme on Witness Protection for
23 legal professionals from the Kingdom of Eswatini was conducted by the National Law
University, Jodhpur from 07-11 March 2022.
 ICCR Africa Scholarship Scheme: Eswatini fully utilized all 25 slots allotted to it in 2020-21. An
additional 15 slots were approved by ICCR on popular demand among Emaswati students in the
Academic Year 2021-22, upon full utilization of 25 allocated scholarship slots, as a special case.
For the Academic Year 2022-23, 40 Emaswati students have been offered ICCR scholarships
under Africa Scholarship Scheme.
41
 For the Academic Year 2023-24, we awarded 30 ICCR scholarships and requested ICCR to
allocate another 20.
 Defence Training: India is also offering many defence training opportunities to Eswatini. So far, 06
Eswatini officers availed these opportunities.
 Visit of AIIMS Doctors: In coordination with the Ministry of Health, Kingdom of Eswatini, eminent
doctors from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi visited Eswatini from 16-18
March 2022 and conducted Workshops for the Medical Officers, Nurses and Paramedics of
Eswatini on Basic Airway Management, Difficult & Advanced Airway Management and Basic Life
Support under a unilateral programme of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New
Delhi for training support to African countries.
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34. Country: Ethiopia
Historical linkages between India and Ethiopia go back about 2,000 years of recorded history. Trade
between the two countries flourished during the ancient Axumite Empire (1st century AD), which is
seen to be origin of modern Ethiopia. Indian traders flocked to the ancient port of Adulis in the 6th
Century AD trading silk and spices for gold and ivory.
Modern diplomatic relations between India and Ethiopia were established at the level of legations in
July 1948, after the independence of India. The relationship was raised to the ambassadorial level in
1952. India maintains an embassy in Addis Ababa and Ethiopia in New Delhi.
Relations between India and Ethiopia have been traditionally close and friendly. Ethiopia has been
appreciative of the fact that India has never been hostile to Ethiopians interests. Ethiopia had been
consistent in her support for India in the international fora on various issues. India and Ethiopia have a
strong development partnership based on mutual understanding and respect, and sense of genuine
partnership drawing on the principle of South-South cooperation. This partnership comprises of
capacity-building cooperation through technical training, grants towards support to people and
concessional lines of credit for projects based on the priorities identified by Ethiopia.

 India gifted medicines to counter Covid-19 pandemic in Aug 2020. India has supplied 4.2 million
doses of made in India Covid-19 vaccines to Ethiopia under Covax scheme.

 Vocational Training Centre/Incubation Centre in Addis Ababa (2013).
 India donated a 64-Slice CT Scan Machine to Black Lion Hospital in Addis Ababa as part of Grant
Assistance.
 India donated 1000 MT of rice (July 2018).
 India gifted medicines worth USD 2 million (Nov 2019). Handing over ceremony of medicines
gifted to Ethiopia (13 Nov 2019).
 Embassy of India in collaboration with Bhagwan Mahavir Viklang Sahayata Samiti organized an
Artificial Limb Fitment Camp (Jaipur Foot) in Nov/Dec 2019 under “India for Humanity” Project at
St. Paul Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa. During the camp, 538 limbs were
fitted to beneficiaries. Artificial limb fitment project (29 Nov 2019).
 The flagship Pan African e-network Project, an Initiative of Govt. of India aimed at sharing Indian
expertise in the fields of Healthcare and Education with member countries of the African Union
Commission, was launched in Addis Ababa in July 2007.
 Tele-Education and Tele-Medicine services were being offered till recently at Black Lion Hospital
in Addis Ababa and in Addis Ababa University and were well-received. The Tele-Education
project has been replicated by the Ethiopian side and linkages established between the Addis
Ababa University and the Indian Institutes of Technology at Delhi and Kanpur.
 India donated Secondary school books for Mathematics and Sciences to Ethiopia in August 2020.
 Ethiopia is one of the largest recipients of long-term concessional credit from India in Africa. The
ongoing GoI assistance in developmental projects in Ethiopia has continued with sanctioned
Lines of Credit worth more than USD1 billion to Ethiopia for sectors such as rural electrification,
sugar industry and railways.
 Out of the three Sugar Factory projects being undertaken through LoC funding of USD 640
million, Finchaa Sugar Factory has already been completed and handed over to the Ethiopian
side. The other two are Wonji Shoa and Tendaho Phase-I.

 ITEC programme was started in Ethiopia in 1969. ITEC slots have increased over the years
reaching 400 (2018-19) and 406 (2019-20), where Ethiopian specialists and experts attended
ITEC training facilities sponsored by Government of India.
 Ethiopia is presently one of the largest beneficiaries of training slots allocated under ITEC/SCAAP
programmes. These courses pertain to areas such as management skills, human resources
planning, IT, entrepreneurship development, managing water resources, fluid dynamics, energy,
English language, etc.
43
 Ethiopia is a beneficiary of Government of India scholarships for undergraduate, postgraduate
and doctoral degrees under schemes such as ICCR scholarship, CV Raman fellowship, and
research training fellowship of the NAM S&T Centre (New Delhi).
 The Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR) offers scholarships to students from African
countries every year for Undergraduate and Postgraduate studies in India. Presently, Ethiopia is
being offered 55 slots for Undergraduate, Postgraduate and PhD courses.
 Ethiopian Minister of Women and Social Affairs H.E. Dr. Ergogie Tesfaye (PhD) was conferred
ICCR Distinguished Alumni Award - 2021 in New Delhi (8 Aug 2022). She had completed her
PhD from Andhra University.
44
35. Country: Gabon
India and Gabon have enjoyed warm and friendly relations dating back to pre-independence era of
Gabon. Gabon has supported India’s candidature at various international forums. Like most countries
of Africa, Gabon also sees South-South Cooperation is increasingly seen as mutually beneficial,
devoid of interference in internal affairs and non-prescriptive. And this is where, Gabon’s push for
greater engagement and partnership with India, comes in; the India-Africa Forum Summit providing
the necessary framework for fostering greater understanding and trust. Moreover, India and Gabon
have traditionally enjoyed warm and friendly relations dating back to the pre-independence era of
Gabon. Gabonese embassy in India was established in New Delhi on 4th April 2008.

 With regards to the mutual recognition of vaccine certificates, Gabonese Foreign Ministry in April
2022, recognized the Indian vaccines in Gabon.

 India provided Gabon with a Line of Credit (LoC) worth $14.5 million. This project was installed
and Gabonese sent loan repaid the amount. in March 2007 to build 300 houses and amenities in
Bikele near Libreville. Another LoC worth $67.19 million was provided to upgrade Gabon's
broadcasting facilities.
 Gabon was among the first 15 African countries in which India implemented the Pan African e-
network project. Tele-education, Tele-medicine and VVIP connectivity were established in
Libreville under the project.
 At the first India Africa Forum Summit in New Delhi in April 2008, India agreed to establish a
vocational training centre in Gabon as part of a "Plan of Action" with the African Union.
 GOI had extended a Line of Credit worth US$14.5 million in March, 2007 and made effective in
January, 2008 for a housing project in Bikele near Libreville. The project consisted of construction
of 300 houses and 4 amenities.
 In May 2029, assistance of US$ 1 million was given from I-UNDP fund for the Project-
Strengthening climate information and early warning systems in vulnerable communities

 Citizens of Gabon are eligible for scholarships under the Indian Technical and Economic
Cooperation Programme and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations. Several officials from
Gabon have also received training programs under the AIFS.
 Gabon was allocated 25 slots under ITEC, out of which 4 were utilized in 2012-13. 3 officials
received training under AIFS in 2012-13. 7 slots under ITEC were utilized till August 2017. 5 slots
under ICCR Scholarships were allotted for the year 2017-18. To date, 23 ITEC slots have been
utilized by Gabon.
 With respect to ICCR scholarships, in last 5 years, 13 slots have been offered to Gabon.
However, none have been utilized. No ICCR troupes have visited Gabon so far.
45
36. Country: Georgia
After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, India recognized Georgia’s independence on 26 December
1991 and established formal diplomatic relations on 28 September 1992. India does not have a
Resident Mission in Georgia. The Indian Mission in Armenia with residence in Yerevan is concurrently
accredited to Georgia. The Georgian side had first set up its Honorary Consulate in New Delhi in 2005
which was subsequently upgraded to a fully-fledged Embassy in 2009.

 In December 1994, India had gifted medicines and relief supplies worth Rs. 0.5 million for
refugees and displaced persons from Abkhazia. India’s assistance to Georgia at present is mainly
in the field of Human Resource Development.
 India offers (i) Training slots (20 on average) every year under Indian Technical and Economic
Cooperation (ITEC); the slots were increased to 25 for 2011-12 in view of high demand and
utilization; (ii) Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Scholarships to pursue undergraduate
and postgraduate courses in Indian Universities; and (iii) Kendriya Hindi Sansthan scholarships to
study Hindi in India.
 In addition, an ICCR Chair of Contemporary Indian Studies has been established at the Tbilisi
State University (TSU). The Chair became operational with the arrival of Prof. R L Hangloo in
October 2011. For 2012-13, the Government of India has enhanced the number of ITEC Slots for
Georgia to 25.

 Georgian nationals visit India for various short-term courses under ITEC scholarships which are
offered to Georgia; ICCR Scholarships are offered to Georgian nationals to pursue undergraduate
and postgraduate courses in Indian Universities.
 Kendriya Hindi Sansthan (KHS) offers scholarships to study Hindi in India. An ICCR Chair of
Contemporary Indian Studies was established at the Tbilisi State University (TSU) for one year
(2011-12).
46
37. Country: Ghana
India-Ghana relations have traditionally been warm and friendly resting on solid foundation anchored
in shared values and common vision. India opened its representative office in Accra in 1953, prior to
Ghana’s independence and established full-fledged diplomatic relations with Ghana in 1957,
immediately after it attained independence.

 Indian assistance of 50,000 vaccines as gift grant was handed to Ghana on 5 March 2021. Earlier
Ghana received 600,000 made in India Covishield vaccines on 24 February 2021 as part of
Covax initiative.
 Subsequently, on 11 May 2022 also 1 million Made in India Covishield vaccines were received by
Ghana under Covax.

 India has been supporting Ghana’s development by providing assistance in developmental
projects through provision of Lines of Credit (LoC) and grants. (In the past Ghana was one of the
nine West African countries under the India’s TEAM 9 initiative launched in 2004.)
 Till date, India has extended about US$ 450 million of concessional credit and grants to Ghana for
various developmental projects. Among the important projects are the Rural Electrification
Project, India-Ghana Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence for ICT (2003); Jubilee House Presidential
Complex (2008); Komenda Sugar Plant (2016) and Elmina Fish Processing plant (2016).
 LoC agreements of US$ 150 million for Agriculture Mechanization and US$ 30 million to upgrade
Potable Water Supply System in Yendi were signed in April 2019 and are currently under
implementation.
 Foreign Service Training Institute established through a LoC funding of US$ 5 million has been
handed over to the client (MoFARI), an additional LoC of US$ 2.06 million for expansion of the
project has also been approved.
 Grant assistance of US$ 1 million was provided to upgrade the India-Ghana Kofi Annan ICT
Centre in 2016 and another grant of US$ 1 million was provided to rehabilitate the Jubilee House
Presidential Complex in 2017.
 In addition to concessional credit through LoCs, India extended Buyers’ Credit of US$ 398.33
million for the Tema-Akosombo railway line in November 2016 and added later US$ 48.84 million
for extension up till Mpakadan.
 Other project under Buyer’s Credit is Construction of Tamale-Walewale Road amounting US$
387.438 mn to JMC Project (India) Ltd., of which the work on Phase-I worth US$ 158.62 on the
sector Savelugu-Walewale has already started.

 The Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme was instituted on 15
September 1964 as a bilateral programme of assistance of the Government of India.
 The ITEC Programme, fully funded by the Government of India, has evolved and grown over the
years. As a result of different activities under this programme, there is now a visible and growing
awareness about the competence of India as a provider of technical know-how and expertise as
well as training opportunities, consultancy services and feasibility studies. Training or capacity
building is one of the major activities under ITEC.
 Professionals are offered unique training courses in different centers of excellence in India which
empower them with not just professional skills but prepare them for an increasingly globalized
world.
 Under the ITEC Programme all expenditure, including the international air passages, visa, course
fee, accommodation, living allowance, study tour, book allowance, health facility, are borne by the
Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.
 Capacity building is a strong pillar of bilateral cooperation and Ghana has been benefiting from
India’s assistance in human resource development through optimum utilization of ITEC and ICCR
scholarships and specialized training programmes conducted under IAFS decisions. During the
last year (2021-22), despite covid pandemic, Ghana utilized 39 Defence ITEC slots and 34 ICCR
scholarships. Earlier during 2020-2021 Ghana utilized 23 Defence ITEC slots and 30 ICCR
scholarships.
47
 Ghana has also been beneficiary of Pan African E-Network, e-VBAB [Tele-Education (e-Vidya
Bharati) & Tele-Medicine (e-Arogya Bharati)] Project.
 A MoU was signed between Ghana and TCIL on 26 August 2019 for participation by Ghana in the
e-VBAB Project to provide good quality, affordable and effective tele-education and tele-medicine
services through specially developed web-based platforms. Ghana was the pilot country to roll out
the project, which is under implementation since 2020.
 More than 600 Ghanaian students enrolled for various under graduate/post graduate courses for
the academic session in 2021 in prestigious Indian universities. For academic session starting in
2022, around 900 Ghanaian students have enrolled. On 13 December 2021, Hon’ble Simon
Mensah, Regional Minister of Ashanti Region and High Commissioner inaugurated the eVBAB (e-
learning) center at KNUST, Kumasi.
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38. Country: Grenada
Grenada, which comprises the islands of Grenada, Carriacou and Petit Martinique, is popularly
referred to as the ‘Spice Island’. India enjoys traditionally cordial relations with Grenada. Relationship
between India and Grenada goes back to May 1857 when the first ship ‘Maidstone’ carrying 287
Indian indentured workers reached the shores of Grenada, then a British colony. More than 3000
Indo-Grenadians reside in Grenada

 During 2020-21, India sent a medical aid package to Grenada, including 10,000 Hydroxy-
chloroquine tablets, essential medicines and medical equipment. The consignment was received
by Foreign Minister of Grenada Mr. Peter Charles David in August 2020.

 On the request of the Government of Grenada, the Government of India has agreed to fund the
following two infrastructure development projects – i) Construction of Union Community Centre in
the Parish of St. Marks costing of US$610,074/-; and ii) Belle Vue Road costing of US$291,723/-.
 Bell Vue Road Phase Two project: Consequent upon the completion of the Belle Vue Road
Project, Government of Grenada requested for financial assistance for Phase Two of the Bellevue
Road Project. This phase will see 0.75 miles of road reconstructed, which will connect the
Bellevue Community with the Mt. Moritz community consists of farmers and other small
businessmen. This is in PM's constituency. Proposal is under consideration.
 When Grenada was affected by Hurricane Ivan in 2004, India provided relief assistance in terms
of emergency medical supplies and roofing material etc.
 In December 2019 assistance of US$ 300000 was given from I-UNDP Fund for project- Mount
Horne child development centre.
 In March 2020 assistance of US$ 100000 was given from I-UNDP fund for the project- New
incinerator for the general hospital
 Grenada National Health Insurance Programme Support Project (July 2017-December 2019); Mt.
Horne Child Development Centre; and Public Service Training Centre

 ICT Centre for Excellence & Innovation in Grenada: Following the signing of a MoU in October
2008 between GOI and the Government of Grenada for setting up of an ICT Centre for
Excellence & Innovation in St. George’s at Industrial Development Corporation, an autonomous
government body, at an estimated cost of US$ 0.8 million, the Centre was officially opened by the
Prime Minister of Grenada on 15 April 2011 under ITEC programme. The Centre has been shifted
to T.A. Marryshow Community College in February 2016.
 As part of capacity building trainings, nearly 79 professionals from Grenada have been trained in
 In addition, candidates from Grenada have visited India under ‘Know India Programme’ and
‘Professional Course for Foreign Diplomats (PCFD)’ from time to time.
49
39. Country: Guatemala
India and Guatemala enjoy cordial and friendly relations. The diplomatic relations were established on
16 May 1972. Year 2022 marked the 50th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations
between India and Guatemala. Although, the Mission to Guatemala City was opened to 2010, during
the recent years the political relations between Guatemala and India are in the path of upward higher
trajectory.
The high-level exchanges from India to Guatemala have positively contributed to bilateral ties and
cooperation; which has strengthened ties across a range of political, economic, commercial and
cultural areas. Guatemala opened its Embassy in New Delhi in April 2013.
During several discussions, the two sides explored the possibilities of collaboration in the areas of
science and technology, space, energy, education, health and traditional medicine, agriculture,
security and defense, and tourism. Guatemala has been consistently supporting India at the
multilateral stage over the years.

 Government of India donated 200,000 doses of made in India anti COVID vaccine to Guatemala
in March 2021 and provided essential medicines and PPEs to Guatemala when the country was
facing COVID-19 crisis.

 India’s development cooperation has been robust with Guatemala. India has always extended the
helping hand to Guatemala in its trying times.
 India has been a partner of Guatemala during challenging time and whenever the country
required, India had supported the Government of Guatemala with monetary and material support.
during Hurricane Stan in October 2005, in November 2009 for draught related recovery, for
Disaster Relief in the aftermath of the earthquake that struck Guatemala in November 2012, for
Drought relief in December 2014, in July 2018 towards disaster relief assistance for damages
caused due to eruption of volcano Fuego.
 An Indian donation of US$ 50,000 worth of medicines was given following Hurricane Stan in
October 2005. India donated 36 Bajaj three-wheelers in October 2005, and in November 2009,
responding to Guatemala Government´s food insecurity declaration, India has provided
assistance of US$ 250,000.
 In response to the need for reconstruction and relief required to overcome the damages caused
by the earthquake on 07.11.2012 and also in pursuance of strengthening the close ties between
India and Guatemala, Government of India offered a financial assistance of US Dollar 100,000 as
disaster relief to Guatemala.
 Government of India donated 10 Mahindra pickup trucks to Government of Guatemala, out of
which 8 trucks were handed over to the Ministry of Culture & Sports in April 2023 to be used for
conservation of Mayan ruins in Tikal and 2 trucks were handed over to Ministry of Foreign Affairs
in May 2023.

 As part of capacity building trainings, nearly 249 professionals from Guatemala have been trained
in India under ITEC since 2002. Of these, 177 professionals have been trained just in the
 Guatemala is an ITEC partner country since 1997- 98. The Government of India has offered 40
ITEC slots to Guatemala for 2019-20. However, due to the overwhelming response from
Guatemala, 45 ITEC slots were utilized for 2019-20.
 Several of Guatemalans have also participated in e-ITEC courses. As of now around 210
Guatemalans have visited India under ITEC scholarships.
 Government of India, in an effort to contribute to capacity building in Guatemala, set up an IT
Training Center in San Carlos University in August 2006. Tata Communications Services (TCS)
ran this IT Center till July 2008, training about 1,500 Guatemalans, before in was handed over to
the Guatemalans.
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40. Country: Guinea
Relations between India and Republic of Guinea have been cordial and friendly. India had opened an
Embassy in Conakry earlier but closed in 1988 after more than 2 decades. Guinea opened its
Embassy in New Delhi in April 2012. Subsequent to the Cabinet approval for opening of 18 new
Missions in Africa by 2021, India opened its Embassy in Guinea in 2019. Bilateral relations between
India and Guinea are strengthening continuously.

 India has supplied 194400 doses of made in India Covid-19 vaccines to the Government and
people of Guinea in April 2021 under Covax scheme.

 Government of India has extended the following Lines of Credit (LoCs) to the Government of the
Republic of Guinea.
 LoC of US $ 35 million: The LoC was extended to the Government of the Republic of Guinea on
11 March 2014 for strengthening of health system in Guinea.
 LoC of US $ 20.506 million: This is an additional funding to the LoC of US $ 35 million extended
on 12 June 2020 for construction and upgradation of regional hospitals in Kankan and Nzerekore.
 Line of Credit (LoC) of US $ 170 million: The Government of India had extended a Line of Credit
(LoC) of US $ 170 million to the Government of the Republic of Guinea on 13 November 2019 for
financing the project for strengthening the drinking water supply of Grand Conakry-Horizon 2040.
 Line of Credit (LoC) of US $ 20.22 million: The LoC agreement was extended on 7 November
2019 for the following two solar projects, signed on 5 December 2019: (a) Solar project for supply
of Electricity and Drinking Water for 7 public universities in Guinea at a cost of US $ 14.40 million.
(b) Solar Project for electrification and refrigeration in 200 health infrastructures in Guinea at a
cost of US $ 5.82 million.
 Apart from the above LoCs, Government of India has also accepted the proposal from the
Guinean Government to extend GOIs technical and financial support for construction of five
regional airports in the interior of the Republic of Guinea and construction of a Convention Center
in Conakry at an estimated cost of US $ 250 million. The Mission has initiated the process with
the Government of the Republic of Guinea.
 Guinea has also availed Indian LOC of US$ 28.51 million through ECOWAS Bank for Investment
and Development (EBID) for importing 100 buses from India (US$ 8.1 million) and for
rehabilitation and extension of the electricity networks in Guinea (US$ 20 million).
 Government of India donated fifty electric transformers in April 2007 with capacities between 250
and 400 KVA costing Rs. 17.67 million to help Guinea mitigate its electricity problem.
 GOI extended bilateral assistance of US$ 50,000 to Guinea to fight Ebola in 2014. In addition,
GOI provided cash assistance of US$ 500,000 to WHO as well as contribution of US$ 10 million
to UN Fund for Ebola and additional US$ 2 million for purchase of protective gear to tackle Ebola
for the three Ebola affected countries of West Africa including Guinea.
 GOI extended six tons of critical medical assistance to the Republic of Guinea in July 2020, to
fight against the COVID-19 Pandemic.

 The Ministry has allocated the following Defence and Civilian ITEC slots to the Republic of
Guinea:
Defence ITEC: The Ministry has allocated five Defence ITEC slots for 2022-23 for regular courses
of Army, Air Force & Navy and special courses for Tri Services. The Ministry has allocated
Maritime Courses offered by Indian Coast Guard (ICG) for Foreign Friendly Country (FFC)
scheduled to be held in February/March 2023 under ITEC scheme of the MEA to the Republic of
Guinea. The nomination is under process from Guinean Side.
Civilian ITEC: The Ministry has allocated 40 Civilian ITEC slots to the Republic of Guinea. Out of
these 40 slots, the Mission has utilized 5 slots till date.
 The ICCR has allocated one slot to the Republic of Guinea under Africa Scholarship Scheme
(ASS). The Mission utilized the slot by sending one Guinean applicant to India to avail of the
ICCR scholarship under Africa Scholarship Scheme (ASS) during the Academic Year 2021-22. In
the AY 2022-23 again 01 slot was provided by the ICCR under the said scheme. The Mission has
51
already processed the applications received through A2A portal and approved the candidate for
the ICCR Scholarship for AY 2022- 23.
 eVidyaBharti and e-ArogyaBharti (e-VBAB) Project: The PAN African eNetwork project of India
has been in operation in Guinea. Government of India has offered the upgraded e-VBAB
programme to Guinea.
 The Government of India through Tele-education project offers scholarships to the Students from
Guinea to pursue Undergraduate (3 years courses), Postgraduate (2 to 2½ years courses),
Diploma courses (1 Year) and Certificate Programs of 4 to 24 weeks from premier public and
private universities of India in various disciplines including technology, business administration
and commerce, healthcare, tourism, humanities and arts.
 Students can enroll and pursue the course completely online from their home or at learning
center. Students can now empower themselves without leaving the country and free of cost by
developing technical and managerial skills and embark on a new career, or prepare for advanced
study. The courses offered are completely free of cost.
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41. Country: Guinea Bissau
India and Guinea Bissau, for decades, have maintained warm and cordial relations. Guinea Bissau
government is generally supportive of India. There is a considerable goodwill for India both amongst
the public and in the government.

 Govt. of India has provided 288,000 doses of Made in India Covishield vaccines to Guinea Bissau
in April 2021.

 Guinea Bissau is a founder member of the Team-9 Initiative. Under this framework, Government
of India has extended two Lines of Credits (LoCs) for food processing and agricultural sector
[USD 5 million] as well as for rural electrification projects [USD 20 million].
 India supplied 1000 tons of rice as emergency aid to Guinea Bissau in September 2018.

 Under Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme, 8 training slots have been
offered to Guinea Bissau for 2021-22.
 An expert in the area of rice cultivation visited Guinea Bissau from India in early 2006 to assist the
country under India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Dialogue Forum’s “Poverty Alleviation Funding
Facility”. An expert team from India visited Guinea- Bissau to assist in a Solar Power project. In
February 2009, India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Trust Fund Board approved two projects for
renewable energy and agricultural capacity building in Guinea Bissau.
 India has donated 10,000 units indelible ink to Guinea Bissau for parliamentary elections held on
4th June 2023.
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42. Country: Guyana
India’s relations with Guyana are warm and cordial with a high degree of understanding. The
interaction is structured through periodic Joint Commissions, Foreign Office Consultations, Cultural
Exchange Programme and ITEC. Though structured bilateral visits are not very frequent, there are
meetings of leaders at international conferences, in India or abroad.

 India executed some high-visibility projects under Line of Credit in Guyana, i.e., cricket stadium,
traffic lights in Georgetown and supply of 14 irrigation drainage pumps. India has also set up a
Centre of Excellence in Information Technology (CEIT) in Guyana in April 2019 under its Grant
assistance programme. An LoC of US$50 million was extended in March 2016 for construction of
East Bank-East Coast Road linkage project.
 India offered a Grant of US$ 8 million and LoC of US$10 million in June 2016 for procuring an
Ocean Ferry from India for use in the North Western and South Western regions of Guyana. The
vessel could carry approximately 300 passengers and crew members and 14 sedans or 8 sedans
plus 2 trucks. The bidding process for finalizing the supplier is in the final stages.
 An LoC of US$4 million was extended in February 2017 for procurement and installation of high-
capacity mobile irrigation pumps for agricultural purposes and mitigation of flooding in
Georgetown and its environs.

 India has offered 50 slots during 2021-22 for Guyanese scholars to be trained in India under the
ITEC (Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation programme). So far, more than 600 Guyanese
nationals have benefitted from ITEC Programme. In 2013, a Forestry team visited India on a
study tour. One ITEC Expert on deputation with Rice Board of Guyana completed sharing
knowhow for four years.
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43. Country: Haiti
India’s relations with Haiti have been friendly, though interaction between the two countries has been
limited. India established diplomatic relations with Haiti on 27 September 1996. Our High Commission
in Kingston, Jamaica was concurrently accredited to Haiti. Since late 2003, the accreditation has been
transferred to Embassy of India, Havana. India has an Honorary Consul in Port-Au-Prince. Haiti
appointed a Consul General in New Delhi in October 2014.

 India donated medicines worth US $ 50,000/- as humanitarian assistance to Haiti for the damage
caused by Hurricane Noel in November 2007. Another, US $ 5 million relief assistance was given
in January 2010. A relief of US $ 500,000 annually for three years till 2011 was also provided.
India also provided emergency financial aid of USD 2,50,000 to Haiti in the aftermath of Hurricane
Mathew in October 2016.

 India has been offering assistance to Haiti under ITEC programme. It started with one slot in
2006-2007, which has been increased to 10 in 2015-16, 25 in 2017-18 and 15 in 2018-19. Haitian
diplomats have also been taking advantage of Professional Course for Foreign Diplomats (PCFD)
courses at regular intervals. Four Haitian illiterate women received training at the Barefoot
College in Rajasthan in harvesting solar power.
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44. Country: Honduras
India and Honduras enjoy cordial and friendly relations. Indian Embassy in Guatemala is concurrently
accredited to Honduras. Honduras is in the process of opening its Mission in India soon.

 As Honduras was facing COVID-19 crisis, Government of India donated essential medicines and
PPEs to Honduras.

 India’s development cooperation has been robust with Honduras. In 2014, India approved a US $
26.5 million Line of Credit (LOC) for Jamastran River Valley Irrigation Project. The contract was
signed in August, 2016 and the project is being executed by Indian company M/s. Apollo
International. The preliminary work on the project has already started. Another LOC for purchase
of communication equipment, medical equipment, transportation equipment and aircraft ground
support equipment for US$ 30 mn. was signed in August 2006 of which US$ 26.63 mn was used
for the project.

 As part of India’s offer to set up Centre of Excellence in Education in Information Technology
(CEEIT) in SICA countries, the center was set up and handed over to the Honduran National
Autonomous University in Tegucigalpa and training was provided by NIIT during 2008-2011. So
far, more than 20,000 students have been trained in the Center. Ministry of External Affairs
donated US$ 83,905 for upgradation of the Centre of Information Technology at the National
University of Honduras, in 2016, under the Grant-in-Aid of the LAC Division, for up gradation of
the Centre. Currently, IT Centre is running in full capacity.
 Government of India has offered 35 ITEC slots to Honduras for 2019-20. So far more than 150
Hondurans have received ITEC scholarship.
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45. Country: Iran
India and Iran share a millennia long history of interactions. The contemporary relations between the
two countries are marked by high level exchanges, commercial cooperation, connectivity paradigm
and cultural and people to people ties.

 India and Iran closely cooperated on COVID-19. India has provided 1,125,000 doses of vaccines
and medical supplies to Iran.

 Malathion insecticide was provided to Iran in 2020 and 2021 to combat desert locusts. Earlier,
India has provided 103 tons of disaster relief aid to Iran during the 2019 floods.
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46. Country: Iraq
India and Iraq have historical and civilizational ties. Iraqi port of Basra was not only the market par
excellence of the Indian merchandise including textiles, spices, food-grains and other commodities for
the Arab world but also of the famous pearl trade that flourished mainly through the Indian traders and
jewellers. Since the outbreak of war in Iraq, India has been supporting a free, democratic, pluralistic,
federal and unified Iraq. India responded to the urgent needs of Iraq for relief and economic
reconstruction directly and as part of international efforts under the UN auspices.

 India has annually been providing assistance to Iraq under the Indian Technical and Economic
Cooperation (ITEC) programme to train officials of the Government of Iraq.
 Iraqi officials participated in the online e-ITEC programmes especially on COVID 19 pandemic
management, Cyber Technologies, AI and Emergent Technologies.
 India has also been offering opportunity to Iraqi students for higher studies in India under ‘General
Scholarship Scheme’ (GSS) organized by the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR). Iraq
has been allocated 50 scholarship slots for 2023-24.
 A batch of 25 young Iraqi Diplomats attended a Special Training Course organized by Sushma
Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service (SSIFS) in New Delhi in January 2018.
 Two batches comprising (i) 29 Iraqi Diplomats & (ii) 13 Iraqi Diplomats underwent training at
SSIFS in Aug-Sept, 2019 and Feb-March 2020 respectively.
 A special e-ITEC webinar for training on basic Covid-19 management conducted by PGI-MER,
Chandigarh was also attended by Iraqi Health officials in April, 2020.
 20 officials of Iraqi Forensics Department underwent training at the Gujarat Forensic Science
University, Gandhinagar in 2019.
 A group of 18 Iraqi officials from different Ministries/Departments underwent a training programme
for English proficiency at the English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU), Hyderabad in
March-April, 2019.
 A 20-member Iraqi IT team from the Prime Minister’s office has undergone a cyber security
training programme conducted by C-DAC Mohali from 17 October to 11 November 2022.
 More than 150 ITEC officials availed of ITEC training in 2022-23 out of the allocated 200 slots.
 More than 10,000 Iraqi students obtained their PhD, Masters and undergraduate studies in India.
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47. Country: Ivory Coast
India and Côte d'Ivoire have traditionally enjoyed cordial and friendly relations. India established its
Embassy in Abidjan in 1979 and Cote d'Ivoire opened its Resident Mission in New Delhi in September
2004. India and Cote d’Ivoire share convergence of values and aspirations. Cote d’Ivoire, since 2011,
has declared India as the focus country for cooperation in the fields of ICT, Agriculture, Mining and
Infrastructure and has emphasized on the importance of strengthening relations with India. India, too
has given renewed thrust to bilateral relations with Cote d’Ivoire in the recent years.

 India gifted 50,000 doses of Made in India Covid-19 vaccine (Covishield) to the people &
Government of Cote d'Ivoire.

 Bilateral ties have been strengthened by the expanding South-South Cooperation between the
two countries. India had extended a grant of US$ 790,000/- for establishment of the Centre for
Demonstration and Promotion of Technologies (CDT) in Abidjan in 2007-10. A Rural Technology
Park is also being proposed to be built under India’s grant assistance under IAFS at cost of Rs.
36.3 crore.
 Completed LOC projects include:
 Renewal of urban transport system in Abidjan and for agricultural projects in the field of vegetable
oil extraction, fruits and vegetable chips production, production of cocoa, coffee-LOC US $ 26.80
million
 Mahatma Gandhi IT and Biotechnology Park (LOC US$ 20 million). (c) Transmission line between
Cote d'Ivoire and Mali [LOC US $ 54 (US $ 30 million + US$ 24 million)].
 On-going LoC projects include: (i) Fisheries Processing Plant (LOC US$ 4 million); (ii) Coconut
fiber processing plant (LOC US$ 1.5 million) (iii) 30 Rice Production programme (LOC US $ 30
million) (iv) Upgradation / construction of four military hospitals (LOC US $ 71.4 million).

 India has been providing 100 training slots to Cote d’Ivoire under ITEC Programme annually.
ICCR also extended 10 paid scholarships to Ivorian to pursue undergraduate and post graduate
studies in India. 42 ITEC slots utilised during 2019-2020 & 32 during 2022-2023.
 GOI has offered the service of the upgraded programme of Pan African e-Network Project known
as e-VidhyaBharati & e-Aarogya Bharati (e-VBAB) and have signed an MOU for cooperation in
this regard CI has availed 43 scholarships under e-VBAB. Under the PAN African e-Network
Project, 1505 Ivorian students have pursued higher studies through distant learning facilities at
the University of Cocody.
 A tele-medical consultation facility with prominent hospitals in India has been established at
Yopougon Hospital in Abidjan.
 Under ITEC Executive Programme, 23 Senior officials of Ivory Coast participated in customized
Management Development Programme at IIM, Indore in December 2022.
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48. Country: Jamaica
India and Jamaica have traditionally enjoyed cordial and friendly relations based on common linkages
of history, Parliamentary democracy, membership of the Commonwealth nations, English language
and the love of cricket. There also exists a cultural heritage bond as Indian nationals were brought to
Jamaica as indentured labour between 1845-1917.
Both being developing countries, share similar concerns and common aspirations for accelerated
economic growth, eradication of poverty, improvement in the quality of life of their people and
promotion of equity. Both also have shared stakes in shaping the emerging architecture of various
multilateral institutions to address existing inequities and for addressing major contemporary issues
related to energy security, food security, climate change and international terrorism, among others.
Both have common interests in promotion of South-South Cooperation and synergizing efforts
towards the common objective of securing a better deal for the developing world in the relevant
multilateral fora to promote the development imperatives of the South without impacting on their policy
space.

 A gift of 50,000 made in India COVID-19 vaccine shots from the People and the Government of
India was given to the Jamaican government on in March 2021 under the ‘Vaccine Maitri’ initiative
of the Indian government.
 Government of India donated US$ 1,00,000 worth of essential medicines and medical equipment
to the Jamaican government on 26th February 2021 for combating the COVID-19 pandemic.

 Line of Credit (LOC) worth US$ 7.5 million was extended by India for import of water pumps from
India (M/s Kirloskar Brothers Ltd) in the year 2001.
 An assistance of US$ 200,000 in the form of medicines and medical supplies for the victims of
Hurricane Ivan that struck the Island in September 2004, was given by India. Indian medicines
worth about US$ 1,50,000 have also been gifted to the Jamaican government in Feb 2019.An
MOU in the field of health cooperation between the two countries is also in its final stages.
 Government of India donated an amount of US$300,000/- (US Dollars Three Lakh) in the month
of August 2010, as humanitarian assistance for procurement of medicines and medical
equipment’s for the Bustamante Hospital for Children in Kingston.
 As a part of Indian Humanitarian assistance in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Nicole which
lashed Jamaica in September–October 2010, the Government of India donated an amount of
amount of US$50,000/- (US Dollars Fifty Thousand only) in the month of December 2010 to the
Government of Jamaica.
 A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on 31st March 2014 between the
Government of India and Government of Jamaica for providing Indian grant assistance of US$ 2.1
million for installation of flood lights at the Sabina Park. The work has since been successfully
completed and full payment has been made to the Jamaican side.
 An MOU between the Scientific Research Council of Jamaica and the CSIR on cooperation in the
field of Food Research and Technology was signed in January 2010 and is operational.
 Jamaica has signed and ratified the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and is now a full-fledged
member. A group of more than 40 Jamaicans underwent an online training programme organized
by ISA in December 2020.
 Jamaica has also joined the Coalition of Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) initiated by India.
 In September 2022 assistance of US$ 1 million was given from I-UNDP fund for the agriculture
project for the community at Kith and Town (Ongoing project).

 IT Centre under the ICT Capacity Development Project: India set up an IT Centre under the ICT
Capacity Development Project in Jamaica in February 2009. Under the agreement, India had
provided the entire hardware, software, training modules and faculty of 3, deputed by the NIIT, for
a period of two years, which trained over a thousand Jamaicans in various modules of IT Skills.
 India has allocated 30 seats under ITEC Programme for Jamaica. In 2019-20, Jamaica utilized 29
out of these 30 slots. So far, around 340 Jamaicans have been trained in various institutions in
India.
60
 Many members of the Jamaican Foreign Service have attended courses in India under ITEC
programme as well as in courses offered to diplomats by the Indian Foreign Service Institute
(FSI).
61
49. Country: Kazakhstan
Relations between India and Kazakhstan are ancient and historical, going back to more than 2000
years. There has been a constant and regular exchange in goods and, more importantly, exchange of
ideas and cultural influences. The journey of Buddhism from India to Central Asia and Sufi ideas from
Central Asia to India are two such examples.
India was one of the first countries to recognize the independence of Kazakhstan. Diplomatic relations
were established in February 22, 1992. The Embassy of India was opened in Almaty in May 1992 and
the Embassy of Kazakhstan in New Delhi in 1993. The capital of Kazakhstan was shifted from Almaty
to Astana in 1997. Subsequently, the Embassy of India opened its Representative Office in Astana on
September 15, 2003. The Embassy moved to Astana (Renamed Nur-Sultan from March 2019) in
November 2007 and Representative Office to Almaty.

 In April 2020, Government of India provided 30000 tablets of Hydroxychloroquin as humanitarian
assistance to Kazakhstan for its fight against COVID-19.
 In May 2021, in view of the sharp deterioration of the epidemiological situation in India around 40
tonnes of air cargo (61.5 lakh medical masks, 4 lakh respirators, 50,000 anti-plague suits, and
105 portable artificial lung ventilation devices made in Kazakhstan) was sent to India by the Govt.
of Kazakhstan as humanitarian aid to combat the COVID-19.

 India and Kazakhstan have signed an umbrella MoU in November 2020 for implementation of
High Impact Community Development Project for furthering socio-economic development. The
capital cost of one project will be capped at USD 1.5 million. The projects will be aimed at
livelihood support, women empowerment, child welfare and facilitation of community life,
particularly through creation of infrastructure in the education, health training, agriculture and
agro-industry, micro-irrigation, renewable energy, trade, transport and communications and
community development sectors.
 During the Second Meeting of India Central Asia Dialogue held on 28 October 2020, India
announced a Line of Credit offer/ availability of US $ 1 billion for priority Developmental
Projects in the Central Asian countries in fields such as connectivity, energy, IT, healthcare,
education, agriculture etc.

 India provides capacity building assistance to Kazakhstan in various specialized fields under ITEC
program sponsored by the Ministry of External Affairs. Since 1992, more than 1290 specialists
have undergone training under ITEC programme.
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50. Country: Kenya
India and Kenya are maritime neighbours. The contemporary ties between India and Kenya have now
evolved into a robust and multi-faceted partnership, marked by regular high-level visits, increasing
trade and investment as well as extensive people to people contacts. India and Kenya share a
common legacy of struggle against colonialism. Many Indians participated and supported the freedom
struggle of Kenya. India established the office of Commissioner for British East Africa resident in
Nairobi in 1948. Appasaheb Pant was the first Commissioner. Following Kenyan independence in
December 1963, a High Commission was established. India has had an Assistant High Commission
in Mombasa

 Covid related: In August 2020, a gift of consignment of medicines related to COVID19 was
handed over to Kenyan government. Under Vaccine Maitri, Kenya was given 1.12 million doses of
Covishield (AstraZeneca) in March 2021 (1.02 million under COVAX alliance and 100,000 as gift
from India).
 General Medical Assistance: Essential medicines worth USD 1.54 million have been gifted to
Government of Kenya (in 2018 and 2020)
 Ambulances: India gifted 30 field ambulances to Kenyan Defence Forces during the visit of PM
Modi in July 2016.
 Bhabhatron/medical equipment: A state-of-the-art made in India cancer therapy machine –
Bhabhatron II and Imagin simulator worth of US $ 1 million (Rs.7.5 Crores) was gifted to Kenyatta
National Hospital during the visit of PM Modi in July 2016.

 India offers development assistance to Kenya in the form of loans and credit. This includes a loan
of Rs. 50 million to Government of Kenya in 1982 and Lines of Credit by EXIM Bank to Industrial
Development Bank Capital Ltd.
 An Agreement on extension of a Line of Credit of US$ 61.6 million by EXIM Bank of India to
Kenya for utilization in the power transmission sector was signed in November 2010.
 Since 2010, to strengthen bilateral cooperation, Government of India (GoI) has extended four
Lines of Credit (LOC) worth USD 206.55 million to the Government of Kenya in the sectors of
agriculture, power, development of Small and Medium Enterprises and textile. Out of the four
Lines of Credit (LOCs), one credit line worth USD 29.95 million has already been completed in the
sector of textile. The remaining three LOCs are under various stages of implementation.
 A loan agreement to extend lines of credit of US$ 15 million (as first tranche out of US$ 30 million)
to IDB Capital Limited for development of SMEs was signed in July 2016.
 LoC of US $ 100 million of Agricultural Mechanization project was signed in January 2017 and
later re-purposed for Revitalization of Coffee, Cotton and Livestock Sector in July 2022. Signing
of the First Amendatory Agreement for repurposing of the LOC, and the bidding process for
selection of consultant for preparation of DPR are awaited.
 A water hyacinth harvesting machine gifted to Kisumu country in November 2022.
 During visit of PM Modi to Kenya in July 2016, it was announced for renovation of Mahatma
Gandhi Graduate Library at the University of Nairobi with a cost of US$ 1 million. It was
inaugurated by External Affairs Minister during his visit to Kenya in June 2021.
 A water hyacinth harvesting machine of Rs. 30,00,000/- was gifted to Kisumu country in
November 2022
 India gifted 15 parachutes to Ministry of Defence of Kenya during the visit of Defence Minister of
Kenya in August 2023.

 Total ITEC slots used till date/Annual slots at present.
 Since 2002, 1602 professionals have been trained under ITEC, and 1119 professionals have
been trained in just 9 years since 2014-15. In 2023-24, Kenya was offered 240 Civilian ITEC, 31
Defence ITEC slots.
 ICCR Scholarships: Kenya utilized 185 slots out of 254 slots offered in last five years. In 2023-24,
Kenya is offered 48 slots.
 CV Raman Scholarships: Nil
 Special training conducted:
63
o A special e-ITEC course was conducted for Kenyan Postal Department officers by the
Rafi Ahmed Kidwai National Postal Academy in March-April, 2021.
o Another ITEC programme on Forensic DNA technology for 20 Biology Forensic Analysts
of Kenya was organized in November 2022 at the request of Kenya National Police
Service.
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51. Country: Kiribati
The concurrent accreditation of Kiribati was transferred to High Commission of India, Suva in October
2011. Prior to that High Commission in Wellington was concurrently accredited to Kiribati from
September 1992.

 India provides Humanitarian and Disaster Relief assistance from time to time whenever the need
arises. On 28 August 2020, Government of India approved funding of US$ one million for support
to Kiribati’s response to COVID-19.
 In February 2022 when Government of Kiribati seeking offers of support to manage the first
Covid-19 outbreak in the country, the Government of India sent medical supplies worth USD
21,000/- including Pulse Oximeters, Swabs with VTM, Specimen bags for swabs, PPE kits
(Surgical masks, Gloves, N95 masks, Shoe covers, Hair caps) and emergency Covid-19
medication supplies.

 Government of India provides annual grants for community development projects in Kiribati.
 In addition, training slots are offered to Kiribati under the Indian Technical and Economic
Cooperation Programme of the Government of India.
 Diplomats are also offered training at the Foreign Service Institute of India.
 India gave a grant of US$ 1.1 million to Kiribati on 6 December 2017 for solar lighting of the South
Tarawa district.
 The project has benefited the households in the urban district who did not have access to
electricity or power and are forced to resort to the use of fossil fuel for their lighting needs.
 In February 2021 assistance of US$ 1 million was given from I-UNDP fund for the support on
Covid-19 response (Ongoing project).
 International Solar Alliance: Kiribati has become one of the Founding Members of the
International Solar Alliance (ISA) – a joint initiative of the Governments of India and France to
promote solar energy.
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52. Country: Kyrgyzstan
Historically, India has had close contacts with Central Asia, especially countries which were part of the
Ancient Silk Route, including the Kyrgyz Republic. During the Soviet era, India and the then Kyrgyz
Republic had limited political, economic and cultural contacts. Following the independence of Kyrgyz
Republic on 31st August, 1991, India was among the first countries to establish diplomatic relations
on 18th March 1992. The resident Mission of India was set up on 23rd May 1994. The year 2022 is
being marked as the 30th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and
the Kyrgyz Republic.

 India has, as assistance to the Kyrgyz Republic, to combat pandemic, donated thirty thousand
tables of Hydroxy Chloroquine (HCQ). Kyrgyz government assisted in evacuation of nearly
fourteen thousand Indian nationals (most of them medical students) to various destinations in
India under the Vande Bharat Mission.

 During the second Meeting of the India-Central Asia Dialogue held on 28 October 2020, India
announced a Government of India LoC offer/ availability of USD 1 billion for priority
Developmental Projects in the five Central Asian countries including the Kyrgyz Republic in fields
such as connectivity, energy, IT, healthcare, education, agriculture etc. In addition, India has also
made an offer of LoC of US$ 200 million for financing Development Projects in Kyrgyz Republic,
which was announced in June 2019 during the visit of Prime Minister Modi to the Kyrgyz
Republic.
 India has extended technical assistance to the Kyrgyz Republic for the establishment of an IT
center at the Kyrgyz State University of Construction, Transportation and Architecture, Bishkek;
Potato processing plant at Talas; Language laboratory at the Diplomatic Academy, Bishkek; Tele-
medicine links connecting six hospitals in Kyrgyzstan, and Bhabhatron-II equipment and Imaging
simulator for treating cancer patients. India gifted IT equipment (PCs, Tablets and Notebooks)
worth Rs. 27.40 lakhs to the Central Election Commission of Kyrgyz Republic for use during the
Parliamentary elections held on October 4th, 2020.

 India has allocated 100 slots for various courses under the ITEC programme to the Kyrgyz
Republic. These programmes provide opportunities for capacity development of Kyrgyz nationals.
There 10 are nearly 1,500 ITEC alumni in the Kyrgyz Republic.
 Nine diplomats from the Kyrgyz Republic participated in a customized course for young diplomats
from the countries of Central Asia, including the Kyrgyz Republic, from 05-16 December 2022 at
the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service (SSIFS). The training programme included
modules on India’s foreign policy, India’s relations with Central Asia, multilateral diplomacy &
WTO, UN reforms, space diplomacy, India’s perspectives on nuclear nonproliferation &
disarmament, negotiation skills, water security, GoI’s economic initiatives and economic reforms,
digital empowerment, India’s pandemic response, women in diplomacy, INSTC etc.
66
53. Country: Lao PDR
India and Lao PDR share long-standing religious, cultural, and people-to-people linkages going back
long into history. India was Chairman of the International Commission for Supervision and Control
(ICSC) on Indo-China. Lao PDR has been supportive on major issues of regional and international
concern to India, in particular, the legitimate developmental concerns of developing countries. Lao
PDR is a part of India’s extended neighbourhood. Only one country, viz. Myanmar, separates Lao
PDR from India’s North East. Lao PDR is thus important for India’s Act East Policy.

 A consignment of medicines and medical supplies gifted by India to Lao PDR on 4 August 2020 to
support the fight of Lao PDR against the COVID-19 pandemic. Govt. of India has donated 50000
doses of made in India Covovax vaccine to Lao PDR in February 2023 and provided 72600 doses
under Covax scheme. Prime Minister reiterated India’s commitment to continue its development
partnership with Lao PDR, a valued partner in India’s extended neighbourhood.

 Government of India has extended a total of five lines of Credit (LOC) amounting to a total of US
$226.23 mn to the Government of Lao PDR.
 LOC 1 of US$ 17.34 mn was extended to Lao PDR on 25 January 2007 for development of
irrigation schemes in the Champassack province in Lao PDR. The project was completed in
September 2015.
 LOC 2 of US$ 33 mn was extended to Lao PDR on 14 January 2008 for Paksong S/S Jiangzai
115 KV, double circuit transmission line project, Nam Song 7.5 MW hydropower project and
equipment for Rural electrification on Phase 2 project. The projects under this LOC have been
completed in August 2012.
 At present three LOCs amounting to US$ 175.89 are under various stages of implementation.
 LOC of US$72.55 mn extended to Lao PDR on 10 September 2010 for 230 kv double circuit
transmission lines from Nabong to Thabok and substatios and improvement and expansion of 22
kv distribution line in Vientiane capital city branches, the project has been completed in March
2017.
 LOC of US$ 30.94 mn for Construction of storage dam and development of irrigation systems and
solar hydropower projects was extended to Lao PDR in September, 2013. The project for
conversion and commission of diesel pumps into electric pump sets and upgradation of electric
pumps in Savannkhet and Vientiance province has been completed in August 2019. Projects for
Solar water pumping stations and Pico Hydropower Project are under execution.

 Archaeological Survey of India has been working on the restoration of the UNESCO world
heritage site at Vat Phou an ancient Shiva Temple, which was later converted into a Buddhist
temple. Phase I of the project is complete, second phase of the project is ongoing and is likely to
be completed in 2028.
Quick Impact Projects (QIPs)

 Under the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC) Framework, India provides grant assistance for
implementation of short gestation projects that could directly benefits local communities.

 The Government of India has been providing scholarships annually to Lao nationals under various
schemes. Under ITEC, Government of India provides short-term and a few long-term training
courses in various areas to Lao nationals (government officials/nominees); so far about 1500 Lao
nationals have been trained under ITEC. Fully-funded scholarships to Lao students for pursuing
undergraduate, postgraduate and Ph.D. degrees are also awarded by Indian Council for Cultural
Relations.
 The LIEDC (Lao-India Entrepreneurship Development Centre) set up in November 2004, trains
Lao entrepreneurs for setting up small and medium scale business. It has so far trained more
than 15000 individuals.
 The LICELT [Lao India Centre for English Language Training] set up in National University of Lao
PDR, Vientiane is another assistance project in human resource development.
67
 India set up an IT centre in Vientiane in November 2004, as well as a National Data Centre in
May 2006. Ten Rural Telecommunication Centers have been set up.
 The Centre for Excellence in Software Development and Training (CESDT) was inaugurated in
Vientiane in November, 2018. So far, CESDT has imparted training to around 250 participants in
different courses from different organizations of Lao PDR including government officials.
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54. Country: Lebanon
India and Lebanon have historically enjoyed close and friendly relations. India established diplomatic
relations with Lebanon in 1954. Shared commonalities include, besides cultural similarities, a
democratic, parliamentary system of government based on a written constitution, basic freedoms and
human rights; a market economy moving towards greater liberalization; a large pool of educated
English-speaking professionals and entrepreneurs; and a vibrant global diaspora. Both countries have
cooperated closely on various issues of mutual interest.

 In the past, India provided $ 1 million ($500,000 in 2014 to Lebanon Humanitarian Fund and
$500,000 in 2016 to Lebanon Response Fund) as part of India’s commitments made at the
Pledging Conferences on Syria held in Kuwait in 2014 and 2015.
 In the aftermath of tragic explosions of August 4 in Beirut, Government of India provided
immediate relief supply of medical, food and other relief materials to Lebanon on August 14. On
25 August, Ambassador handed over the consignment of medical aid, containing 70 boxes of
PPEs, to Lebanon for its fight against Covid-19. On 22 December, 2020, Embassy of India, Beirut
made a donation of office equipment to the Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)
comprising of 10 computers, 10 printers and 3 heavy duty photocopiers as part of its continuing
assistance to Lebanon in light of the devastation caused by August 4 blasts in Beirut. The
assistance of 05 motorbikes to Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants and 05 motorbikes to
Beirut Governorate was undertaken during the visit of Secretary (CPV&OIA) Dr. Ausaf Sayeed.

 The Indian Technical & Economic Cooperation [ITEC] programme has been popular in Lebanon
since its inception in 1964. Successive batches of ITEC trainees/alumni have been actively
contributing to further strengthening India-Lebanon ties.
 Post 2020, e-ITEC has been introduced due to Covid-19 travel restrictions and many Lebanese
participants participated in e-ITEC programmes. Three Lebanese participated in 2021-22 in ITEC
(civil) and 08 in ITEC (Defence). In 2022-23, 18 Lebanese have participated in various ITEC
courses till now.
 A Defence Service Staff College (DSSC) slot was offered to the Lebanese side in 2020 and again
in 2021.
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55. Country: Lesotho
Since 1996, the High Commission in Pretoria has been concurrently accredited to Lesotho. Lesotho
opened a resident Mission in New Delhi in 2005. India’s Honorary Consul to Lesotho was announced
in March 2014.

 Government of India has supplied 36000 Covid-19 vaccine doses in March 2021 under Covax
scheme to fight against Covid-19.

 Lesotho is one of the earliest developmental partner countries of India to avail GoI Line of Credits.
Since 2003, to strengthen bilateral cooperation, Government of India (GoI) has extended two
Lines of Credit (LOC) worth USD 9.70 million to the Government of Lesotho in the sectors of skill
development and irrigation equipment. Out of the two Lines of Credit (LOCs), one credit line worth
USD 5.00 million has already been completed in the sector of irrigation equipment. The remaining
LOC is under implementation.
 Under a tripartite agreement signed by India and Lesotho in October 2001, 4 Indian agricultural
experts / technicians were deputed to Lesotho under FAO’s special programme for Food Security
in Low Income Food Deficit countries. Subsequently, an Indian Expert was deputed in January
2004 to render assistance for drawing up an irrigation master plan.
 National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) and Basotho Enterprises Development Corporation
(BEDCO) signed an MOU in January 2004 for Mutual Cooperation for the Development of Small
Industries in Lesotho. This envisaged strengthening the capacity of BEDCO for development
sustenance and growth of small enterprises in Lesotho, facilitating transfer of technologies from
India to Lesotho, assistance in setting up a Common Facility-cum-Training Center to meet the skill
and technology needs of small enterprises in Lesotho and facilitating enterprise-to-enterprise
contacts with a view to promote Indian investment and industrial partnerships in Lesotho. The
Indian Ministry of Textiles sent a team of experts to assess Lesotho’s training needs in the textile
sector.
 A two-member delegation from the Election Commission of India visited Lesotho on 29-31
January 2015 to provide Technical Assistance in different aspect of election management to the
Independent Electoral Commission of Lesotho.
 An India-Lesotho Centre for Advanced Education in Information Technology has been set up by
India at Lerotholi Polytechnic, Maseru on 29 November 2017, which is a fully funded Government
of India project.
 A Pan-Africa e-network has also been set-up in Lesotho by M/s TCIL which includes VVIP
communication, tele-medicine and tele-education.
 On 29 November 2017, 500 metric tonnes of rice were formally donated by India to Lesotho as a
gesture of goodwill and friendship between the two countries and to mitigate the devastating
effect of food shortages caused by famine and other acts of nature.

 In 2022-23, 70 ITEC slots and 35 ICCR slots have been allocated to Lesotho.
70
56. Country: Liberia
India-Liberia relations have been warm and friendly. The Government of India (GOI) opened a
resident Mission in capital Monrovia in May, 2021. Prior to the opening of the Mission, Ambassador of
India to Ivory Coast was concurrently accredited to Liberia with residence in Abidjan. Liberia does not
have a resident Mission in New Delhi.

 Government of India has supplied 96000 Covid-19 vaccine doses in March 2021 under Covax

 India contributed SDR 11.15 million towards the IMF’s Financial Package for Liberia’s Debt Relief
in October 2007. In order to improve the non-existent transport system of Liberia, India gifted 25
buses in 2010 which has been a visible example of India's assistance to improve daily lives of
thousands of Liberians.
 India provided agricultural assistance package consisting of pesticides and sprayers to the
Liberian government in 2009 to help combat emergency situation caused by caterpillar infestation.
 Liberia was severely affected by Ebola during 2014-15. It was declared Ebola free by WHO on 9
May 2015. GOI stood by Liberia during these difficult times and extended bilateral assistance of
over US$ 50,000 to Liberia to fight Ebola.
 In addition, GOI provided cash assistance of US$ 500,000 to the WHO as well as contribution of
US$ 10 million to the UN Fund for Ebola and additional US$ 2 million for purchase of protective
gear to tackle Ebola for the 3 Ebola affected countries of West Africa including Liberia.
 In August 2014, the Indian Community in Liberia also donated assorted anti-Ebola related
material worth more than US$ 200,000 to the National Task Force on Ebola.
 GOI has also contributed US$ 2 million as grant for construction of the 14th Military Hospital in
Liberia in August 2019.
 India has extended soft loan through ECOWAS Bank for Investment & Development (EBID) for
construction of Barclayille-Sasstown-Kloween Road at a cost of US $ 50 million, which is under
implementation.

 India has been contributing towards human resource development, capacity building and skills
up-gradation of Liberians. Under the India-Africa Forum Summit I and II (IAFS I and II), India
committed to set up an Information Technology Centre, a Farm Science Centre and a Training
Centre for Women in the Solar Energy sector. A Vocational Training Centre for Women is being
set up at Buchanan County near capital Monrovia by Barefoot College, Tilonia. Liberia has been
a beneficiary country of the PAN African e-network project and is appreciative of the project.
 GOI has offered the upgraded programme of e-VidyaBharti (Tele-education) and e-ArogyaBharti
(Tele-medicine) Project (e-VBAB) to Liberia.
 India provides 70 training slots under the Indian Technical & Economic Cooperation (ITEC) & 6
ICCR scholarships for post-graduate studies. Liberians have also been benefiting from other
capacity building training programmes in India under the IAFS, Professional Course for Foreign
Diplomats conducted by Ministry of External Affairs as well as under the US-Liberia-India trilateral
cooperation programme.
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57. Country: Libya
Though separated by geography, India and Libya have enjoyed strong bilateral ties. India opened its
Diplomatic Mission in Tripoli in 1969.India has regularly supported Libya in international fora and
welcomed the UNSCR 1506 adopted on 12 September, 2003, lifting sanctions imposed on Libya.

 The number of ITEC slots being offered to Libya has come down from 30 in 2013-14 to 10 now.
 Under the IAFS-II Scheme, 5 Libyans attended various training courses in 2012-13. In 2013 one
official from the Libyan Foreign Ministry attended the 56th PCFD conducted by FSI. In 2017
another official from the MFA was sent to attend the 63rd PCFD course. ICCR also allocate 8
slots for Libya for higher studies under its Africa Scholarship Scheme.
 Following the launching of the Pan-African e-governance initiative, a Centre in Libya for
telemedicine, tele-education, e-governance, etc. was set up. Under this initiative all nations in
Africa were being connected to India through satellite network.
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58. Country: Madagascar
Madagascar is the largest and most populous island in the Indian Ocean. It is located in the South
Western Indian Ocean. India’s maritime links with Madagascar date back to 18th century. India and
Madagascar enjoy cordial bilateral relations. Madagascar generally supports India’s candidature in the
multinational fora. On contentious issues, such as UNSC reforms, it has been following the African
Union line. India opened a Consulate General in Antananarivo in 1954. Upon Madagascar gaining
independence in 1960, the Consulate General was upgraded to an Embassy.
 Government of India had extended a concessional Line of Credit of US$ 25 million to Madagascar
for raising productivity of rice and setting up of fertilizer plants and the agreement was signed in
2008 with Exim Bank of India. As per the agreement, 425 tractors and equipment & machinery for
setting up bio seeds processing and fertilizer plants were supplied.
 A LoC of $ 80.72 million was approved by the Government of India in June 2019 for the
development of agriculture.
 Cash assistance of US$100,000/- as disaster relief during tropical cyclone ‘Haruna’.
 Cash relief assistance of US$200,000/- for the victims of cyclone Chedza.
 A cash grant of US$ 2 million was handed over to the BNGRC (Natural Disaster Management
Agency of Madagascar) on 14 March 2018.
 A donation of 1000 Metric Tonnes of Rice and consignment of approximately 100 tonnes of
medicines for the drought victims of Southern Madagascar, ENAWO cyclone and Plague
epidemic were given by GOI.
 During ‘Operation Vanilla’ relief material was donated for the flood-affected regions of the
northern region of Madagascar. Donation of 600 tonnes of rice in March, 2020 as human disaster
and relief assistance (HADR) to Madagascar for help in dealing with the situation arisen due to
the heavy floods in the Northern region of Madagascar.
 Donation of a consignment of medicines in May 2020 meant for treatment ofCovid-19.
 Donation of 1000 MT of rice and 100,000 tablets of Hydroxychloroquine to Madagascar in March
2021 due to severe drought and famine situation in South Madagascar.
 Madagascar has signed the International Solar Alliance Framework Agreement in Marrakech,
Morocco in November 2016 and has ratified the instrument on 12 February 2018.
 Madagascar became the 30th country to join the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure
(CDRI) on 4 April 2022. As of April 2022, 30 members, consisting of 23 national governments and
7 organizations have joined CDRI. By becoming the member of CDRI, Madagascar will be able to
work together with other member countries to promote resilient infrastructure and help in creating
a safe, resilient and sustainable future globally.

 As part of South-South Cooperation, India's focus has been on capacity building, including
training in highly skilled/technical fields which has been widely appreciated by the local
population. 10 diplomats from Madagascar participated in the 1st Special Course for diplomats of
the Indian Ocean Region at Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service from 20 September - 1
October 2021.
 Under ITEC programme, 107 slots were allocated out of which 60 were utilized in 2019-20, 3 in
2020-21 and 4 in 2021-22 utilized in e-ITEC.
 Under ICCR, 12 slots were allocated and 7 utilized in 2019-20, 17 utilized out of 23 in 2020-21
and 18 utilized out of 2021-22.
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59. Country: Malawi
India and Malawi shares cordial and friendly bilateral relations. India established diplomatic relations
with Malawi immediately after Malawi’s Independence in 1964.Subsequently, a resident Mission in
Malawi was established until 1993 and re-opened in March, 2012. Malawi opened its Mission in Delhi
in February, 2007.

 As part of Covid-19 assistance, India gifted 50,000 doses of India made Covid vaccine in March
2021. In September 2021, India gifted Covid related essential medicines and PPE material worth
US$ 1.4 mn.

 During the visit of Vice President of India to Malawi in January 2010, a grant of US $ 5 million was
offered to Malawi - Science & Laboratory equipment worth US$ 1.5 million and medical
equipment worth US$ 1.5 million consisting of mammography and ultra-sound machines were
donated to Malawi government.
 US$1 million worth of agricultural implements supplied by India were handed over in August 2015
to Government of Malawi.
 In July 2015, a grant of US$1 million worth of essential medicines and drugs were handed over to
Government of Malawi towards disaster relief operations in 2015.
 The GoI has also extended another grant of US$ 1 million in response to an international Appeal
declaring Malawi on “State of Disaster” by President of Malawi in 2016.
 In 2020, Government of India gifted 1,000 MT of Rice in response to request for Aid due to failure
of crop.
 The following grants were announced in November 2018:
 Bhabhatron Cancer treatment machine - Government of India has completed the formalities for
supply of the machine and awaiting completion of the logistical arrangements for supply of the
machine;
 Medicines worth US$ 2 million – The medicines were handed over to Government of Malawi in
July 2020;
 10 ambulances – Ambulances were handed over to Government of Malawi in February 2020
 100,000 text books for Malawi schools – The books were handed over to Government of Malawi
in February 2020.
 The Government of India under its “India for Humanity” initiative launched Artificial Limbs Fitment
Camp in Lilongwe at Kamuzu Central Hospital.551 Malawians were fitted with artificial limbs.
 Since 2008, India has extended LoC worth US$ 395.68 mn for Malawi for various infrastructure
development projects. Projects worth US$ 180 mn including Sugar Factory in Salima; 60 mnlitre
capacity Fuel Storage Facilities in Blantyre, Lilongwe and Mzuzu; Cotton Ginneries in Ngabu,
Ngara and Balaka; Dal Processing Plants in Liwonde and Luchenza, etc., have been completed.
 In November 2018, a new LoC of US$ 215.68 million for drinking water supply schemes in Malawi
was announced. The LoC agreement was signed between Government of Malawi and EXIM Bank
on 12 June 2020 and works related to the projects have commenced recently.
 Malawi was one of early countries, who signed and ratified the ISA Framework Agreement in
November, 2017. Mr. Aggrey Masi, Minister for Natural Resources, Energy and Mining
represented Malawi at ISA Founding Conference held on 11 March, 2018 in New Delhi. In
October 2021, ISA has granted US$ 50,000 to solarize the Malawian Parliament building.
 In February, 2021 assistance of US$ 500,000 was given from I-UNDP Fund for building inclusive
digital economy in the Malawi (Ongoing Project).

 India is participating significantly in the human resource development of Malawi. India provides
approximately 40 scholarships to Malawian students to pursue higher studies in India every
year. Government of India also provide 130 slots every year to Malawi under ITEC Programme.
So far, more than 800 Malawian nationals from both government and private sectors have been
trained in India in various fields since 2008. In addition, 32 Malawi Defence officials have been
trained under ITEC Programme and UN Peacekeeping Training programme since 2017.
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 Similarly, more than 100 students from Malawi have pursued their higher education in various
universities in India under Africa Scholarship Scheme and India-Africa Forum Summit Training
programme.
 Pan-African E-Network: The multi-million-dollar Pan-African E-Network project was set up at
Chancellor College in Zomba, Malawi. The Project commenced in August 2010 and concluded in
March 2017.The programme was successful and more than 2,000 Malawians benefited under this
programme.Since the new E-Vidya Bharati Aarogya Bharati (E-VBAB) project has been launched
by Government of India in January 2020, more than 1600 students have been awarded
scholarship to pursue short-term, under-graduation and post-graduation courses.
 Business Incubation Centre (BIC): India has established a Business Incubation Centre worth US
$ 1 million in Malawi to provide short term training in processing of Tomato, Mangoes and
cassava. The Center also has facilities to train students in semi-precious stone cutting and
polishing techniques; compost processing unit and briquette unit. A group of 14 Master Trainers
were trained by Indian experts.
 Cotton Technical Assistance Programme (C-TAP): The C-TAP Programme was started by India
in 2012 for African countries including Malawi. Under the programme, 200 participants and 25
trainers from Malawi were trained through regional training and exposure visits to India. GoI has
also set up and handed over the ‘Skill School for Apparel Manufacturing’ with 20 Industrial Sewing
Machines and Cutting equipments to Government of Malawi in September 2016 and the facility
has the capacity to train 20 Malawians at a time.
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60. Country: Malaysia
India established diplomatic relations with the Federation of Malaya (predecessor state of Malaysia) in
1957 immediately after Malaysia’s independence. India and Malaysia have developed close political,
economic and socio-cultural relations. There is a considerable goodwill for India in Malaysia at
people-to-people level, which hosts the third largest PIO community in the world.
India and Malaysia are witnessing growing engagements in all aspects of bilateral relationship,
including political, economic and trade, defence and security, tourism and education, health, human
resources, public administration, etc.

 India and Malaysia signed a MoU on cooperation in the field of Traditional Systems of Medicine in
October 2010. India also offers 20 seats under the AYUSH Scholarship Scheme to Malaysia to
pursue Bachelor Degree in Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homeopathy medicine in Indian
institutions.

 About 2,000 Indian students are studying in Malaysia, while an estimated 4,000 Malaysian
students are studying in India, mostly medicine.
 India has offered 30 slots under ITEC program for 2019-20 and 3 slots under ICCR General
Scholarship Scheme. Since 2007, 280 Malaysians have attended different courses offered by 90
institutes under ITEC. The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) offers 2 scholarships
under the General Scholarship Scheme (GSS) and 2 scholarships under the Education Exchange
Programme (EEP) every year. Malaysians pursuing Bachelor courses in India can also avail
scholarships under the Scholarship Programme for Diaspora Children (SPDC).
 The Indian Scholarship and Trust Fund was created in 1946 by PM Nehru to benefit and assist
Malaysian-Indian students on an annual basis. Since 2006, more than RM2 million has been
disbursed from the ISTF, benefitting more than 800 Malaysian Indian students. In the 2021-22 FY,
83 Malaysian-Indian students studying in various universities in Malaysia were awarded a total of
RM 307,500 in scholarships.
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61. Country: Maldives
India and Maldives share ethnic, linguistic, cultural, religious and commercial links steeped in
antiquity. The relations have been close, cordial and multi-dimensional. India was among the first to
recognize Maldives after its independence in 1965 and to establish diplomatic relations with the
country.

 India has extended humanitarian assistance of 200,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine (Covishield)
to the Government and people of Maldives to fight the pandemic. India has also provided 12,000
doses under Covax scheme.

 The major completed and ongoing development assistance projects executed by India are:
o Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital: The hospital was built with Indian Grant Assistance in 1995.
Major renovation of IGMH funded by GoI was completed in June 2017 at a cost USD 6.2 mn.
o Maldives Institute of Technical Education (now called the Maldives Polytechnic): The MoU for
setting up Maldives Institute for Technical Education (MITE) was signed in March 1992. MITE
was completed at a cost of INR 12 Cr and handed over to GoM in Sept 1996.
o India-Maldives Faculty of Hospitality & Tourism Studies: The faculty, built with Indian grant
assistance of INR 64.5 Crore, was officially handed over to GoM in Feb 2014.
o Technology Adoption Programme in Education Sector in Maldives: The US$ 5.3 million
project fully funded by GoI was launched in June 2011 to provide ICT training to Maldivian
teachers and youth and for vocational training. The project concluded in Dec 2013.
o National College for Police and Law Enforcement (NCPLE): With GoI grant funding of USD 30
mn, NCPLE is the single-largest grant project executed by India in the Maldives.
 Construction of Ministry of Defence building is underway in Maldives with a GoI grant-in-aid
assistance of US$ 5.74 mn and the project is expected to be complete in December 2023
 A cash grant of 6.5 mn to Maldives for important bilateral projects was announced to support the
projects related to socio-economic development, particularly creation of infrastructure in the
education, health or community development sectors. Total 18 projects including building of
community / convention centres, community outdoor gyms & children parks, coastal protection,
street lighting, student ferry between islands, vehicles for city councils, police infrastructure,
sports infrastructure, inclusive education units, school classrooms project, emergency health unit,
etc. across islands were taken up for implementation. All of projects have been completed.
o High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs) under grant: An MoU between India
and Maldives regarding grant assistance of MVR 85 million for implementation of HICDPs
through Local Bodies was signed in March 2019. The MoU was revised in July 2021 to
enlarge the grant assistance to MVR 155 million from MVR 85 million. In January 2023, MoU
for additional grant assistance of MVR 100 million for the HICDPs scheme was signed. A total
of 47 HICDPs are underway, out of which 08 have been completed and 07 have been
inaugurated.
o Infrastructure & Connectivity Projects under Exim Bank Line of Credit of US$ 800 million for
which Credit Line Agreement between Ministry of Finance, GoM and EXIM Bank of India was
signed in March 2019. A USD 100 million supplementary LoC was announced in August
2022.
 A total of 6 GoI Lines of Credit (LOCs) worth USD 1430 million have been extended to the
Government of Maldives (GoM) so far in the fields of housing, development projects, connectivity,
sports infrastructure, and defence projects etc. Under these LOCs, contracts worth USD 865.17
million have been covered and disbursements worth USD 381.07 million have been made. Out of
the 16 projects included under these LOCs, 1 project has already been completed, 10 projects
are currently under execution, and 5 projects are in tendering stage.
 USD 50 million Defence Line of Credit: The LoC was concluded in Feb 2021.There are 5 projects
identified under this LoC and tendering process is underway for procurement of various items
requested by MNDF as per the defense requirement of GoM.
 USD 40 million Sports Line of Credit: The LoC was concluded in Sept 2021 to develop the sports
infrastructure across the islands. There are 5 Projects identified under this LoC.
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 The following projects are being implemented under these LoCs:
o Water and Sanitation in 34 Islands: The project seeks to improve water supply and sewerage
facilities in 34 identified islands by installing proper water supply distribution network, ensuring
protection of ground water aquifer and sustainable water source management. The project
was awarded as 6 packages to 4 Indian contractors after a tendering process in March 2021.
Work is nearing completion.
o Addu Development Project (Roads and Land Reclamation): This is a key infrastructure project
required for Addu to establish itself as the southern regional hub of Maldives. The scope
includes roads, street lighting, storm water drainage, shore protection and land reclamation
for the development of tourism infrastructure. The contract for roads component was awarded
in Feb 2021 to AFCONS and was jointly launched by President Solih and EAM in March,
2022. Work is progressing well. Also, in March 2022, GoM awarded contract for the Land
Reclamation portion of the project to a Dutch company “Van Oord’ to carry out a total
reclamation of 194.3 hectares of land.
o Expansion of Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company Limited (MIFCO) facilities in Felivaru
and Gemanafushi: MIFCO currently collects 60% of skipjack tuna caught by the fishermen at
a fixed price set by Government. MIFCO has the capacity of adding value to 40% of the
collection, while the rest is exported as frozen tuna, resulting in the export of frozen tuna
becoming a loss-making operation, affecting the sustainability of the company. Contract to
develop the cold storage facilities in the MIFCO Felivaru and Gemanafushi was awarded and
the agreement was signed between MIFCO and Rinac India Limited on 18 January 2023.
o Cancer Hospital: Proposed hospital will be a model centre and State of Art Cancer Facility in
Maldives, connecting their 150+ health centers on various islands. In Oct 2020, GoM
requested for change of location of the Hospital from Hulhumale to Laamu. The project will be
executed under the supervision of TATA Memorial Centre (TMC). The project has been
formally included under the Line of Credit and financial closure was announced in August
2022. The process for identifying contractor and consultant is underway.
o Gulhifalhu Port project: The objective of this project is to relocate the congested Malé
Commercial Harbour and warehousing from Malé to Gulhifalhu Island (which is in Greater
Malé region). GoM envisages development of Gulhifalhu International Port as a modern,
technologydriven, globally competitive port inclusive of warehousing and logistic zones that
could serve the requirement of Maldives for next 35 years.
 Hulhumalé Cricket Stadium: During EAM’s visit to Maldives in March 2019, GoM requested Indian
assistance for the construction of cricket stadium in Hulhumalé, to which India agreed. The project
was approved by GoI on 03 July 2020 and was included under the GoI LoC of USD 800 mn.
 Airport Redevelopment Projects in Hanimaadhoo and Gan: The EXIM Bank of India is supporting
the redevelopment of airports in Hanimaadhoo and Gan. GoI has funded the DPRs for both these
projects which have been prepared by the Airports Authority of India. GoM has awarded the
contract for Redevelopment of Hanimaadhoo in September, 2022 to JMC Projects India Pvt Ltd.
The groundbreaking ceremony held on 18 Jan 2023, during the visit of EAM to Maldives and in
the presence of President Solih marked the commencement of project. In Feb 2023, Ministry of
Economic Development awarded the contractor to Renaatus Projects Private Limited of India for
development of the Gan International Airport.
 Greater Male Connectivity Project: The project aims to connect Male to Villingili, Gulhifalhu and
Thilafushi islands through a series of bridges, causeways, and roads. The project is crucial for the
proposed Gulhifalhu Port, and will be a major catalyst for the Maldivian economy in the future
through jobs and economic activity. It is funded through a separate $ 400 million LoC and $ 100
million grant from India.
 USD 50 million Defence Line of Credit was concluded in Feb 2021. Pre-qualification and
tendering process is underway for procurement of various items requested by MNDF in concert
with the EXIM Bank of India. USD 40 million Sports Line of Credit was extended to the Maldives
in Sept 2021 to develop the sports infrastructure across the islands.
 Projects under EXIM Bank’s Buyers Credit
o Social Housing projects in Hulhumale’ Phase II: On 23 Sept, 2021 EXIM Bank of India
concluded two Agreements with FahiDhiriulhun Corporation Ltd (FDC) of Maldives to extend
Buyers Credit of approx. USD 227 million for the construction of 4000 Social Housing Units
(2800 units of 3 bedrooms and 1200 units of 2 bedrooms) in Hulhumale’ Phase II. The
construction is being undertaken by National Buildings Construction Company (NBCC) and
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JMC Projects (India) Ltd. India announced USD 119 under Buyer’s Credit for additional 2,000
social housing units in Hulhumale.
o Road projects: Earlier, EXIM Bank had extended around $53 million in Buyers’ Credit to a
Mohan Mutha- Ashoka Buildcon JV for development of roads in Hulhumale’ Phase I & II.
o Police Infrastructure Development project: Buyers Credit agreement extending USD 41 million
to develop Police Infrastructure in Maldives was signed during H.E. President Solih's visit.
The ground breaking ceremony was held at Thulusdhoo island on 10th August 2022.
 GoI is also supporting restoration of HukuruMiskiiy (Friday Mosque) in Malé under Indian Grant of
INR 8.95 crores. An ASI team is currently working with the local Ministry of Arts to implement the
project.
 The National College for Policing and Law Enforcement Studie (NCPLE), a USD 30 million project
and India’s largest grant project in the Maldives, was jointly inaugurated by President Solih and
EAM during the latter’s visit to Addu in March 2022. The facility has been handed over to the
Maldives Police Service.
 Special Humanitarian Assistance: India was the first to assist Maldives during the 2004 Tsunami
as well as the water crisis in Malé in Dec 2014. These three incidents (in 1988, 2004 and 2014)
had established the advantages of India’s proximity and capacity to come to Maldives’ rescue in
distress vis-à-vis any other country and are widely acknowledged by the government and people
of Maldives. India’s swift dispatch of 30,000 doses of measles vaccine in Jan 2020 to prevent an
outbreak in the Maldives, and India’s rapid and comprehensive assistance to the Maldives since
the COVID19 pandemic began has further reinforced India’s credentials of being the “first
responder”.

 India has been a traditional partner for the Maldives in human resource development across
sectors for decades. Given its small population base, isolated geographical location of islands,
and many resource challenges, Maldives suffers from a crunch of good human capital. Several
Maldivian youths acquire their higher education in India Universities every year. Indian teachers
have been a fixture at Maldivian schools across islands for decades.
 India has traditionally offered a substantial number of ICCR scholarships to Maldivian youth i.e.
39 for 2021-22 & 34+ for 2022-23 & 2023-24. Since 2012-13, more than 165 Maldivian students
have benefited from ICCR scholarship.
 India also offers 10 seats every year to Maldives under Department of Science and Technology
(DST), Govt. of India “India Science and Research Fellowship (ISRF) Programme”. Maldives has
been a partner of the ITEC programme for several years. In 2019-20, the in-person ITEC slots
were increased to 200. Under the ITEC (in-person) programmes, number of Maldivians trained is
47, 28, 84 & 174 in 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20 & 2022-23.
 Amid COVID19 pandemic led travel restrictions, ITEC in-person was not conducted for 2020-21 &
2021-22 but to overcome the challenge of travel restrictions various e-ITEC programmes were
offered from October 2020 and till date more than 650 Maldivians have benefitted from these e-
ITEC programmes.
 India is seeking to initiate/strengthen institutional linkages with all stakeholders in the Government
and society of Maldives. In the past around 4 years, institutional linkages between counterpart
organisations on both sides have increased adding heft to capacity building and training
initiatives. Various MoUs have been signed focusing on capacity building of Human resources
includes:
o MoU on Civil Services between Civil Services Commission (CSC) and National Centre for
Good Governance (NCGG),
o MoU on Cooperation in Customs Capacity Building between Maldives Customs Service
(MCS) and CBIC India,
o MoU on Parliamentary Cooperation between Lok Sabha and Majlis,
o MoU between the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) of Maldives and the National
Judicial Academy of India (NJAI), (v) MoU between Election Commission of India and the
Elections Commission of Maldives, (vi) MoU between Public broadcaster Public Service
Media (PSM) and Prasar Bharati, (vii) MoU between Auditor General’s Office (AGO) in
the Maldives and the CAG, (vii) MoU between
 Since 2019, total number of Maldivians visiting India for various in-person training programmes
are more than 2200. Similarly, greater than 1600 virtual training slots in different subjects have
been offered to Maldivians.
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62. Country: Mali
India and Mali have traditionally maintained friendly relations and have no geo-political issues
between them. The Government of India established its Embassy in Bamako in May 2009. Mali
followed soon by opening its Embassy in New Delhi in August 2009.

 The first Covid-19 vaccines arrived in Mali were the 396,000 doses of Made-in-India Covishield
vaccines which were supplied to Mali through International COVAX Arrangement in March 2021.

 India’s development partnership with Mali through Lines of Credit covers sectors including power,
railways and agriculture. India has extended a total of 11 LOCs [(including 2 LOCs extended
through ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID)] amounting to US $ 436.27
million to the Government of Mali. Projects under 6 LOCs have been completed in sectors of
power, railways and agriculture. Projects under three LoCs are under various stages of
implementation in the sectors of power and agriculture.
 7 projects under Lines of Credit (LoC) totalling US$ 203.62 million have been completed. A 225
KV double circuit power transmission project connecting Bamako and Sikasso via Bougouni (395
Kms) for which the Government of India extended an LoC of US $ 100 million, is under
construction and expected to be completed in 2023. Other completed projects are in the energy
sector (transmission line), agriculture and food processing projects, acquisition of railway coaches
and setting up of agro-machinery and tractor assembly plant.
 Gifting of IT Equipment to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mali - this was announced during the
visit of Vice President of India to Mali on September 29-30 2015. They were handed over to
MOFA on 14 April 2017. Amount CFA 10,036,500 (eq. Rs. 10,93,074).
 Cash assistance of US$ 500,000 towards revival of World heritage site of Timbuktu - This was
announced during the visit of Vice President of India to Mali on September 29-30 2015. The
donation cheque was handed over to the Mali’s Minister of Culture on 2 March 2017.
 Equipment for obstetrics held (Rs. 3.84 lakh) donated to community health centre in Sikasso
(2020-2021).
 Contributed $ 1 Million as grant to AFISMA (2013).

 The Government of India offers various short term training programmes under the Indian
Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme to Mali. The ITEC programme is
administered by the Ministry of External Affairs of the Government of India, under which all
expenses including international airfare, boarding, lodging, tuition fees, etc. are borne by the GOI.
These programmes essentially aim to enhance the qualification and skills of persons who are
already employed in government establishments. For the year 2022-2023, 70 ITEC slots have
been offered to Mali which are in the process of being utilized.
 Under ICCR’s Africa Scholarship Scheme for higher studies in India, Mali has been offered 13
slots for the 2022-2023, up from 7 in the previous year. But based on greater demand, a total of
16 Malian students were given scholarships for higher studies in India in 2022. In addition, one
Malian student was provided scholarship for studying Hindi at the Central Institute of Hindi at Agra
in 2022.
 India is becoming one of the favored destinations of Malian students for their higher education.
Apart from the scholarships offered by the Government of India, many Malians go to India for their
higher studies as self-financed students.
 e-VidyaBharati and e-AarogyaBharati (e-VBAB) Project for Tele-Education & Tele-Medicine:Mali
has been offered the e-VidyaBharati and e-AarogyaBharati (e-VBAB) Network Project to provide
free tele-education courses in various academic disciplines and free continuing medical education
to doctors/nurses/para-medical staff including free medical consultancy. An MoU between Mali
and Telecommunications Consultants India Limited [TCIL] was signed on 4 November 2019 in
New Delhi for Mali’s participation in this project.
 The tele-education portal iLearn & iHealth for Africa provides access to over 500 courses in
various disciplines including engineering and technology, education, mathematics and sciences,
education, humanities and arts and teacher training. The portal offers 15000 scholarships to
African partner countries, including Mali, to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate courses from
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premier public and private Universities of India. 45 scholarships awaited from Mali have enrolled
for the July 2022 academic session under e-VBAB.
 C. V. Raman Fellowship Scheme: 8 slots offered to Mali, 2 have already been availed.
 Two Malian military officers participated in the training programme conducted by the Centre for
UN Peacekeeping in Delhi.
 Malian Army had been offered 2 slots in the army training institutes at Non-Commissioned
Officers Academy (NCO Binaguri) and 1 slot in Junior Leaders Academy (JLA Bareilly) for the
year 2020-21.
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63. Country: Marshall Islands
India was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with the Republic of Marshall
Islands (RMI) in April 1995. India’s relations with the RMI are covered from Japan with the Indian
Ambassador to Japan being concurrently accredited to the RMI.

 India donated 7.500 tablets of Hydroxycholoroquine to RMI in September 2020.

 Since 2005, India has provided more than USD 1.8 million as assistance to RMI for various grant-
in-aid projects relating to purchase of equipment, disaster relief, national export strategy,
community and local government projects harnessing solar energy, water and sanitation.
 India provided assistance of USD 242,500 in 2005 for purchase of solar panels and two-way radio
sets for Outer Islands Health Centre for the Ministry of Health, Marshall Islands.
 Subsequently, in 2008 India provided USD 100,000 for solar powered street lights and provided
two mini vans and computer (plus communication equipment) in 2013 to the tune of USD
163,000.
 As disaster relief for drought, India provided USD 100,000 to Marshall Islands in 2013.
 India has provided grant-in-aid of USD 100,570 for funding Marshall Islands’s first National Export
Strategy in January 2015.
 In FY 2015-16, India provided special grant of USD 150,000 for organizing the Annual Pacific
Islands Leader’s Summit in Majuro. A grant of USD 199,680 for Atoll Community Coral and Calm
Project and a grant of USD 100,000 for disaster relief and recovery were provided.
 A financial assistance of USD 200,000 sanctioned for Majuro Atoll Local Government for “Solar
Refrigeration Project” under GoI’s Annual grant-in-aid programme for FY 2017-18 was handed
over on the sidelines of India-Pacific Islands Sustainable Development Conference.
The project included:
o Solar powered small home system to support refrigeration to store food (chest freezers)
o 7 units of solar powered street lighting for area lighting.
o 50 units of Electric Bicycles (including spares)
 In June 2020, the project to improve resilience in the Pacific Island Countries (including RMI) was
signed between United Nations Resident Coordinator and Pacific Islands Development Forum
(PIDF) to be largely funded by India. Under the scheme Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems will be
installed on buildings of national significance. (Total funding: US $ 1 Million)
 In September 2017 Climate Early Warning Systems Project in Seven Pacific Countries (including
RMI) was launched under the India-UN Development Partnership Fund. (Total funding: US $ 1
Million)

 In FY 2017-18, 3 women from RMI underwent ITEC Training for “Training illiterate/semi-literate
Rural Women on Solar Electrification and Rainwater Harvesting” conducted by Barefoot College,
Ajmer.
 One officer from National Disaster Management Office, RMI underwent training on “Early Warning
System for Oceanic disaster and Mitigation with Special Emphasis on Tsunamis” in November
2017 at Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Service, Hyderabad under INCOIS-NDMA
Training Programme for Pacific Island Countries (under FIPIC).
 During the FY 2020-2021, one applicant participated from RMI in the e-ITEC course “Online
Programme on Financial Inclusion & Development” by National Institute of Bank Management.
 RMI nominated 2 diplomats for 3rd Special Course for Diplomats from Pacific Island Countries,
which was held between 20 February to 03 March 2023 at Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign
Service, New Delhi.
 “Sagar Amrut Scholarships” scheme for the PIC countries was announced during FIPIC-III summit
held in May 2023. Under the scheme India is offering a total of 200 fully funded scholarship slots
each year to participants from PIC countries.
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64. Country: Mauritania
India and Islamic Republic of Mauritania enjoy warm and friendly relations. India opened its resident
mission in Nouakchott in June 2021. India provides substantial developmental, human resource
development and infrastructural aid to Mauritania. The Government of Mauritania looks forward to
further multi-faceted strengthening of its relationship with India, especially in port/s development, oil
exploration, mining, power, agricultural, pharmaceuticals, engineering and educational sectors.
Mauritania can make immense use of India’s expertise in sectors such as oil exploration, port
development, power, communications, education, mining, agriculture, textile, automobile and
pharmaceuticals etc.

 Government of India has supplied 15 million COVID-19 made in India vaccine doses to Mauritania
under Covax scheme.

 India has extended Line of Credits (LoCs) of value aggregating USD 21.8 million to Mauritania
towards agro-industries (milk processing plant) and drinking water projects. The project has
already been completed in 2011.

 The number of ITEC slots offered to Mauritania for 2022-23 is 3, one for defence and two civilian
slots. One ICCR scholarship is offered to Mauritania every year.
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65. Country: Mauritius
India has close, longstanding relations with Mauritius, an island nation in the Western Indian Ocean,
owing to historic, demographic, and cultural reasons. A key reason for the special ties is the fact that
Indian origin people comprise nearly 70% of the island’s population of 1.2 million.

 On Mauritius’ request, India supplied 13 tonnes of medicines (including 0.5 million tablets of
HCQ), 10 tonnes of Ayurvedic medicines and an Indian rapid response medical team to help
combat COVID in April-May 2020.
 India was also the first country to supply COVID-19 vaccines to Mauritius, with 1 lakh doses of
Covishield vaccines gifted to Mauritius on 22 January 2021. Subsequently, India supplied an
additional 1 lakh dose of Covishield and 2 lakh doses of COVAXIN on commercial basis. A ten-
member Indian medical team visited Mauritius in March 2022 to share best practices in COVID
management.

 In May 2016, India provided a grant of US$ 353 million to Mauritius as a Special Economic
Package for five priority projects, all of which have been completed: (i) Metro Express Project; (ii)
Supreme Court Building; (iii) New ENT Hospital; (iv) Social Housing project; (v) Digital Tablets for
school children.
 India extended a USD 500 million Line of Credits (LoC) in 2017 to Mauritius to finance
social/infrastructure projects. In October 2021, a LoC of USD 190 million and USD 10 million
grant was approved by India for Phase III of the metro project. In August 2022, another LoC worth
USD 300 million and a grant of USD 25 million was announced for Phase IV extension of the
Metro.
 In the wake of a massive oil spill following the grounding of the Japanese vessel Wakashio off the
Mauritian coast on July 25, 2020, India was the first responder. An IAF aircraft brought 30 tonnes
of technical equipment, material and a 10-member technical response team on August 16, 2020.
INS Nireekshak joined the Mauritian National Coast Guard (NCG) in salvaging the Mauritian Tug
‘Sir Gaetan Duval’, which sunk following an accidental collision during the Wakashio salvage
operations.
 India is also in the process of providing a renovated Renal Transplant unit to Mauritius under a
US$ 10 mn project, which is expected to be complete by October 2024.
 A MediClinic amounting to US$ 2.75 mn is being built at Grand Bois, which has already
completed 40% physical progress and is expected to be complete by February 2024. In addition,
two Area Health Centres are also being built in New Grove and Cap Malheureax for a combined
amount of US$ 5.05 mn and are expected to be complete by September 2024.

 A MoU on Community Development Projects was signed in January 2022 to undertake around
100 small, people-oriented projects in Mauritius.
 Other completed India-assisted projects, include the Upadhyay Training Centre, the Jawaharlal
Nehru Hospital, the Subramania Bharati Eye Centre, the Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre, the Swami
Vivekananda International Conference Centre and the World Hindi Secretariat.
 Other institutions built with India’s assistance: The Mahatma Gandhi Institute (MGI) was
established in 1976 as a joint venture between India and Mauritius for promoting Indian culture. It
also hosts the ICCR Chairs in Sanskrit & Indian Philosophy and Hindi. The Rabindranath Tagore
Institute (RTI) was established with Indian assistance in 2000 as a Centre of Studies on Indian
culture and traditions.
 Mauritius hosts the World Hindi Secretariat, an India-Mauritius bilateral organization which was
constructed with Indian funding and inaugurated in March 2018.
 Mauritius is one of the largest beneficiaries of the ITEC programme and receives about 400
training slots every year for various courses.
 Under ICCR’s Africa Scholarship Scheme, 65 scholarships slots are extended annually to
Mauritian students for higher education in India. About 200 Mauritian students enrol themselves in
Indian Universities every year on a self-financing basis. Since 2020, India has also started
offering scholarships to Mauritians under the e-Vidya Bharti Arogya Bharti (e-VBAB) distance
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learning project, with about 86, 192 and 250 enrolments for the 2020, 2021 and 2022 sessions
respectively.
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66. Country: Micronesia
India established full consular and diplomatic relations with Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) in
1996. Bilateral relations between India and FSM are friendly. This has seen intensification since the
initiation of the Forum of India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC).

 Under bilateral Grant-in-Aid programme, in August 2005, India provided assistance of USD
48,796 for the purchase of machinery for extraction of virgin coconut oil; in 2009 USD 73,145 in
support of Coconut Development Authority of Micronesia for purchase of machinery for extraction
of virgin coconut oil; in 2011 USD 100,000 for a project on upgrading and increasing production of
coconut oil and in 2015 USD 200,000 for Micronesia Integrated Agriculture Census.
 Under India-UNDP fund, the Project titled ‘Climate Early Warning Systems for 7 Pacific Island
Countries (PICs)’ including Micronesia costing USD 1 million is under process. It aims to enhance
the ability of the governments of seven PICs to prepare, respond to and recover from climate-
related disasters. India is also assisting for the project “Strengthening Micronesia’s National
Gender Machinery” costing USD 1 million through the India-UNDP fund. As a part of the project
for solarisation of the Head of States residence/office in all PICs, India is also assisting FSM with
solarisation of Head of State residence/office under the India UNDP fund.
 In September 2019, India allocated USD 1 million to Micronesia towards implementation of high
impact developmental project in the area of its choice. In addition, a concessional Line of Credit of
USD 150 million which can be availed by the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) for
undertaking solar, renewable energy and climate related projects based on each country’s
requirement was announced.
 In June 2020, the project to improve resilience in the Pacific Island Countries (including FSM) was
installed on buildings of national significance. (Total funding: US $ 1 Million).
 In October, 2022 an assistance of US$ 1,000,000 was given from I-UNDP Fund for strengthening
FSM’s national gender machinery to mainstream gender-in activities.

 India has been offering five training slots to Micronesia under India’s ITEC programme for
capacity building. During 2017-18 in addition to ITEC, India offered training slots in hydrography
at the National Institute of Hydrography towards meeting capacity building requirements of the
Pohnpei Port Authority. Scholarships or higher education in India are also offered by Indian
Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).
 Three diplomats from FSM attended 3rd the Special Diplomat's Training Course organized from
20 Feb to 03 Mar, 2023 at Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Services (SSIFS) of India. A
young diplomat of FSM attended 69th Professional Course for Foreign Diplomats (PCFD) held at
SSIFS, New Delhi from 3-28 October 2022. Two diplomats from FSM participated in the Special
Diplomat's Training Course organized by the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Services
(SSIFS) of India from 11-15 May 2015.
 Sagar Amrut Scholarships” scheme for the PIC countries was announced during FIPIC-III summit
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67. Country: Moldova
India recognized Moldova on December 28, 1991 and diplomatic relations were established on March
20, 1992. India-Moldova relations are friendly and cordial. India and Moldova co-operate well on
matters of mutual interest at multilateral fora. Moldova has been supportive of Indian candidatures in
multilateral fora.

 The Government of India donated about 6000 Kgs. of medicines, medical consumables and other
medical supplies in July 2020, as part of India’s assistance to the Government of the Republic of
Moldova in the context of COVID-19 pandemic. This included 700 disposable surgical gowns,
1750 protective equipment (non-woven LDPE/POAQUE Cape hood) and 3,500 surgical gloves.

 In response to an appeal for disaster relief, following a severe drought in Moldova in the summer
of 2000, a consignment of 10 tonnes of pharmaceuticals worth Rs.2 million was gifted to the
Government of Moldova in May 2001. India also provided relief assistance of USD 100,000 in
2011 in the wake of floods in Moldova.
 In March 2022, India extended humanitarian assistance to deal with the refugees from Ukraine.
Humanitarian assistance consisting of pharmaceuticals, 500 surgical gloves, 2000 protective eye
goggles, 1000 tarpaulin, 250 solar lamps, 200 dignity kit for men/women and 250 synthetic
sleeping mats.
 In August, 2022 assistance of US$ 550,000 was given from I-UNDP Fund for improving
availability of administrative data for tracking progress.
 In 2023, India gave USD 1 million under India-UN Development Partnership Fund for
development of register-based statistical system in Moldova under the supervision of UNFPA.
This was the second tranche. Earlier, too, a grant of USD 1 million had been given for the first
phase.
 In March, 2023 an assistance of US $1,081,500 was given from I-UNDP Fund for moving from
traditional to register based statistical system, resilient to humanitarian shocks.

 As part of capacity building trainings, 48 professionals from Moldova have been trained in India
under ITEC since 2002. Of these, 15 professionals have been trained just in the previous 9 years
since 2014-15. Moldovan diplomats have also attended various courses conducted by the Foreign
Service Institute, New Delhi, for Foreign Diplomats.
 Moldova has significantly increased its utilization of ITEC slots since 2010. Moldova was allotted 5
slots under ITEC Scholarship Programme for the Year 2022-23 out of which one slot was availed
of by a Moldovan participant. Moldovan diplomats have also attended various courses conducted
by the Foreign Service Institute, New Delhi, for Foreign Diplomats.
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68. Country: Mongolia
India and Mongolia share traditional, historic, civilizational, and cultural ties. India established
diplomatic relations with Mongolia on 24 December 1955. The relationship was elevated to Strategic
Partnership during the visit of Prime Minister Modi in 2015, which was the first visit by an Indian Prime
Minister to the Country. Mongolia considers India as a third and a spiritual neighbour.

 At the request of the Mongolian government, India became the first country to gift 150,000 doses
of COVID-19 vaccines to Mongolian February 2021.

 India is constructing an Oil Refinery in Mongolia under Exim Bank’s Line of Credit of USD 1.236
billion. This would be the first-ever oil refinery in Mongolia and would contribute immensely
towards the energy security and economic development of Mongolia. It will have the capacity to
process 1.5 million tons of crude oil per year and is also expected to boost Mongolia's GDP by up
to 10 per cent. This is also India’s single largest Line of Credit project being undertaken abroad.
 India is establishing Atal Bihari Vajpayee Centre of Excellence in IT, Communications and
Outsourcing under Line of Credit worth USD 20 million in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Its construction
started in Aug 2021 and expected to be completed in 2024. Upon completion, this Centre would
boost Indian IT Technology sector in Mongolia by providing local training in 16 specialized tailor
made IT courses to over 1000 IT professionals in Mongolia besides generating about 850+ jobs.
 An India-Mongolia Friendship Secondary School is under construction in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia,
under grant-aid from Government of India. The construction is expected to be completed in 2025.
 A solar energy electrification project, with India’s assistance, was executed and formally
inaugurated in April 2006 in Dadal Soum District, Khentii province of Mongolia, at a cost of around
US$ 100,000. Another project of solar energy electrification of the building of Mongolia’s Foreign
Ministry is in the pipeline.
 A Cyber Security Training Centre, fully funded by Government of India, has been established in
the Mongolian Ministry of Defence in September 2022, which would give boost to Indian cyber
technology in Mongolia.
 A Command and Control Centre is being upgraded with the assistance of Government of India in
Mongolia’s General Authority for Border Protection in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
 Humanitarian assistance worth USD 20,000 in the form of beds, bedrolls, toys, etc for the children
of herders in Sukhbaatar Aimag (severely affected by harsh winter 'Zud') was provided.
 Humanitarian assistance worth USD 50,000 was provided by the Government of India to the flood
affected Provinces (Bayan Ulgii, Arhangai and Huvsgul) of Mongolia in August 2018.
 A team of Indian doctors undertook two medical missions to Mongolia in August 2017 and May
2019, respectively, and conducted several hundreds of surgeries in the fields of neurosurgery,
microsurgery, anaesthesiology, audiology, plastic surgery, etc., and donated medical
equipment/medicines worth USD 42,000 to various Mongolian hospitals. They also trained
Mongolian doctors.
 India is in the process of constructing the India-Mongolia Friendship Secondary School at
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia for an amount of US$ 5.46 million through grant-in-aid assistance. Once
operational, India will also be providing soft assistance in the form of capacity building.

 Every year about 200 ITEC scholarship slots for civilian training programme are being offered to
Mongolia. Since 2015-16, about 899 scholarships have been utilized. Since resumption of
physical ITEC courses in post-pandemic period from July 2022, 149 lots have been utilized for FY
2022-2023. Prominent special capacity building programmes that have been organized for
Mongolian dignitaries & high government officials in recent years include
 20 officials of NEMA in Nov 2017-Feb 2018
 13 State Secretaries at IIPA New Delhi in March 2018
 25 Mongolian diplomats and former Ambassadors attended a tailor-made course at
FSI, New Delhi Oct 2019
 18 Provincial Governors and 7 high officials led by the then Chief Cabinet Secretary
Mr Oyun Erdene (now PM) attended a special course in Public Governance at IIM,
Indore in Jan 2020.
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 20 Engineers/Technicians of Mongol Refinery for special group course in Refinery
Operations and Maintenance completed in Feb 2020
 30 Mongolian Rural Women attended Solar Energy course at NISE Nov 2022
 14 Mongolian diplomats and senior officials attended the 2 nd tailor-made course at
SSIFS, New Delhi, in October 2023.
 About 60 scholarships from ICCR are being offered to Mongolia every year, including 10 slots
dedicated for Buddhism studies in India. The scholarships include courses for under-graduate,
post-graduate and PhD studies in India. Since post pandemic resumption of ICCR scholarship in
2022-2023, about 77 applicants had applied for scholarships in FY2022-23.
 Under grant-in-aid from India, Rajiv Gandhi Polytechnic College for Production & Art (RGPCPA)
was inaugurated in Mongolia in 1996, including a Vocational Training Centre with skill building and
training facilities in 8 fields. To keep pace with the changing technologies and local requirements,
the vocational courses have been upgraded and modernized in 2 phases at a total grant of about
USD 2.84 million during 2014-16.
 The GoI LOC of USD 1 billion was announced during Hon’ble PM’s visit to Mongolia in 2015. The
LOC is being utilised for setting up of Mongolia’s first petro-chemical refinery. The additional LOC
of USD 236 million was sanctioned in September 2019. This is the largest project being
undertaken by GoI in Mongolia. The said project is under progress.
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69. Country: Mozambique
India enjoys warm, friendly, and substantive ties with Mozambique. Trade links between Mozambique
and the western states of India go back to several centuries, and pre-date the colonial era. These
ancient people-to-people links have been built upon in modern times to forge a strong bilateral
relationship based on regular political contacts, ever-deepening economic engagement, and a well-
integrated Indian community in Mozambique.

 In September 2020, India handed over 13 essential medicines worth 22 million Meticais to
Mozambique to combat and prevent COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2021, Government of India
donated 100,000 doses and supplied over 1 million doses of Covishield vaccine under COVAX
programme to Mozambique. We also gifted equipment such as facemasks, and PPE kits to
Mozambique in August 2022 to combat Covid-19.
 In June 2022, India donated a consignment of Covid-19 related assistance package comprising of
PPE kits and face masks to Mozambique

 In 2010, a grant of USD 4.5 million was announced for assisting the Mozambican police forces.
Through this modality, three anti-riot vehicles, 100 anti-riot guns and ammunition and some
protective gear, as well as 5000 solar lanterns at a total cost of approximately USD 773,000 were
provided to the Mozambican Government. Subsequently, a part of the grant was used for training
6 Mozambican police officers at the Gujarat Forensic Sciences University (GFSU) in Ahmedabad
for a Masters Programme. Substantial part of the money was used for purchasing 40 Mahindra
SUVs and 6 Tata Armoured Personnel Carriers for the Mozambican Government from the local
subsidiaries of these Indian companies.
 In March 2011, a pirated ship “Vega 5” was rescued in the Arabian Sea by the Indian Navy and
12 Mozambican crew members of the ship were saved.
 Raksha Mantri gifted 44 SUVs, as part of the USD 4.5 million grants, to Mozambican Interior
Minister in July 2019.
 2 SUVs were gifted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mozambique in June 2022
 An Infantry Warfare Training Simulator (IWTS) is being donated in November 2023 to the Ministry
of National Defence of Mozambique (Rs. 45 Lakhs)
 General Medical Assistance: During the visit of Prime Minister in July 2016, India announced an
in-kind donation of 100 tons of essential medicines to Mozambique, which have been handed
over to Mozambique
 Major grant assistance to Mozambique was the cash-grant of USD 10 million given in December
2016, for purchase of wheat from the world market, due to shortage of food caused by two
successive years of drought in certain parts.
 Medical equipment: In early 2017, a separate cash-grant of USD 1 million was given to the
Mozambican Health Ministry for purchase of Indian-manufactured health equipment.
 Medical equipment was gifted to Mozambique in July 2018.
 India was the first responder after the Cyclone IDAI stuck in Central Mozambique in the month of
March 2019. Three Indian Navy Ships INS Sujata, Shardul and INCG Sharthi provided HADR
from 18-30 March 2019 at Beira. Indian Navy rescued more than 200 people and provided
medical assistance to around 2300 people, a fourth Indian Navy ship Magar provided 250 tons of
rice, 500 kg of medicines in mid-April 2019.
 In March, 2021 assistance of US$ 1,000,000 was given from I-UNDP Fund for Restoration of
pivotal public infrastructure for the recovery post cyclone Idai and Kenneth.
 In December 2021, INS Kesari delivered a huge consignment of Government of India’s
assistance package to Mozambique comprising of 500 MT of rice, two fast speed interceptor
boats, military equipment as also other useful military accessories.
 In February, 2022, India and Mozambique signed a MoU for implementation of a Drinking Water
Project at the Mueda District under Government of India’s grant assistance of US $ 10 million.
The project would be implemented shortly.
 Mozambique is one of the earliest developmental partner countries of India to avail GoI Line of
Credits. Starting from 2004, India has extended fourteen credit lines worth USD 772.44 million to
the Government of Mozambique. India’s development partnership with Mozambique through
Lines of Credit (LOC) covers sectors including agricultural, railway, water supply, power, IT parks,
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and supply of machinery and equipment. Out of the fourteen LOCs, Projects under nine LOCs
amounting to USD 192.72 million have already been completed in the sectors of agricultural,
water supply, power, IT parks, and supply of machinery and equipment. The remaining Projects
under the five LOCs are under various stages of implementation.
 LoC’s of US$ 579.72 million are ongoing for five projects under various stages of implementation.
 Recent examples of Indian development and humanitarian assistance to Mozambique include
USD 250 million LoC which was re-offered to Mozambique in 2019 for improving the quality of
electricity in Maputo and adjoining areas for which the LOC agreement was signed in August
2020.

 The number of Indian scholarships available for Mozambican students to pursue undergraduate
and postgraduate studies in India has been steadily increasing in recent years. In addition,
Government of India sponsors a large number of short-term training courses, particularly for
public functionaries working in the Mozambique Government. These educational and training
scholarships have not only helped improve human resources within Mozambique but have also
helped to strengthen people-to-people linkages between both countries.
 Since 2002, 456 professionals have been trained under ITEC, and 257 professionals have been
trained in just 9 years since 2014-15.
 Mozambique had utilized 115 e-ITEC slots during the years 2021-22 & 2022-23.
 Under the Africa Scholarship Scheme of ICCR, 276 seats were allocated during the period 2017-
18 to 2022-23 out of which 242 seats have been utilized with total ICCR Scholarship of 43.
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70. Country: Namibia
India and Namibia enjoy warm and cordial relations. Diplomatic relations with independent Namibia
were established right from the moment of its independence, with the Indian Observer Mission being
upgraded to a full-fledged High Commission on 21 March 1990. Namibia opened a full-fledged
resident Mission in New Delhi in March 1994.

Namibia to fight the pandemic in March 2021.

 GOI made a donation of Rupees two crores (equivalent to Namibian dollars 3.364 millions) to
Namibia towards drought relief in August 2013. On earlier two occasions, donations of Rs. 1 crore
were given each time for the flood relief.
 India granted USD 12.16 million to Namibia for the construction of twin faculties of Mining Engin-
eering and Information Technology at University of Namibia’s Ongwediva Campus, which has
been named as India Wing. The project was completed and handed over to the University in June
2014. Grants-in-aid worth USD 10 million was announced in 2009, under which India has supplied
IT equipment to Namibian Ministry of Health & Social Services.
 Organisation of a Jaipur Foot Camp on 17 Sept to 22 October, 2019 at Rundu - a total of 408
prosthetics fitted.
 An India Namibia Plastic Technology Centre (INPTC) was set up at Ondangwa, Namibia in 2001
(MoU signed in 1998) at a cost of Rs 3.72 crore to Govt of India. It was executed by National
Small Industries Corporation (NSIC).
 Under Hole-in-the-wall Education Project, GOI set up two learning stations in Windhoek in 2009 at
the cost of Rs 22.70 lakhs.
 Under Grants-in-aid worth US$10 million, announced during the visit of President Pohamba to In-
dia in 2009, India has supplied IT equipment to Namibian Ministry of Health & Social Services.
 Grant of Rs. 86 lakhs were provided for solar electrification of Okongwe and Donkerbos villages in
Namibia in 2011.
 India granted USD 12.16 million to Namibia for the construction of twin faculties of Mining Engin-
eering and Information Technology at University of Namibia’s Ongwediva Campus, which has
been named as India Wing. The project was completed and handed over to the University in June
2014.
 At the request of Namibian Govt., GOI has sponsored a Preparation of Project Formulation Re-
port for commercial Jojoba production in arid areas of Namibia at a cost of Rs 55 lakh (NAD 1.1
million). The study was done by Mahindra Consulting Engineers, whose expert team from India
had visited Namibia for the same in March 2021.
 The MoU for establishment of the IN-CEIT at Namibia University of Science and Technology
(NUST) was signed on 16th June 2016 during the State visit of President of India to Namibia, with
the objective of developing industry oriented programmes to address IT skills requirements in
Namibia. C-DAC was the designated implementing agency for establishing the Centre at an ap-
proximate cost of INR 5.32 Cr., funded by GoI. The INCEIT started operating in 2019 and was
formally inaugurated by Hon'ble External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar on 5th June 2023 to-
gether with Hon'ble Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of International Relations of Namibia,
Dr.Netumbo Nandi Ndaitwah, during his visit to Namibia.
 Cash Grants:
a) Donations of Rs 1 crore each time in 2008 and in 2011 (approx. N$ 2 million), were given
for flood relief.
b) The cash grant of USD 20,000 for the Indira Gandhi Maternity Clinic in Okahao was
handed over on 8 August 2017.
c) Rs 2 crores (approx N$ 4 million) were given to Namibia towards drought relief in August
2013.
 Humanitarian Aid:
a) Indian donated 1000 MT rice (2018)
b) India donated 1000 MT rice for drought relief in 2019.
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c) Organisation of a Jaipur Foot Camp on 17 Sept to 22 October, 2019 at Rundu - a total of 408
prosthetics fitted.

 As per an MoU signed in 2016 during President Pranab Mukherjee's visit to Namibia, an India-
Namibia Centre of Excellence in Information Technology (INCEIT) has been established at Nami-
bia University of Science and Technology with the financial and technical support of Government
of India. India has provided computers and servers, alongwith a PARAM Supercomputer as also
trained local lecturers at CDAC in India. The INCEIT started operating in 2019 and was formally
inaugurated by Hon'ble External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar on 5th June 2023 together with
Hon'ble Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of International Relations of Namibia, Dr. Netumbo
Nandi Ndaitwah, during his visit to Namibia.
 Under the ITEC programme, apart from a large number of Namibian candidates trained in India
so far, several ITEC experts have also been deputed to Namibia. In 2016, India announced in-
creasing of ITEC slots, donation of 1000 tons of rice, 100 tons of medicines and USD 20,000 to
Indira Gandhi Maternity Clinic. The cash grant of USD 20,000 for the Indira Gandhi Maternity
Clinic in Okahao was handed over on 8 August 2017. The donation of 1000 tons of rice for
drought relief was handed over on 6 March 2018. Since 2002, 1177 professionals have been
trained under ITEC, and 498 professionals have been trained in just 9 years since 2014-15. Govt.
of India has offered 141 slots under ITEC programme in 2023-24.
 An MOU between Namibia Institute of Public Administration and Management (NIPAM) and Lal
Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) concerning Technical Coopera-
tion in the Area of Capacity Building of Public Officials was signed in Windhoek on 4 September
2018.
 Scholarships
o ICCR Scholarships: 25
o CV Raman Scholarships
 Special training conducted
a) Ten representatives from Namibian Ministry of Health and Social Services, Ministry of
Finance, National Planning Commission and civil society groups visited India with support
of UNAIDS in June-July 2019 to learn from India’s experience of effectively using its so-
cial contracting mechanism in its AIDS control programme.
b) Two participants from Namibia were part of a group of 37 African doctors who attended
‘Mid-Career Specialized Training Programme’ conducted by Apollo Hospitals Group and
sponsored by GOI at 6 locations in India in July-Aug 2019.
c) 15-year-old Namibian cricketer Alexander Volschenk went to Bengaluru in October 2019
to attend a month-long Commonwealth cricket training camp run by BCCI and sponsored
by Govt. of India.
d) Vice Chancellor of University of Namibia, Prof Kenneth Matengu, visited India in Septem-
ber-October 2019 under ICCR’s Academic Visitor’s Programme.
e) A group of 20 diplomats from Namibia visited India in November-December 2019 for a
special training course at Foreign Service Institute, New Delhi.
f) Under FSI’s Professional Course for Foreign Diplomats and Special Course for Common-
wealth Diplomats, 14 Namibian diplomats have also been trained so far.
g) A Forensic Expert from the NFSU, India was on a three-month deputation (June-August
2022) to the Namibian Police Forensic Science Institute to render training to Namibian
forensic officials.
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71. Country: Nauru
Bilateral relations with Nauru are cordial and friendly. India’s is a strong development partner, and its
assistance is well recognised in Nauru. India first proposed for Nauru’s independence in the UN in
early 1960s that was supported by the then USSR. Hence, Nauru has special regard for India. Indian
High Commissioner to Australia is concurrently accredited to Nauru since 2 August 2021. Resident
Mission of Nauru in India has been established in 2022.

 India provided USD 1 million to support Nauru’s response to COVID-19 under GoI’s assistance
through the India-UN Development Partnership Fund, which included hospital Waste Manage-
ment Unit, the first of its kind in the Pacific region, a mobile mortuary unit, six dialysis machines
and Covid19 supplies.
 India gifted 10,000 doses of made in India Covishield (AstraZeneca) vaccines to Nauru on 8 April
2021. Following Covid-19 outbreak in 2022, at the request of Government of Nauru, GOI donated
7,000 made in India Covid vaccines on 25 August 2022. Further, at the request of Government of
Nauru, GOI donated 8,000 made in India COVOVAX vaccines on 13 April 2023.

 India has provided development assistance to Nauru through bilateral Grant-in-Aid programme as
well as through India-UN Development Partnership Fund (India-UNDPF). These assistance pro-
jects include Construction of Government expatriate employees’ apartment (2010-2011); Grant for
Conversion of Menen Hotel Rooms to self-contained units for expatriates; Construction of Sea
Wall (2015-16); Procurement of Mahindra vehicle for Nauru Parliament (2017); Uniform for Nauru
Police (2017-2018); Provision of 22 Mahindra SUVs (2018-2019).
 At the request of Government of Nauru, the Government of India provided financial assistance of
USD 70,000 for opening Nauru’s Resident Mission in New Delhi.
 Annual Grant in Aid of US$200,000
 Assistance through special grants and HADR
 22 made-in-India SUVs gifted to Nauru for hosting the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Summit gifted
in September 2018.
 US$ 450,175 for construction of a sea-wall which was inaugurated in 2018.
 In June 2020, the project to improve resilience in the Pacific Island Countries (including Nauru)
was signed between United Nations Resident Coordinator and Pacific Islands Development
Forum (PIDF) to be largely funded by India. Under the scheme Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems
will be installed on buildings of national significance. (Total funding: US $ 1 Million)
 In September 2017 Climate Early Warning Systems project in Seven Pacific Countries (including
Nauru) was launched under the India-UN Development Partnership Fund. (Total funding: US $ 1
Million)

 One diplomat from Nauru participated in the 70th Professional Course for Foreign Diplomats
(PCFD) course, organized by Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service (SSIFS) during 13-31
March 2023. Three diplomats from Nauru also attended 3rd Special Course for Diplomats from
Pacific Island Countries at SSIFS during 20 February-3 March 2023.
 Mahatma Gandhi Centre of Excellence in Information Technology (MG-CEIT): An MoU for setting
up the Mahatma Gandhi Centre of Excellence in Information Technology (MG-CEIT) was signed
on 24 May 2017 during the India Pacific Islands Sustainable Development Conference (IP-SDC)
at Fiji. MG-CEIT offered training on Office Automation, Data Communication& Networking, Web
Technologies. More than 394 Nauruan students have received training at the CEIT.
 In addition, a disability awareness campaign was conducted by Indian doctors in 2017 and four
solar women engineers (mamas) from Nauru were trained as part of the solar electrification in the
PICs project.
 Completed Non-Infrastructure Project: In April, 2022 assistance of US$ 1,000,000 was given from
I-UNDP Fund to support COVID-19 response.
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72. Country: Nepal
Nepal and India enjoy excellent bilateral ties. Founded on the age-old connection of history, culture,
tradition and religion, these relations are close, comprehensive and multidimensional and are
pronounced more in political, social, cultural, religious and economic engagements with each other.
To add up the formal flavour to such historic relations, the two countries established diplomatic
relations on 17 June 1947. The unwavering commitment to the principles of peaceful coexistence,
sovereign equality, and understanding of each other’s aspirations and sensitivities has been the firm
foundation on which our bilateral relations have been growing further.
Nepal is one of India’s largest and most prominent development partners. Nepal’s solemn desire to
cultivate and foster the cordial and friendly ties with its neighbouring countries are reflected in its long-
standing position of not allowing its territory to be misused by any elements inimical to India and also
expects same sort of reciprocity and assurances from her. The open border between the two
countries remains a unique feature of our relations. Frontier without restriction has greatly facilitated
the free movements of our people to each other’s territory and enhanced interactions.

 As part of our Covid-19 assistance, India had supplied more than 23 tonnes of medicines and
medical equipment to Nepal on Grant basis during the first wave of COVID-19. India has recently
resumed the supply of COVID-19 vaccine to Nepal. Till date, more than 9.5 million doses of these
vaccines have been sent to Nepal, both on grant and commercial basis.
 In order to assist Nepal to cope with the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, a Medical Oxy-
gen Plant based on India’s indigenous technology was installed at B.P. Koirala Institute of Health
Sciences in Dharan in August 2021. This plant has a capacity to serve 200 patients simultan-
eously.
 The total Covid-19 assistance provided to Nepal is more than USD 7 Million. India’s efforts to en-
sure uninterrupted supply of Medical Oxygen to Nepal as well as in maintaining normal trade
flows through border points even during the peak of the pandemic has been greatly appreciated in
Nepal.

 India-Nepal Cooperation for developing modern infrastructure in Nepal began in 1951 with
construction of Gauchar Airport in Kathmandu (completed in 1954).
 GoI provides substantial financial and technical assistance to Nepal for implementation of large
development and infrastructure and connectivity projects, as well as small development projects/
high impact community development projects in key areas of education, health, irrigation, rural in-
frastructure, livelihood development, etc. all across the country. A series of cross-border con-
nectivity project like rail links, roads, Integrated Check Posts are under implementation with GoI’s
grant assistance.
 Despite COVID restrictions, work on the ongoing connectivity and developmental projects contin-
ued and showed considerable progress. In February 2021, 13 Terai Road packages were com-
pleted under GOI assistance of INR 400 crores and handed over to Government of Nepal. Some
of the High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs) inaugurated in Covid period in-
clude Fateh Bal Eye Hospital in Nepalgunj, Rapti Cold Storage Building in Lamahi Bazar and Re-
habilitated Small Hydro Power Plant in Jumla District. India and Nepal have also expanded bilat-
eral cooperation to include new initiatives in the areas of agriculture, railways and inland water-
ways connectivity. The ‘New Partnership in Agriculture’ was announced in April 2018, which fo-
cuses on collaborative projects in Agriculture, Education and R&D.
 India is providing financial and technical assistance for construction of two broad gauge cross-
border railway links viz., Jaynagar-Bardibas (US$ 65.82 mn) and Jogbani-Biratnagar (US$ 46.2
mn). India and Nepal signed a Letter of Exchange (LoE) to the India-Nepal Rail Services Agree-
ment (RSA), which enabled all authorized cargo train operators including private container trains
operators to carry Nepal's container and other freight. In addition to that, GoI handed over 34.9
km long cross-border rail link connecting Jayanagar (in Bihar) to Kurtha (in Nepal) to Nepalese
government and both countries also signed a MoU for conducting Final Location Survey of the
proposed broad-gauge line between Raxual and Kathmandu, both during October 2021. The
signing of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for starting passenger train services on the
Jaynagar-Kurtha section took place during September 2021.
97
 India is providing financial and technical assistance for construction of two broad gauge cross-
border railway links viz., Jaynagar-Bardibas and Jogbani-Biratnagar. India and Nepal signed a
Letter of Exchange (LoE) to the India-Nepal Rail Services Agreement (RSA), which enabled all
authorized cargo train operators including private container trains operators to carry Nepal's con-
tainer and other freight.
 In addition to that, GoI handed over 34.9 km long cross-border rail link connecting Jayanagar (in
Bihar) to Kurtha (in Nepal) to Nepalese government and both countries also signed a MoU for
conducting Final Location Survey of the proposed broad gauge line between Raxual and Kath-
mandu, both during October 2021.
 The signing of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for starting passenger train services
on the Jaynagar-Kurtha section took place during September 2021. Regarding inland waterway
connectivity between India and Nepal, discussions are underway for operationalisation of four
multi-modal routes using inland waterways of India.
 Recently, a MoU was signed between India and Nepal on 1 February 2022 for the construction of
a motorable bridge across the Mahakali River connecting Dharchula (India) with Darchula
(Nepal), under Indian grant assistance.
 Major initial projects (in 1950s) included Tribhuvan Rajmarg, East-West Highway (Mahendra Raj
Marg), development of Tribhuvan university and some of its affiliates, Kathmandu water supply
project, National Archives building, airports at Janakpur, Bhairawa and Biratnagar, construction of
forestry institute in Hetauda, and various irrigation development, drinking water and hydro power
projects.The recent projects include construction of Nepal Bharat Maitri Polytechnic, Hetauda, an
ongoing project amounting to US$ 4.7 mn.
 A major project underway is the construction of Nepal’s National Police Academy (NPA) (at
tendered cost of US$ 75.18 mn; it is the single-largest project of India in Nepal and expected to
be complete in 2025.
 For improved border management, India signed an MOU with Nepal in August 2005 for the
development of 04 Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) along the Indo-Nepal Border in Nepal which
provided for India’s technical and financial support for their development under grant assistance.
ICPs at Birgunj and Biratnagar have been built and operationalized at a total cost of US$ 33.02
mn. Another US$ 58.70 mn will be spent on the development of the other two ICPs at Nepalgunj
and Bhairahawa. A separate ICP at Dodhara Chandani is being built in western Nepal at an
estimated cost of US$ 45 mn.
 Until early seventies, roads, airports, irrigation, power and water supply projects were the major
portfolios of India's grant projects. Thereafter the projects further expanded to other priority
sectors of Nepal like health, education, power, and irrigation and have brought general prosperity
and technological and economic development.
 The development partnership took major leap in last 15 years, when several connectivity projects
have been undertaken. The most important landmark is inauguration of train operations on
Jaynagar-Kurtha section of Jaynagar-Bardibas rail link in April 2022, which is the first ever cross-
border broad-gauge rail project in Nepal.
 In energy sector, the cooperation that begun with Trishuli Hydropower Projects, Pokhara
Hydropower projects, Kataiya Power house and Devigh at Hydro-eclectic project has further
developed with commissioning of Motihari-Amlekhgunj Petroleum Pipeline (INR 324 cr.) in 2019,
first cross-border petroleum product pipeline in the South Asia region. It has resulted in direct
economic benefits to Nepali people (decrease of NR 2/ litre in price) as well as spared the roads
from congestions.
 In the Health Sector, Nepal Bharat Maitri Emergency & Trauma Centre (INR 100 cr.) at
Kathmandu (first trauma centre with AIIMS like specialized facilities), B.P. Koirala Institute of
Health Sciences, Dharan (125.cr), construction of 5 storied OPD complex of Bir Hospital (INR 100
cr.), Kathmandu, are some major projects.
 In the education sector, Nepal Bharat Maitri Vidalaya, Pokhara (INR 125 cr.), construction of
Manmohan Memorial polytechnic (INR 32 cr.), Tri-Chand College development, Projects in
Tribhuvan University (establishment of library, Gandhi Bhawan, girls & boys hostel) are some of
the major projects. Construction of Pashupati Dharamshala (INR 22 cr.) at Kathmandu,
development of Patan Industrial Area, Lalitpur, installation of over 3000 shallow tube wells in
Terrai region (INR 18.10 cr.), Construction of museum building at Lumbini (INR 5.9 cr.) are some
other recent important projects. The recent projects include construction of Nepal Bharat Maitri
Polytechnic, Hetauda (ongoing, INR 39.30 cr.).
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 A major project underway is the construction of Nepal’s National Police Academy (NPA) (at
tendered cost of INR 625.94 cr.).
 Apart from the above projects, HICDPs earlier known as Small Development Projects (SDPs) are
another important portfolio of development partnership. HICDPs are short-gestation projects with
a maximum financial out lay of NR 5.0 cr. (INR 3.0 cr.). These grass root projects have been
implemented in the priority sectors of Government of Nepal such as hospitals, schools, colleges,
drinking water facilities, sanitation & drainage system, rural electrification & hydro power plant,
embankment and river training works etc. for creating adequate capacity building and construction
of new infrastructure and enhancing the quality of life and all-round development of people of
Nepal. Since 2003, over 535 HICDPs have been taken up by Government of India including 476
HICDPs completed and 59 ongoing projects. The total cost of all projects is around INR 722 cr.
(NR 1155 cr.). The projects are implemented through local authorities of Nepal Government.
 The Government of India is gifting ambulances and school buses every year to various institutions
working in health and education sectors in Nepal. So far, Government of India has distributed 940
ambulances and 184 school buses in different parts of Nepal.
 Consignment of flood and landslide relief material was handed over in July 2022. For smooth
conduction of election, 200 vehicles (120 vehicles for use of security agencies and 80 for use of
election commission of Nepal) was handed over in November 2022 to Government of Nepal.
 LOC of US$ 100 Million towards Road projects, rural electrification projects, power transmission
projects and hydro power projects was extended on 16 March, 2007. The projects completed
under this LOC include
a) Rajbiraj-Sakada, Rajbiraj-Bhardah and Rajbiraj-Rupani Road project.
b) 400 kV D/C Dhalkebar-Bhittamod section of 400 kV D/C Dhalkebar-Muzaffarpur
transmisison line project.
c) Tusipur-Salyan Road project
d) Chndranigahapur-Gaur Road project, Maldhunga-Beni Road project, Hilepani-Diktel road
project, upgrading Ameliya Tulsipur road project, Surkhet-Ranimatta-Dailekh Road
project, Basantpur-Myanglang road project, Sanfebagar-Mangalsen road project,
Sanfebagar-Martadi road project, Bhaluwang-Pyuthan Road project, ChakChake-Liwan
Road project.
e) Rehabilitation of Devighat Hydro Power Plant.
 LOC of US$ 250 Million towards financing infrastructure projects such as highways, airports,
bridges and irrigation projects was extended to Government of Nepal on 01 September 2010. 10
out of 19 road projects under the LOC are completed and 2 out of the 4 projects are completed.
The projects completed under this includes:
a) Modi-Lekhnath Transmission Line Project
b) Upgrading/improvement of roads viz. Matthigaun-Baidehi section of Janakpur Parikrama
Road, Jaleshor-Loharpatti section of Janakpur Parikrama Road, Lamosangu-Mude
section of Lamosangu-Tamakoshi-Jiri Road, Chovar-Dakchinkali section of Balkhu-
Dakchinkhali road, Baradaghat-Paldanda-Tribeni Road, Barjugad-Martadi Section of
Sanfebagar-Martadi road.
c) Solu Corridor transmission line project,
 LOC of US$ 550 Million extended to Nepal on 13 August 2014 was towards financing of
hydropower, irrigation and infrastructural development projects. Out of the 15 projects under the
LOC, 1 project has been completed, 11 are under execution and one project is in procurement
stage.
 Following the earthquake of April 2015, the Government of India committed USD 1 billion,
comprising USD 250 million as a grant and USD 750 million as a Line of Credit, for post-
earthquake reconstruction projects in Nepal.
 LOC of US$ 750 Million for post-earthquake reconstruction and other infrastructure projects has
also been extended to Nepal on 07 February, 2016. The projects under this LOC are currently
under execution.
 USD 150 million (USD 100 million as a grant and USD 50 million from the 4th Line of Credit) was
allocated to the housing sector to support 50,000 housing beneficiaries in Gorkha and Nuwakot.
 A grant of USD 50 million is allocated for the reconstruction of 28 cultural heritage projects in 7
districts which are under various stages of implementation.
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 Under ITEC programme, professional training is offered annually to about 250 officials from Nepal
at various technical institutes in India. From 2007-08, more than 1700 ITEC alumni of Nepal have
received trainings under ITEC programme of GoI.
 ICCR have been offering Scholarship Slots to Nepal. (i) 70 Scholarship Slots from 2022-23
onwards under Atal Bihari Vajpayee General Scholarship Scheme & (ii) 64 Scholarship Slots
under silver Jubilee Scholarship Scheme for Nepal from 2022-23 onwards. ICCR has established
three Chairs at the Universities in Nepal:
a) University of Kathmandu (Indian Studies) MoU valid till May, 2027
b) CNAS Tribhuvan University (Indian Studies) MoU valid till May, 2025
c) Lumbini Buddhist University (Buddhist Studies) MoU valid till May, 2027
 All the above three Chairs are currently occupied.
 GoI provides around 3000 scholarships annually to Nepali nationals studying in India and in Nepal
at all levels of education in a wide range of disciplines.
 On 26th January 2021, Sampark India-Nepal Alumni network was launched. It is a new initiative
which seeks to bring Nepali alumni and students presently pursuing studies in India together on a
common platform to establish a vibrant alumni network. Sampark also focuses on sharing
knowledge, skill and expertise of the alumni to contribute to the development of different sectors
of Nepal. So far, more than 1500 Nepali alumni have registered on the Sampark India-Nepal
Alumni Network portal which is growing bigger day-by day.
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73. Country: Nicaragua
Bilateral relations between India and Nicaragua are warm and friendly. Diplomatic relations between
India and Nicaragua were established in March 1983. The Indian Embassy in Panama is concurrently
accredited to Nicaragua. Nicaragua earlier had an Embassy in India, which was closed down in 1990.
Currently, Nicaragua’s Embassy in Tokyo is concurrently accredited to India. Nicaragua has Honorary
Consuls General in Delhi and Mumbai. Recently, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India has
accorded its approval to open a Resident Mission of Nicaragua in New Delhi.

 Government of India has donated 400,000 million made-in-India doses of Covid-19 vaccine to
Nicaragua and also supplied 135,000 Covid-19 vaccine doses under Covax scheme to fight
against Covid-19.
 In 2020, India has donated medical aid package for Covid-19 related medical assistance
consisting of 3,10,000 HCQL tablets and other medicines and medical supplies.
 India has made donation of medicines worth approximately US$ 2 million over the years to
Nicaragua. Government of India donated 1530 Kgs. of medicines worth Indian Rupees 8,52,185/-
to Nicaragua to combat dengue in April 2014, under the GoI Development Partnership Initiative.
India donated medicines worth US$ 50,000 to Nicaragua in 2018, and the consignment of
medicines was delivered to the Ministry of Health of Nicaragua.

 India accords importance to deepening of development partnership ties with Nicaragua.
 Government of India has extended a total of five Lines of Credit (LOC) amounting to a total of
US$ 94.98 million to the Government of Nicaragua. These include Line of Credit (LoC) of US$ 10
million in March 2013 for supply of equipment from India for building two electric substations in
Nicaragua.
 US$ 26.24 million in July 2014 for building Carlos Fonseca Substation, 95 Km Transmission
Lines and expansion of three Substations (Villa El Carmen, Las Colinas & San Rafael del Sur) in
Nicaragua, both of which have been completed.
 India had waived repayment of Rs. 125 million LoC in March 2004.
 Govt. of India has also approved three more LoCs to Nicaragua in the Power and Health sectors,
which includes US$ 31.29 million LOC in March 2015 for Transmission Lines and substation
project, US$ 20.10 million in January 2020 for reconstruction of Aldo Chavarria Hospital and
US$ 7.35 million in February 2021 for replacement of equipment of the High technology centre for
the Antonio Lenin Fonseca Hospital in Managua.

 As part of India’s offer to Central American Integration System (SICA) countries to establish IT
Training Centres in each capital, an IT Centre was set up in the Nicaraguan capital, Managua and
was handed over to the host government in 2011. Mr. Guillermo Gonzales, Renewable Energy
Analyst of the Ministry of Energy and Mines of Nicaragua participated in the Advanced Orientation
Program in Solar Energy Technologies for the focal points of the International Renewable Energy
Agency in April 2017 at the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), Gurugram, Haryana.
 Government of India had offered 5 ITEC slots during 2018-19 to Nicaragua and all were utilized.
In 2019-20, the ITEC slots allocated to Nicaragua have been increased to 10. Under Atal Bihari
Vajpayee General Scholarship Scheme of ICCR, Nicaragua has been offered 2 Scholarship slots
for the Academic Year 2022-23, and 1 Scholarship Slot for the year 2023-24.
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74. Country: Niger
Bilateral relations between India and Niger are cordial. Bilateral activities gained momentum after our
Mission in Niamey was opened in May 2009. Niger opened its Embassy in New Delhi in November,
2011.

 India provided a relief package of basic medicines to Niger in September 2005 during the period
of food crisis in Niger. An assistance of US $ 100,000/- was given to Niger in August 2010 to help
it tide over the food crisis. Essential medicines worth US$ 40000/- to support the management of
COVID-19 pandemic in Niger were donated on 28 May 2020 and 24 August 2020. 25000 doses
of Covishield vaccines were supplied to Niger as grant in March 2021.

 A grant of USD 35.484 million was extended for construction of Mahatma Gandhi International
Convention Centre (MGICC) in September 2018. The project was completed and inaugurated in
January 2020.
 In June 2019, GoI extended a grant assistance of USD 15 million to the Government of Niger for
defraying part of the expenses towards hosting of the AU Summit in July 2019 in Niamey.
 India has extended lines of credit (LOCs) worth USD 96.54 million for projects which are all now
completed. They include procurement of buses, trucks, etc.; rehabilitation of power stations,
transmission lines; solar electrification; potable water through bore wells.
 In addition, projects totalling USD 131.50 million have been approved for Niger from the LoCs ex-
tended to ECOWAS Bank for Investment & Development (EBID) in 2015.
 India has extended a total of 6 LoCs [including 2 LoCs extended through ECOWAS Bank for In-
vestment and Development (EBID)] amounting to US $ 202.94 million to Niger covering sectors
of Road and Transport, Agriculture, Power, Potable Water, Solar Electrification, etc. Projects un-
der three LOCs amounting to US $ 62 million have been completed in the sectors of Road and
Transport, Agriculture, Power and Potable Water. Projects under three LOCs (including 2 LOCs
extended through EBID) amounting to US $ 140.94 million are under various stages of imple-
mentation in the sectors of Solar Electrification and Potable Water supply.

 Niger has been making good utilization of the 160 ITEC slots and 5 ICCR slots earmarked for the
country [ITEC slots utilized: 154 in 2017-18, 143 in 2018-19 and 48 in 2019-20 (courses curtailed
due to Covid)]. ITEC courses in the physical mode remained suspended in 2020-21 and 2021-22.
For 2022-23,156 ITEC slots have been allocated to Niger. Three ITEC defence slots (army), were
utilized in 2019-20, followed by 2 in 2021-21 and 7 (5 Army + 2 Air Force) in 2021-22.
 Five ICCR scholarships were utilized by Niger in 2019-20, 3 in 2020-21 and four in 2021-22. Five
ICCR scholarships have been made available for Nigerien students in 2022-23 & 2023-24 under
Africa Scholarship Scheme.
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75. Country: North Macedonia
Relations between India and the Republic of North Macedonia are warm and cordial. North
Macedonia supported India's candidature in various multilateral forum. The Indian Embassy in
Bulgaria is concurrently accredited to North Macedonia.

 As part of capacity building trainings, nearly 44 professionals from Republic of North Macedonia
have been trained in India under ITEC since 2002. Of these, 9 professionals have been trained
since 2014-15.
 Diplomats of North Macedonia participate in the professional course for foreign diplomats
organized by the Foreign Service Institute, New Delhi from time to time.
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76. Country: Oman
The Sultanate of Oman is a strategic partner of India in the Gulf and an important interlocutor at the
Gulf Cooperation Council (AGCC), Arab League and Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) fora.
Oman also accords a high priority to its ties with India. The two countries across the Arabian Sea are
linked by geography, history and culture and enjoy warm and cordial relations, which are attributed to
historical maritime trade linkages, intimacy of the royal family with India and the seminal role played
by the Indian expatriate community in building of Oman, which is acknowledged by Omani
Government.

Oman to fight the pandemic in February 2021.
Special Endeavour: Digital payments

 On 4th October, 2022, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between National
Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) International Payments Ltd (NIPL) and Central Bank of
Oman (CBO) during the visit of Hon’ble Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Af-
fairs Shri V. Muraleedharan to Sultanate of Oman. This MoU will enable the acceptance of Indian
RuPay cards issued by banks in India at all OmanNet network ATMs, POS & E-commerce sites;
as well as reciprocal acceptance of Oman cards/MPCSS in the networks of NPCI in India.
 The MOU will also enable building partnerships for real-time cross border remittances between In-
dia and Oman using UPI rails. The MOU between NPCI and CBO is a milestone in bilateral rela-
tions between India and Oman and will play an important role in strengthening the people to
people ties and benefiting both economies.

 Under the ITEC Programme, Omani Officials have been availing training in many premier insti-
tutes of India. A total of 125 training slots were offered for Oman for FY 2019-2020 under the
ITEC programme and 69 were utilized by Oman. In the year 2021-2022, 125 slots were allocated
but due to Covid-19 pandemic, these slots could not be utilized. However, during year 2020-2021,
a total of 10 Omani candidates were imparted training under e-ITEC programme in premier Indian
institutes in various courses.
 India has also offered increased number of slots under the self-financing category of the ITEC for
training in Indian defence institutions to Officers and Sailors of Oman Navy. In the year 2022-
2023, 125 slots have been allocated. ICCR under Atal Bihari Vajpayee General Scholarship
Scheme of ICCR, offers one scholarship slot to Oman every year.
 Key bilateral agreements/MoUs between India and Oman cover cooperation in Health; peaceful
uses of Outer Space; Agriculture; Maritime Issues; Maritime Transport; Cultural Cooperation
among several other important areas.
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77. Country: Palau
India established diplomatic relations with Palau in April 1995. Since then, there have been regular
consultations with the political leadership and administrative representatives of the Government of the
Republic of Palau. The Mission in Manila is concurrently accredited to the Republic of Palau.

 India through the permanent mission to the United Nations in New York approved a grant of USD
152,767.50 in April 2020 for “Strengthening national health capabilities to address Covid-19 crisis
in Palau” under the South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC). India is assisting Palau in upgrading
and modernizing community healthcare centre under the India-UN Development Fund.

 India’s developmental partnership with Palau has been expanding over the last few years. India
has funded several projects in Palau under the USD 200,000 annual PIF grant. For the year 2016,
the Palau Government utilized the annual grant programmes for skill upgradation, mentor leader-
ship, sports, environment conservation under their initiative titled ‘Year of Youth 2016”. Similarly,
the year 2017, 2018 and 2019 were declared the ‘Year of Family’, ‘Year of Health’ and ‘Year of In-
novative Learning’ for which the annual grants were utilized respectively.
 GOI has also provided a financial grant in August 2005 towards purchase of kitchen equipment
for Belau National Hospital. In 2008, assistance was given to Palau for purchase of a boat and 2
pick-up trucks for its outreach programme. In 2010, GOI provided a grant for purchase of com-
puters and related equipment and software. Another grant-in-aid was given in February 2011 for
IT and computer upgradation in their offices and diplomatic missions.
 India also provided assistance for disaster relief in the wake of Super-Typhoon Haiyan in March
2014. Further, India also provided Palau with assistance for hosting the 45th Pacific Island Forum
in July 2014 and organizing Pacific Media Summit in 2016.
 As a part of the project for solarisation of the Head of States residence/office in all PICs, India is
also assisting Palau with solarisation of Head of State residence/office under the India UNDP
fund. India through the Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York approved a grant of
US$ 152,767.50 on 9th April 2020 for “Strengthening national health capabilities to address
Covid-19 crisis in Palau” under the South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC).
 Assistance for hosting the 45th Pacific Island Forum in July 2014 and organizing Pacific Media
Summit in 2016.
 Assistance of US$ 1,647,125 for upgrading and modernising community healthcare centres under
the UN Development Partnership Fund.
 Health cooperation strengthened with supply of medical consignment of US$ 45,000(Rs.
37,01,805) in 2023.
 A Grant-in-aid project for creation of a ‘Shelter for Victims of Crime’ in Palau at an estimated Cost
of US$ 1,279,984 is under process.
 In June 2020, the project to improve resilience in the Pacific Island Countries (including Palau)

 ITEC has served as the principal mechanism of India's technical assistance to Palau. Since 1996-
97, India has been regularly offering training slots to Palau in different areas. Scholarships for
higher education in India are also offered to Palau by Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).
 In the recent few years, participants have been trained on Tsunami Preparedness on Early Warn-
ing System for Oceanic Disaster and Mitigation organized by INCOIS, Hyderabad; and fabrication
of solar panels, lights and photovoltaic circuits at the Barefoot College in Jaipur. Diplomats from
Palau have regularly participated in the training programmes organized by Sushma Swaraj Insti-
tute of Foreign Service (SSIFS).
 Palau has expressed interest in Indian expertise in the areas of capacity building in the areas of
IT, teachers training, nurses training, training for government servant in customers service, agri-
culture (improvement of soil quality, cooperative farming), tourism, etc.
 ICCR under Atal Bihari Vajpayee General Scholarship Scheme has offered 4 Scholarship slots
for the Academic Year 2022-23, and 2 Scholarship Slots for the Year 2023-24 to Palau.
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 Diplomats from Palau have regularly participated in the training programmes organised by
Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service (SSIFS). A young Palaun diplomat attended 69th Pro-
fessional Course for Foreign Diplomats (PCFD) held at SSIFS, New Delhi from 3-28 October,
2022.
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78. Country: Panama
India-Panama relations are the oldest in the Central American region, dating back to the middle of the
19th Century when groups of Indians came to Panama to work on the construction of Panama
Railways and later the Panama Canal in the early 20th Century. The diplomatic relations between
India and Panama were established in 1962.Panama has a Resident Mission in New Delhi and has
recently designated a new position of Consul General, Mumbai for providing better and expedited
visa-issuance facilities for Indian businessmen and tourists. India enjoys warm and cordial political
relations with Panama.

 Government of India donated a medical aid package for Covid related medical assistance to
Panama, consisting of 1,10,000 HCQL tablets and other medicines and medical supplies and the
consignment of medicines was delivered to the Ministry of Health of Panama during June-July,
2020.

 The Government of India offered 12 ITEC training slots to Panama in 2012- 13, 20 in 2013-14,
and 10 each during 2014-15 and 2015-16.
 Under India-SICA cooperation, India had set up an IT Centre of Excellence in the City of Know-
ledge in August 2006 and after operating it successfully for about two years, it was handed over
to the Panamanian authorities in July 2008. The IT Centre was later upgraded in 2015 at the re-
quest of Panamanian authorities.
 Under Atal Bihari Vajpayee General Scholarship Scheme of ICCR, Panama has been offered 2
Scholarship slots for the Academic Year 2022-23, and 1 Scholarship Slot for the year 2023-24.
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79. Country: Papua New Guinea
Diplomatic relations between India and Independent State of Papua New Guinea (PNG) were
established when the latter got independence from Australia in 1975. Indian resident Mission was
opened in Port Moresby in 1996. PNG opened its resident Mission in New Delhi in 2006. India & PNG
are Commonwealth countries and enjoy warm and cordial relations. They share commonality of views
on most global issues. The two countries have been working closely in international fora.

 India provided 132,000 doses of made in India Covid-19 vaccine to Papua New Guinea under Co-
vax scheme. Medical aid package of ₹23,75,310 sent during the Covid-19 pandemic.

 India has been providing humanitarian aid and disaster relief to Papua New Guinea (PNG) from
time to time. A consignment of 7.2 million dosages of anti-retro viral drugs from India, for US $3
million, was handed over to Govt of PNG in November 2016. Computers and peripherals worth
USD 760,000 out of cumulative grant-in-aid under India's Regional Assistance to Pacific Island
Countries were provided to the Govt of PNG during the year 2017-18. Aid proposals in various
other fields submitted by the Govt of PNG, under the annual grant-in-aid, are under implementa-
tion by the Indian side.
 In 2018, Govt of India announced to extend a grant of USD 1 million to PNG towards earthquake
relief in areas that were affected by the earthquake that struck PNG in February 2018.
 India has been providing HADR to PNG from time to time. A consignment of 7.2 million dosages
of anti-retro viral drugs received from India for US $3 million, which was handed over to the Govt
of PNG in November 2016 by the Indian High Commissioner.
 Under Grants in Aid (GIA) program, GoI supplied a USD 50,000/- worth computers/IT equipment
(25 computers, 4 printers, 1 server) for National Culture Commission (NCC) of Papua New
Guinea. On Nov 3, 2022 at Crown Hotel, Port Moresby HC handed over a dummy cheque to Min-
ister of Tourism, Sports & Culture Isi Henry Leonard. For PNG’s National General Elections 2022,
20971 bottles of 80 ml each of Indelible Ink worth Rs 3,36,78,965/- was handed over by HC to Si-
mon Sinai, PNG Electoral Commr on 21 May 2022.
 A consignment of 7.2 million dosages of anti-retro viral drugs, valued at approximately US$3 mil-
lion, provided in November 2016 to deal with HIV/AIDS in PNG.
 Financial assistance of US$ 1 million for relief and restoration work in the areas affected by
Ulawun volcano eruption of June 2019.
 India assisted with supply of indelible ink for use in national General Elections held in July 2022.
 Grant-in-aid assistance to Port Moresby General Hospital with 4 Ultrasound Machines at an es-
timated cost of US$ 1,29,566 is under process.
 In June 2020, the project to improve resilience in the Pacific Island Countries (including PNG) was
installed on buildings of national significance. (Total funding: US $ 1 Million).

 India has also been assisting PNG in their capacity-building efforts by way of training under ITEC
and Colombo Plan. Aid proposals in various other fields submitted by the Government of PNG,
under the annual grant-in-aid, are under implementation by the Indian side. Over 300 PNG nation-
als have been trained in India under ITEC so far.
 The Mahatma Gandhi Centre for Excellence in IT has been established with Indian assistance
through Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC). Further assistance of US$
556, 635 was extended for strengthening the Centre in 2018-19 through India-UNDP Fund. The
Centre was run by two IT Experts from India who were stationed at the Centre for two years till
Nov 2021. A proposal for extension of CEIT for 2 years has been approved and an expert is being
identified by MeITy.
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80. Country: Paraguay
Diplomatic relations between India and Paraguay were established in 1961. The Embassy of India in
Asuncion started its operations on 27 January 2022. Before the opening of the resident Mission in
Asuncion, Embassy of India in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was concurrently accredited to Paraguay and
had an Honorary Consul General in Asuncion, the capital of Paraguay. The Republic of Paraguay
opened its Embassy in India in March 2006 and now has Honorary Consulates in Mumbai, Chennai
and Kolkata.

 India gifted medicines and protective gear to Paraguay to support the country in its fight against
the COVID-19 pandemic on 25 August 2020.
 Government of India sent a gift of 200,000 doses of the made in India Covid-19 vaccine Covaxin
to Paraguay. The doses were received at Asuncion in two lots of 100,000 each on 29 March and
25 April 2021.

 India extends ITEC scholarships to working professionals from Paraguay every year. Paraguayan
diplomats attend the training courses in the Foreign Service Institute of India from time to time.
Ten diplomats from Paraguay have attended past editions of the professional course for foreign
diplomats at the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service, New Delhi.
 As part of capacity building trainings, nearly 96 professionals from Paraguay have been trained in
 Completed Non-Infrastructure Project: In September 2022, an assistance of US$ 1,000,000 was
given from I-UNDP Fund for adolescent pregnancy and sexual violence of girls and adolescents.
 Ongoing Project: In December, 2022 an assistance of US$ 1,499,000 was given from I-UNDP
Fund for maternal and child health care.
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81. Country: Peru
India and Peru share close relations. Over the years, India-Peru relations have become multi-faceted
in its true sense covering a wide range of sectors such as health & pharma, energy and mines,
textiles and agriculture, science and biotechnology, defence and space, capacity building &
development cooperation etc. Both countries have established a High Level Joint Commission
mechanism of which two rounds have met in 2017 and 2023 respectively. Further, both countries
have a JWG mechanism on Cooperation in the field of Geology and Minerals, Joint Committee on
Renewable Energy and Joint Committee in the field of Science and Technology.

 A medical aid of over 9 tonnes of essential medicines, including 900,000 HCQ
(Hydroxychloquine) tablets as well as protective gears to combat COVID-19 was handed over to
Peruvian Health Minister in August 2020.

 In the wake of a severe earthquake in Peru on 15 August 2007, India donated US$ 500,000 as
disaster relief assistance to the Government of Peru. An India-Peru Centre for Excellence in
Information Technology (IPCEIT) was set up 2015 in Lima with India’s grant. A disaster relief
assistance of US$ 150,000 was given to Peru in June 2017 for reconstruction in northern Peru
devastated by heavy rains and floods due to El Nino phenomenon in early 2017.
 India has given a grant of US$ 26,222 under Aid to LAC for afforestation of a park, Losa Gandhi,
a playground named after Mahatma Gandhi, and surrounding areas of San Francisco Hill. The
project was completed in 2021.
 1000 doses of Human Immunoglobulin worth US$ 271,000 were donated by GOI on 27 Aug 2023
to tackle increasing number of Gullian Barre Syndrome (GBS) disease.
 An India-Peru Centre for Excellence in Information Technology (IPCEIT) was set up 2015 in Lima
with India’s grant.
 An expert from EDII under ITEC was deputed to Lima for three weeks to help Peruvian PUCP
develop “Entrepreneurship Development in Emerging Economies” course in August-September
2017.

 The India-Peru Centre for Excellence in Information Technology (IPCEIT) set up in Lima with the
assistance of the Government of India commenced academic courses from March 2015.
 As part of capacity building trainings, nearly 406 professionals from Peru have been trained in
 Peru has been allotted 60 ITEC slots and additional 5 slots for master training in solar energy.
 Peruvian diplomats have been attending the PCFD courses at the Foreign Service Institute.
Peruvian defence personnel have also attended defence courses in India.
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82. Country: Philippines
The relations between the two countries have been cordial and have several shared values and
commonalities, such as anti-colonialism, South-South cooperation, a strong democratic polity, an
independent judiciary and press, and the wide use of the English language. Furthermore,
strengthened ASEAN-India relations had a positive impact on bilateral relations, especially with
accelerated impetus given to trade and investment. When India launched the Look East Policy and
intensified partnership with ASEAN in 1992, this also resulted in stronger relations with countries in
the region including the Philippines, both bilaterally and in the regional context. With the Act East
Policy initiated in 2014, the relationship with Philippines has diversified further into political-security;
trade and industry and people-to-people realms.

 Ambassador to India with leaders of Indian Community organisations handed over nearly US$
250,000 worth of face masks for COVID19 frontlines to Cabinet Members Secretary Lorenzana
and Secretary Galvez in Manila on 9 April 2020.

 India has been offering humanitarian assistance to the Philippines from time to time. In February
2006, in the aftermath of massive rock slide-debris avalanche in the province of Southern Leyte,
which led to death toll of 1,126, Govt. of India provided around 28 tons of relief material worth
USD 260,000. In December 2006, GOI donated USD 250,000 for relief and rehabilitation of
communities affected by super typhoon Reming/Durian that had resulted in 1399 deaths.
 Following the tragic loss of life, livelihood and property as a result of typhoon Pablo/Bopha, which
struck southern Philippines in December 2012, the Government of India provided disaster relief
assistance of USD 200,000 to the Philippines Government and USD 100,000 as disaster relief
assistance following the October 2013 earthquake in Bohol. India also sent 15 tonnes of relief
material in the aftermath of the super typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) which occurred in November
2013.
 India provided immediate relief assistance of USD 500,000 (equivalent to 25 million pesos) in July
2017 for the relief and rehabilitation efforts underway in the city of Marawi which had come under
siege on 23 May 2017, when armed terrorists belonging to the Maute group with reported
allegiance to ISIS took over the city.

 In an effort to share India's development experiences with fellow developing countries, India offers
training slots to Philippines under the ITEC and the Colombo Plan. Till date, over 1000 Filipino
professionals have availed India’s ITEC courses.
 During the COVID-19 pandemic, 17 and 108 Filipino professionals, in 2020-2021 and 2021-2022
respectively, participated in several e-ITEC courses. Courses on Electoral Technology,
Environmental Impact Assessment, Renewable Energy, Natural Resource Management and
Public Health Management Development and Introduction to Ayurveda were among the popular
courses in the Philippines.
 India offers scholarships, tuition fee waivers to students from the Philippines under its ‘Doctoral
Fellowship for India in ASEAN’ programme and the ‘Study in India’ programme.
 In May 2021, an MoU was signed between Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai and Ateneo
De Manila University, Manila to promote exchanges in the field of disaster studies. Similalry, an
MoU between the Indian Maritime University and Batangas State University was signed on 11
November 2022 to enhance Blue Economy and Maritime cooperation in the academic domain.
111
83. Country: Republic of Congo
India and the Republic of Congo [ROC] enjoy warm and friendly relations dating back to pre-
independence era of the ROC. India has opened a diplomatic mission in Brazzaville, Republic of
Congo in November 2019. ROC has supported India’s candidature at various international forums.
Republic of Congo joined the International Solar Alliance by signing the framework agreement in
February 2023.

 Donated medicines worth USD 2,00,000 in 2010 to the Government of ROC.
 Donated USD 500,000 as humanitarian assistance to ROC in March 2012, in the aftermath of the
ordnance depot blast, which claimed many lives.
 Tele-education, telemedicine and VVIP connectivity node have been set up in Brazzaville under
the Pan African e-Network Project.
 Donated USD 100,000 as humanitarian assistance for flood relief to the ROC in March 2020.
 Donated more than 6 tonnes of medical aid to ROC in June 2020 to fight against COVID-19
pandemic.
Following Lines of Credits (LoCs) have been accorded to ROC:

 USD 70 million LoC for the rural electrification project.
 LOC of USD 89.9 million for the development of an urban transportation system in the capital city
of Brazzaville and in Pointe Noire.
 LoC of USD 55 million for a Greenfield 600 tpd rotary kiln-based cement plant project. All the
above three projects are currently under execution.

 10 slots each year were allotted for Republic of Congo (both Civilian and Defence) during 2022-
23 & 2023-24. ROC has utilized 57 ITEC slots so far.
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84. Country: Rwanda
Bilateral relations between India and Rwanda have been cordial and have grown steadily over the
years. India’s engagement with Rwanda is at three levels viz. at the African Union (AU) level, at level
of the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and at the bilateral level. India’s engagement with
Rwanda has been consultative, response-based and focused on developing Rwandan capacities and
human capital. Indian assistance to Rwanda has also been guided by the announcements made by
India at the India-Africa Forum Summits in 2008, 2011, and 2015.

 India gifted 50,000 doses of Covidshield vaccine produced by the Serum Institute of India (SII) to
Rwanda in March 2021 and also provided 240000 doses of made in India vaccine under Covax
facility.

 India has gifted 200 cows worth USD 200,000 to Rwandan Girinka programme, a social
protection scheme of one cow - one family.
 Solar electrification of 35 schools in Rural Rwanda was completed in 2014 under a grant of Rs.
2.59 Crore from Government of India.
 In 2013, India had extended Line of Credits (LoC) totalling USD 120 million for the development of
export targeted irrigated agriculture project and its expansion.
 A 28 MW hydroelectric project on the Nyabarongo River was completed and commissioned in
early 2016 under a Government of India assisted LoC of USD 80 million. The project has
substantially augmented Rwanda’s total electricity generation capacity.
 Since 2007, to strengthen bilateral cooperation, Government of India (GoI) has extended seven
Lines of Credit (LOC) worth USD 547.65 million to the Government of Rwanda in the sectors such
as agriculture, skill development, SEZ, hydropower, and irrigation. Out of the seven Lines of
Credit (LOCs), projects under two credit lines worth USD 80 million have already been completed
in the hydro power sector. The remaining projects under the five LOCs are under various stages
of implementation.
 Medicines worth USD 2 million were gifted to Rwanda in early 2019 to fight against HIV AIDS,
Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.
 India gifted another batch of HIV AIDS medicine in October 2021, worth Rs.1.2 crore.

 India gifted 100,000 books of the National Council of Education Research and Training (NCERT)
and provided support for digitalization and online access of education books and related learning
material.
 India has contributed US $10,000 each to the Gisozi Genocide Memorial in Kigali and the Imbuto
Foundation run by the First Lady of Rwanda towards the Foundation for the education of the girl
child.
 Under the Pan Africa e-Network project, tele-medicine and tele-education centres were
established in Rwanda in 2009 with an aim to enable Rwandan doctors consult their Indian
counterparts, and ensure world-class medical consultation and treatment for patients and
education for students.
 The Government of India offers scholarships and fellowships to Rwandans from the Government
and private sector to enable them to pursue under-graduate, post-graduate and research courses
in India under ITEC/SCAAP, ICCR and IAFS. Officers from the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF)
have also been availing of training slots in India. A MoU on cooperation in forensic sciences was
signed between the Government of Rwanda and Gujarat Forensic Sciences University in January
2017. Under the MoU signed, several Rwandan officials have undergone training in the field of
Forensic Science.
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85. Country: Samoa
India and Samoa enjoy friendly and cordial relations. The two countries are bound together by
membership of the Commonwealth as well as cooperation in different international fora. Some Indian
professionals working with multilateral agencies and a few teachers on bilateral contract are working
in Samoa. Government of India is also providing regular economic and technical assistance to
Samoa.

 Samoa depends substantially on overseas assistance/aid. At the Pacific Leaders’ Summit held in
Fiji in November 2014, India announced increase in the annual Grant-in-Aid for Samoa from USD
125,000 to USD 200,000.
 Samoa Knowledge Society Initiative Project, supported with a grant of USD 1 million by India
under the aegis of India-UN Development Partnership Fund has been launched in December
2019. The multi-pronged knowledge initiative will promote knowledge based sustainable
development in Samoa by ensuring ease of access to information for all Samoans.
 India gave a cash grant of USD 2,50,000 to Samoa in January 2020 for relief and rehabilitation of
victims of the measles epidemic that took of toll of 81 lives and affected 5600 others.
 Construction of a building to house SENESE's Services for children with disabilities and people
with hearing difficulties in Samoa under Grant-In-Aid of GoI is under Process.

 The Centre for Excellence in Information Technology funded by MEA, Govt of India and set up by
C-DAC at School of Maritime, National University of Samoa in Apia has become functional in
November 2019 with the deployment of two personnel from C-DAC. Four master trainers from
Samoa have also undergone Advanced IT training at CDAC and obtained Post Graduate Diploma
in Advanced Computing (PG-DAC) & Post Graduate Diploma in IT Infrastructure, Systems and
Security.
 Twenty ITEC slots are being offered to Samoa and it is keenly availing of the offer in recent years,
particularly in the field of Information Technology, small scale enterprises, financial management,
and other areas of mutual interest. Fifteen slots were availed by Samoa in 2018-19. However, the
utilisation in 2019-20 was only 8 slots because of Samoa’s measles epidemic and nil in 2020-21
because of Covid-19 pandemic.
 Samoan diplomats have also attended the Professional Course for Foreign Diplomats (PCFD)
organised by FSI.
114
86. Country: Sao Tome and Principe
India and São Tomé and Principe (STP) enjoy warm and friendly relations since its independence in
1975. Recognizing the pioneering role played by India in promoting South-South Cooperation and its
significant contribution in international peace-keeping, Sao Tome and Principe announced its support
for India to become a permanent member of an expanded UN Security Council. STP has also given
written confirmation of support for India’s UNSC non-permanent membership for the term 2028-29.
STP has also signed the framework agreement on International Solar Alliance (ISA) on 8 February
2018 and ratified the same. The framework agreement on Cooperation in the Exploration and Uses of
Outer Space for peaceful purposes was signed between the two countries on 7 September 2018.

 Government of India has supplied 24,000 COVID-19 vaccine (Covishield) doses under COVAX
scheme.

 India donated life-saving drugs and generic medicines worth USD 50,000 in June 2023.

 STP has utilized 20 ITEC slots so far.
115
87. Country: Senegal
India and Senegal enjoy warm and friendly bilateral relations sharing common values of democracy,
development and secularism. Senegal has appreciated India’s cooperation and support for the
development of Africa on a number of occasions in the international fora. Partnership with India in the
fields of urban transport, agriculture, fisheries, rural electrification, human resource development,
information technology, health etc. is particularly well appreciated. Senegal, being the leading
Francophone country in West Africa, played a significant role in the creation of TEAM-9 and is also a
prominent beneficiary under the programme.

 Government of India donated 25,000 Covishield vaccine doses in March 2021 and supplied
324,000 doses of Made in India COVID-19 vaccines under COVAX scheme.

 India has extended Lines of Credits (LoCs) to Senegal in sectors such as agriculture and irriga-
tion, transport, rural electrification, fisheries, women poverty alleviation, IT training and equipment,
medical, railways etc.
 The LoC projects under various stages of implementation include LoC of USD 62.95 million for
the first phase of lift irrigation for rice self sufficiency programme (handing over ceremony of agri-
culture equipment including 520 tractors was organized in April 2018), USD 27.5 million for the
2nd phase of rural electrification project, USD 19 million for the 2nd phase of the fisheries devel-
opment project, USD 26 million for public transportation and USD 24.5 million for upgradation and
rehabilitation of healthcare of Senegal.
 EXIM Bank of India has extended buyer’s credit for transmission line/ substations/ distribution net-
work project being executed by Kalpataru Power Transmission Limited; and for supply of vehicles
spares and related services by Ashoka Leyland.

 India supplied 250 e-Rickshaws with lithium-ion batteries to Senegal in November 2018.
 HMT has set up an Entrepreneurial Training & Development Centre (CEDT) in Dakar in 2002 and
upgraded it in 2019.
 Senegal participated in Hub Earth Station of the Pan-African e-Network Project and joined the
internet based tele-education and telemedicine project, e-Vidya Bharti and e-ArogyaBhrati (e-
VBAB).
 A 42 days artificial limbs fitment camp was organized in Senegal in May 2019.
 Sixteen Senegalese participated in a short-term special Yoga course under ITEC organized at
SVYASA in Bengaluru between February and March 2019.
 Six Senegalese scientists were selected for the CV Raman International Fellowship for African
Researchers in 2016 and 4 have availed of the scholarship.
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88. Country: Serbia
India and Yugoslavia traditionally enjoyed deep friendship as co-founders of the Non-Aligned
Movement. The deep bond of friendship continued in subsequent decades resulting in close and
friendly ties between India and Serbia. India gives principled support to territorial integrity and
sovereignty of Serbia and has not recognized Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI) by
Kosovo. Serbia has been supportive of election of Indian candidates in international fora. India and
Serbia also share common views on many major global issues.

 The ITEC programme was extended to Serbia in 2008 and since then 167 Serbian ITEC trainees
have undergone training in India including in IT, telecommunications, WTO, English language,
SMEs, management, finance, textiles, rural development, environment, yoga, etc.
117
89. Country: Seychelles
India’s bilateral engagement with Seychelles has evolved over our historical contacts and continuous
support to Seychelles for its security, even as our bilateral trade remains modest. Today, India-
Seychelles relations are characterized by close friendship, understanding and cooperation. Diplomatic
ties were established with Seychelles after its independence in 1976.

Seychelles to fight the pandemic in January 2021.

 IT Centre for Excellence, set up in Victoria with GOI assistance was inaugurated at Mont Fleuri,
Mahé in April 2011. Lines of Credit have been extended since early 1980s. In 2012, an LoC of
USD 50 million and a Grant of USD 25 million were announced. In Nov 2017, ten light vehicles
worth USD 183,000 were gifted to the Seychelles People’s Defence Forces (SPDF) under a
special grant. Ten more vehicles worth USD 250,000 were gifted to Narcotics wing of Seychelles
Police under a special grant of GOI in June 2018.
 Government of India gave a cash grant amounting to USD 3.5 million for the procurement of 71
buses and 6 light vehicles for Seychelles Public Transport Corporation (SPTC), USD 385,000 for
the procurement of 10 Ambulances project and USD 4,704,135 for the Restoration Project of
CSRS Station in different islands all across Seychelles. In August 2021, ICT tools comprising
Computers, TV Monitors, High Speed Scanners, Audio systems, Cameras, Furnitures etc at a
cost of about USD 72,000 were given to set up a learning centre under University of Seychelles.
 A second Dornier aircraft was handed over to the former President of Seychelles, Mr. Danny
Faure at the Indian Naval Air Station, New Delhi in June 2018. The first Dornier was handed over
to Seychelles in 2013.

 Over 1% of the local population form part of ITEC alumni who have so far benefited from various
training courses under the ITEC program. In the year 2019-20, a total of 42 civilian and 38
defence personnel have gone to India from Seychelles for training in different ITEC programs.
 ICCR under its Africa Scholarship Scheme offers 5 scholarship slots every year for pursuing
higher studies in India.
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90. Country: Sierra Leone
India and Sierra Leone share cordial and warm relationship based on common values and shared
vision which dates back to almost six decades. India is committed to being a reliable partner of Sierra
Leone in its development journey through soft loans, scholarships, and capacity building. India and
Sierra Leone also cooperate at the United Nations and other multilateral fora. India had played an
important role in achieving peace and stability in Sierra Leone by contributing troops to the UN
Assistance Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) in 2000-2001.

 In order to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, India provided a large consignment of medicines to Si-
erra Leone in February 2021.

 India's developmental cooperation with Sierra Leone through Lines of Credits (LoCs) and through
ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) aggregates to USD 250 million covering
a range of sectors. The projects implemented/signed/approved are:
o USD 15 million for agricultural projects including procurement of tractors, harvesters,
rice threshers, rice mills, maize shellers and pesticide spray equipment in 2008.
o USD 30 million for rehabilitation of existing facilities and addition of new infrastructure
to supply potable water in 2010.
o USD 78 million for transmission line and sub-station project in 2016.
o USD 30 million for irrigation development in Tomabum in 2019.
o USD 15 million for expansion of rehabilitation of existing potable water facilities in four
communities in 2019.
o USD 29.45 million for modernization and expansion of network and infrastructure of
Sierratel project in 2010 (through EBID); procurement of buses for university and
tertiary institutions through EBID.
o USD 20 million for public lighting of Freetown and 13 municipal headquarters through
solar energy (through EBID) in 2011.
o USD 32 million for construction of University of Science & Technology at Koidu Town,
Kono District (under loan agreement signed between EXIM Bank of India and EBID
for USD 500 million in 2018 meant to be funding projects in ECOWAS countries) in
2020.
 To help the Sierra Leonean government combat Ebola Virus Diseases (EVD), in December 2014,
India donated USD 50,000 worth of medical equipment and medicines to the local government.
This donation was in addition to the Government of India’s contribution of USD 12 million to the
UN Trust Fund for Ebola and cash contribution of USD 50,000 to WHO to help fight the Ebola
virus disease in the three countries of Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea.
 In 2009, India gifted 200 military barracks to Sierra Leone. India also provided 29 packages of in-
delible ink for Sierra Leone's presidential and parliamentary elections held in 2007. India supplied
40,000 tonnes of non-basmati rice in 2008 as assistance to meet urgent needs.
Special Endeavour: Humanitarian Assistance

 In October 2019, India extended humanitarian assistance of 1000 MTs of rice to Sierra Leone as
a goodwill gesture.
 India extended financial support of USD 100,000 to the Sierra Leone Residual Special Court
through the permanent mission of India to the UN in New York and USD 50,000 contribution to re-
lief efforts for the damages caused by floods and mudslide in August 2017.

 In October 2019, an MoU was signed for Sierra Leone to participate in India's Pan-African Tele-
Education and Tele-Medicine initiatives (e-VidyaBharati and e-ArogyaBharati or e-VBAB). More
than 547 Sierra Leoneans have enrolled themselves under the e-VidyaBharati programme so far
and have received/are receiving online education in various courses from Indian Universities.
 As part of e-VBAB, a learning centre has been established in the library building at Fourah Bay
College, University of Sierra Leone. The learning centre consists of a computer lab and
multimedia room for students for attending lectures and taking examinations. All the equipment
required for this project (26 sets of computer systems, large smart-screens, networking
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equipment, UPS, furniture, etc.) have been provided by Government of India through
Telecommunications Consultants India Limited (TCIL) who will also pay for the monthly charges
towards internet, in accordance with the aforementioned MoU.
 Sierra Leone is one of the beneficiaries of ITEC scholarships and is provided 50 seats every year
in different programmes in various institutes in India. ICCR also provides 15 slots to Sierra Leone
for UG, PG and Ph.D courses in India from 2021.
 The India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) hosted a virtual
eITEC Training Programme for capacity building of the officials of the Sierra Leone National
Electoral Commission from 24 August to 26 August 2021. IIIDEM also hosted a 7-member
delegation from the Sierra Leone National Electoral Commission for capacity building in ICT and
data management from 30 November to 10 December 2021.
 A number of Sierra Leonean women have got training under the ITEC Rural Solar Electrification
course at the Barefoot College, Tilonia, Rajasthan, and have successfully installed solar systems
in their villages providing inexpensive electricity.
 In 2018, five officers from the National Digital Crime Resource and Training Centre (NDCRTC), IT
wing of the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy, Hyderabad visited Sierra Leone
and imparted training to the Cyber Crimes Bureau of the Sierra Leone Police.
 Sierra Leone is a beneficiary of India’s Duty Free and Preferential Treatment (DFTP) Scheme for
Least Developed Countries (LDCs) since October 2021. The scheme provides duty free and
preferential treatment to about 98% of India’s tariff lines.
 India has donated 40,000 units of indelible ink to Sierra Leone for the Presidential elections held
on 24 June 2023.
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91. Country: Solomon Islands
Diplomatic relations between India & Solomon Islands (SIs) were established in May 1987. SIs
established its Honorary Consulate in New Delhi in 2003. Solomon Islands is planning to establish its
resident Mission in New Delhi. Solomon Islands’ relations with India are friendly. Bilateral political
interaction is comprehensive in multilateral/ international fora. Mission in Port Moresby is concurrently
accredited to SIs.

 In June 2022, India handed over 50,000 Covishield vaccines under bilateral initiative to SI. Sub-
sequently in July 2022, India supplied USD 250,000 worth Covid-19 medicines, anti-virals surgical
equipment to SIs.
 In February, 2021 an assistance of US$ 980,329 was given from I-UNDP Fund to support on
COVID-19 response.

 Consequent upon Tsunami which struck SI on April 2, 2007, GOI provided US$ 100,000 as In-
dia’s assistance for relief and rehabilitation of Tsunami victims. As part of GOI’s Regional Assist-
ance Initiatives for PICs, India offers an annual grant-in-aid of US$ 200,000 for development pro-
jects in SI. SI Govt has been requested to provide details of projects to be undertaken by them.
 Grants-in-Aid (GIA) proposal from SINU for US$ 1,54,086 regarding ‘Relocation of Forestry Certi-
ficate Program to Poitete Campus, Kolombangara, Western Province of SIs was approved by
Ministry.
 In June 2020, the project to improve resilience in the Pacific Island Countries (including SI) was
installed on buildings of national significance. (Total funding: US $ 1 Million)
 In September 2017 Climate Early Warning Systems in Seven Pacific Countries (including So-
lomon Islands) project was launched under the India-UN Development Partnership Fund. (Total
funding: US $ 1 Million)
 A grant-in-aid assistance to Solomon Islands National University (SINU) for relocation of Forestry
Certificate Program to Poitete Campus, Kolombangara, Western Province of Solomon Islands at
an estimated cost of USD 3,85,216 has been approved by the Ministry.

 An MOU for setting up Centre of Excellence in IT (CEIT) in Solomon Islands National University
(SINU) was signed in Aug 2020. IT infrastructure & courseware reached Honiara in Aug 2022.
CDAC is in process to dispatch CDAC e-Mentor (e-Learning & LMS) along with LILA (Learning In-
dian Languages through Artificial Intelligence), and will be installing it after IT Infrastructure is
ready at site. Two CDAC experts will be deputed at IS-CEIT as Centre Head & Trainer for 2 years
upon operationalization of the Centre.
 India has been offering assistance to SIs in capacity building by allocating 5 training slots p.a. in
diverse fields under ITEC programme. SIs, however, did not fully utilize the slots in past years but
in 2019-20, slots were fully utilized. ICCR allocated 4 scholarship slots for students from SIs un-
der General Scholarship Scheme at Indian Universities/Institutes for academic year 2022-23.
 Under Atal Bihari Vajpayee General Scholarship Scheme of ICCR, Solomon Islands has been
offered 4 Scholarship slots for the Academic Year 2022-23 & 2 slots for the 2023-24.
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92. Country: Somalia
India and Somalia relations are age old, with strong connect established by traders who sailed
through the Indian Ocean to buy and sell goods in the Horn of Africa. The connection still continues
with presence of Indian business community in Somalia. The diplomatic relations between the two
countries were established in 1960, a year after its independence. After the outbreak of civil war in
1991, the Indian Embassy in Mogadishu was closed. High Commission of India, Nairobi is
concurrently accredited to Somalia.

 Government of India has supplied 840,000 Covishield Covid-19 vaccine doses under Covax

 India handed over the consignment of essential medicines worth USD one million to Dr. Fawziya
Abikar Nor, Minister of Health of Somalia in July 2018 in Mogadishu.
 At the request of the Government of Somalia, Government of India gifted 27 mini-buses to
Somalia in February 2021.
 India provided USD 2 million to the African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM). India has further
contributed a sum of US$ 1 million to the United Nations Trust Fund in support of the African
Union in Somalia (AMISOM) in 2012, 2017 and 2021.
 In September 2011, India announced a contribution of USD 8 million towards humanitarian assist-
ance for countries in the Horn of Africa region (Somalia, Kenya and Djibouti) to be distributed
through WFP.
 In 1992, India provided relief supplies (medicines, food) worth Rs. 20 lakh to Somalia. In 1985,
Somalia was among the recipient countries of 100,000 tonnes of wheat offered by Government of
India to countries in the region.

 In 2018-19, Somalia availed 24 slots under Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR); ITEC
and India Africa Forum Summit (IAFS III) scholarship schemes. The allotted slots under ITEC for
2019-2020 was increased to 15 out of which 14 were utilized; 2 candidates could not travel due to
Covid-19 situation in March 2020.
 Despite Covid-19 restrictions, India continued its assistance to Somalia through capacity building
on virtual platform through e-ITEC programme. This has seen participation of 72 Somali candid-
ates up to now.
 17 Somalia students have been offered ICCR scholarship during AS 2021-22. In AS 2022-23, 15
ICCR and 8 ITEC scholarships have been awarded to Somali students.
 For the Academic Year 2023-24, 15 slots have been allocated under Africa Scholarship Scheme.
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93. Country: South Sudan
South Sudan gained independence from Sudan on 9 July 2011, following a referendum in January,
2011. India was one of the first countries to recognize independent South Sudan. South Sudan and
India have always enjoyed cordial and friendly relations. India's trade with South Sudan is sparse. The
main items of Indian imports from South Sudan are oil and timber, whereas India's exports mainly
comprise consumer and household goods, food items, pharmaceuticals, motor cycles and three
wheelers.

 Government of India has supplied 132,000 covishield Covid-19 vaccine doses in March 2021 un-
der Covax scheme to fight against Covid-19.

 In 2008, India donated US$ 100,000 worth of tents and medicines for flood victims to be shared
between Sudan and South Sudan. In February 2020, a consignment of life saving drugs worth Rs
6.88 million (approx. USD1,00,000) was donated to the flood affected people of South Sudan. In
December 2020, Government of India donated 70 Metric Tons of food aid consisting of wheat
flour, rice and sugar to the flood affected people of South Sudan. In April, 2021, Government of
India gifted 6 Metric Tons of life-saving essential medicines to South Sudan.
 A 6-week Artificial Limbs (Jaipur Foot) Fitment Camp was organized by India at Juba Military Hos-
pital at the cost of approx. USD 1,80,000 in June-July 2022.
Special Endeavour: The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS)

 The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) was established based on a UNSC resolu-
tion in 2011.
 India has provided a contingent of over 2,300 defense personnel for the peacekeeping operations
in South Sudan. To empower women of South Sudan, the peacekeepers have taught them meth-
ods of growing vegetables and pulses and also ways to produce clean milk from cattle.
 The battalion in Bor(Jonglei State) installed community solar lights in villages for the benefit of
students to enable them to study at night as also for security reasons.
 Indian army engineers under UNMISS in Malakal re-laid the airstrip, repaired flood affected roads
and renovated the defunct Government Hospital in Malakal.
 In 2013, seven soldiers of the Indian peacekeeping battalion made the supreme sacrifice in the
cause of peace in two different attacks in Jonglei State.

 India offered South Sudan 200 ITEC slots for the year 2018-19 and all of them were utilized. Due
to heavy demand and popularity of the Indian capacity building courses among government offi-
cials and students in South Sudan, the Ministry decided to increase the slots to 240 from 2019-20.
In the aftermath of COVID pandemic, many training courses are being conducted online within the
Mission premises, some of which are in high demand in South Sudan. Under the ITEC pro-
gramme, a lady diplomat Ms. Adiang from the local Foreign office had undergone a yoga training
course for three months at Bengaluru. She has become the first India trained yoga teacher in the
country.
 For the academic year 2019-20, ICCR allocated 15 scholarships for South Sudan for higher stud-
ies in India and all the slots have been utilized. During 2013-2019, a total of 46 South Sudanese
students have been granted ICCR scholarships. Covid restrictions have affected travel of stu-
dents to India for study under ICCR Scholarships in 2020-21. For the Academic Year 2021-22 &
2022-23, 20 slots have been allocated for each year and for the Academic Year 2023-24, 30 slots
have been offered.
 Police Training Courses: 50 officers of South Sudan Police Force attended specialized courses in
India in 2018 and 2019.
 In 2016, under country specific programme, 15 diplomats of South Sudan Foreign Ministry atten-
ded a specialized course at Foreign Service Institute of India, in New Delhi. In 2017 and 2019 one
diplomat was accommodated by FSI each year in the Professional Course for Foreign Diplomats.
In May 2022, Thirty-one South Sudanese diplomats were trained in SSIFS, New Delhi (twenty-
nine diplomats travelled to India and two joined from the South Sudanese Embassy in New Delhi).
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 Pan Africa E-network: An MoU has been signed on 7 July 2022 between TCIL and Government of
South Sudan for online training in education (e-Vidya Bharti or e-VB) and health (e-Arogya Bharti
or e-AB) as part of Pan Africa e-Network (IAFS-III, 2015) viz., e-VBAB. The e-VB has already
commenced.
 South Sudanese prefer to travel to India for medical treatment, given that top class medical treat-
ment facilities in India are much more affordable compared to other countries. On an average, In-
dia has been issuing 200 medical visas every year since 2015. Local insurance companies and
India-based medical tourism promoting companies have been assisting their clients to get treat-
ment at hospitals in Delhi, Gurugram, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, etc.
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94. Country: Sri Lanka
India and Sri Lanka have a legacy of intellectual, cultural, religious and linguistic interaction and the
relationship between two countries is more than 2500 years old. Trade and investment have grown
and there is cooperation in the fields of development, education, culture and defence. Both countries
share a broad understanding on major issues of international interest. In recent years, significant
progress in implementation of developmental assistance projects for Internally Displaced Persons
(IDPs) and disadvantaged sections of the population in Sri Lanka has helped further cement the
bonds of friendship.

 Government of India has donated 500,000 covishield vaccine doses to Sri Lanka in January 2021.
Government of India has also supplied 500,000 vaccine doses commercially and 264,000 doses
under Covax scheme.

 With grants alone amounting to around USD 570 million, the overall commitment by GOI is to the
tune of more than USD 3.5 billion.
 The Indian Housing Project, with an initial commitment to build 50,000 houses in war affected
areas and estate workers in the plantation areas, is Government of India (GoI)’s flagship grant
project in Sri Lanka. Overall commitment of INR 1372 crores makes it also one of the largest pro-
jects undertaken by GoI abroad. There are also four smaller housing programmes for constructing
2400 houses across Sri Lanka. Overall, India has so far committed to construct close to 62,500
houses in Sri Lanka.
 The country-wide 1990 Emergency Ambulance Service is another flagship project. The Service
which was initially launched in July 2016 in Western and Southern Provinces of Sri Lanka was
later expanded to all the provinces in the next phase. At a total cost of more than USD 22.5 mil -
lion, close to 300 ambulances were provided by GOI under this project.
 Some of other notable grant projects which have been completed are the 150-bed Dickoya hospi-
tal, livelihood assistance to nearly 70,000 people from fishing and farming community in Hamban-
tota, supply of medical equipment to Vavuniya Hospital and 150 Boats and Fishing gear for Mul-
laithivu fishermen. A modern 1500 - seat auditorium named after Rabindranath Tagore in Ruhuna
University, Matara, is the largest in any University in Sri Lanka.
 There are another 20 ongoing grant projects across diverse spheres. This includes the iconic
Jaffna Cultural Center, construction of 153 houses and infrastructure facilities in Shobitha Thero
Village in Anuradhapura; Upgradation of Saraswathy Central College in Pusselawa, Kandy; Con-
struction of 600 houses under Model Village Housing Project in 25 districts of Sri Lanka; 5000 MT
temperature-controlled warehouse in Dambulla; Kandian Dancing School at Pallekelle/Dalada
Maligawa Cultural Heritage project, Kandy; 144 transit housing units in Madhu Shrine, Mannar
etc.
 11 Lines of credit (LOC) have been extended to Sri Lanka by the Export Import Bank of India in
the last 15 years. Important sectors in which Projects have been executed/ are under execution,
under these LOCs include: Railway, transport, connectivity, defence, solar. Some important Pro-
jects completed are: supply of defence equipments; upgradation of railway line from Colombo to
Matara; track laying by IRCON on Omanthai-Pallai sector, Madhu Church-Tallaimannar,
Madawachchiya-Madhu Railway line; reconstruction of the Pallai-Kankesanthurai Railway line;
signalling and telecommunication system; supply of engine kits for buses, diesel locomotives rail-
ways, DMUs, Carrier and fuel tank wagons etc.
 A US$ 100 million LoC for undertaking solar projects in Sri Lanka has been signed between the
Government of Sri Lanka and EXIM Bank on June 16, 2021. Projects under this LOC will include-
rooftop solar units for Government buildings, rooftop solar units for low income families and a
floating solar power plant.

 India offers about 710 scholarship slots annually to Sri Lankan students.
 In addition, under the ITEC Program, India offers 402 fully-funded slots every year to officials in
various Ministries of Government of Sri Lanka and also to other eligible citizens for short term
training programs in a wide variety of technical and professional disciplines to enhance skill set,
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and around 200 slots under different schemes of ICCR every year to pursue higher studies in In-
dia.
 Dr. Saman Kelegama (Posthumously) was conferred ICCR Distinguished Alumni Award - 2017 in
New Delhi (13 April 2018).
 Professor at Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, Dr. RK Lal Mervin Dharmasiri was
conferred ICCR Distinguished Alumni Award - 2020 in Colombo (27 March 2023).
 ICCR is administrating a Chair of Hindi at Samaragamuwa University, Srilanka. MoU valid till
January, 2028.
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95. Country: St. Kitts and Nevis
India and St Kitts & Nevis have maintained friendly and cordial relations. St Kitts & Nevis is generally
supportive of India's position in international fora. Bilateral visits are rare, though leaders do interact
during international conferences. India being a part of the Commonwealth, Indian nationals do not
require a visa to enter St Kitts and Nevis.

 India provided USD 1 million support to St. Kitts and Nevis on COVID-19 response from the India-
UN Development Partnership Fund, as part of India-CARICOM Leaders Project announced by the
Prime Minister of India in September 2019. Government of India has donated 20,000 doses of
Covishield Covid-19 vaccine to Kt. Kitts and Nevis.
 Completed Non-Infrastructure Project: In March, 2022 an assistance of US$ 300,000 was given
from I-UNDP Fund for purchase of adequate PPE for COVID-19 response.

 The Government of India provided Rs 5,00,000/- as hurricane relief assistance to the country in
the wake of hurricane Luis in 1995.
 ICCR under its Atal Bihari Vajpayee General Scholarship Scheme offered 2 slots from 2022-23
onwards, to nationals of St. Kittis and Nevis to pursue higher studies in India.

 As part of capacity building trainings, nearly 20 professionals from St. Kitts and Nevis have been
127
96. Country: Saint Lucia
India and Saint Lucia enjoy close and cordial relations. The Government of St. Lucia has expressed
interest in signing a bilateral agreement with India in the fields of Information Technology, Education,
Culture, Sports and Technical Cooperation. St Lucia and India actively cooperate on various
multilateral fora. St Lucia has been supporting India’s candidature on various multilateral platforms
including elections of different bodies under UN, including the recently held ICJ elections.

 Govt. of India provided life saving drugs and protective gear worth US$ 100000 to Govt. and
people of St.Lucia to assist in their fight against Covid 19 pandemic, which were handed over to
Govt. of St. Lucia in August 2020. As a gesture of solidarity, GoI donated 25,000 doses of made
in India Covishield vaccine to St. Lucia in March 2021.

 India handed over a cash donation of US$ 500,000/- to St Lucia towards assistance in recovery
and rehabilitation following flash floods in December 2013. Earlier, in December, 2010, India had
made a cash donation of US$ 500,000/- towards recovery and rehabilitation following Hurricane
Tomas. A donation of USD 250000 for reconstruction of St. Jude Hospital.
 In September 2019, the India, Brazil, and South Africa (IBSA) Project titled "Poverty Reduction in
St. Lucia through Livestock Development" was completed, with a budget of US$1,291,100. The
project consists of two components, with the UNDP serving as the implementing agency. The
second component, a public assistance program, was implemented by the World Food Pro-
gramme (WFP) with a budget of US$0.5 million.
 The project, "Upgrading Saint Lucia's capacity to provide Impactful Vocational Training for Mar-
ginalized Youth," funded by the India-UNDP Fund, is currently underway with a total budget of
US$992,724 and is likely to complete soon.
 The External Affairs Minister of India offered Saint Lucia a grant of USD 1 Million for a project in
the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) sector. However, an Expression of Interest is still
awaited from the Saint Lucian side.

 As part of capacity building trainings, nearly 65 professionals from St. Lucia have been trained in
 ICCR under its Atal Bihari Vajpayee General Scholarship Scheme offered 2 slots for the year
2022-23 & 5 slots for the year 2023-24, to nationals of Saint lucia to pursue higher studies in In-
dia.
Project
 Completed Non-Infrastructure Project:
o In August, 2021 an assistance of US$ 496,053 was given from I-UNDP Fund for Human
Security and Sustainable development- A COVID-19 response.
o In August, 2021 an assistance of US$ 503,947 was given from I-UNDP Fund for Human
Security and Sustainable development- A COVID-19 response.
 Ongoing Project: In July, 2019 an assistance of US$ 99,724 was given from I-UNDP Fund for the
project 21st century youth empowerment skills training for marginalized youth.
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97. Country: St. Vincent & Grenadines
Since establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, SVG and India enjoy cordial
and friendly relations and interact actively in the U.N., Commonwealth and NAM and various other
international fora. SVG supported India’s candidature for Non-Permanent seat at UNSC and has also
committed support for India’s bid for Permanent Membership of UNSC as part of the L69 group. India
has also supported SVG’s non-permanent membership of UNSC. SVG has supported India’s
successful candidacies in the elections to International Court of Justice (ICJ), International Tribunal of
the Laws of the Seas (ITLOS), Executive Board of UNESCO and International Maritime Organization
(IMO) in 2018 and continued its support to India’s candidature for WCO, IMO, WHO and ICAO in
2019 and continued its abiding support to India in 2020.

 Govt. of India provided life saving drugs and protective gear worth US$ 100000 to Govt. and
people of St.Vincent and the Grenadines to assist in their fight against Covid 19 pandemic, which
were handed over to Govt. of SVG in September 2020. As a gesture of solidarity, GoI donated
40,000 doses of made in India Covishield vaccine to St. Vincent and the Grenadines in March
2021.

 India handed over a cash donation of US$ 500,000/- towards assistance in recovery and rehabilit-
ation following flash floods in December, 2013. India had made a cash donation of US$ 100,000/-
towards recovery and rehabilitation following Hurricane Tomas in October 2010 and April 2011
flash floods and landslides.
 India-UN Development Partnership Fund provided Govt. of SVG an assistance of US $1.3 million
(a cost escalation of USD 300,000 was approved in 2022 taking the total assistance to
US$1,334,267) to SVG in 2017 for modernization of Arrowroot Industry for climate change resili-
ence and sustainable rural livelihoods for indigenous communities. The new deadline for comple-
tion is March 2024.
 Four quick impact grant projects and an arrowroot modernization grant project are underway in
SVG with a US$ 200,000 and a US$ 1.3 million Indian grant respectively. Two other projects are
to be undertaken under a US$ 1 million Caricom grant extended by India.
 Four quick impact grant projects SVG with a US$ 200,000 have been completed. The four pro-
jects are : (1) Rehabilitation and Transforming the Derelict Chatuebelair Agriculture Deport into a
processing and training facility at a cost of USD 40,740/-; (2) Refurbishment of the Old Calder
Community Center at USD 40,863/- (3) “Community Development Project for Glenside Village
Marriaqua” at USD 39,796/- and (4) Port Elizabeth Bequia Market Repairs and Restoration at
USD 30,000/- SVG has submitted a further five proejcts under QIP for the current financial year
for a total grant assistance of USD 250000.
 India provided an assistance of US 1.03 million to SVG in 2017 under UNIDO for modernization of
Arrowroot Industry for climate change resilience and sustainable rural livelihoods for indigenous
communities.
 A grant of US$14 mn (1 mn for each CARICOM member states) for community development-re-
lated projects was announced during the meeting of the Prime Minister of India with the CARI-
COM leaders in Sept 2019. Under this SVG has submitted a proposal for two projects:
o Construction of an Administrative Complex in North Leeward at a cost of USD
500,000.00.
o Construction of a Learning Resource Centre at Mt. Bentick, Georgetown at a cost of US$
500,000.00.
 During the visit of Hon’ble Rashtrapatiji in May 2022, the First Lady Smt. Savita Kovind visited a
School of Special Needs separately and donated US$ 25,000/- to the Governor General’s Charit-
able Fund.

 India has provided 5 ITEC slots to St. Vincent and the Grenadines for the year 2019-20.As part of
capacity building trainings, nearly 23 professionals from St. Vincent & Grenadines have been
129
 Two Foreign Service officials Affairs participated in the PCFD/CARICOM special diplomatic train-
ing programme at Foreign Service Institute in New Delhi in 2017, two in PCFD (one in 2019 and
other in 2022) and three under special training programme for CariCom Diplomats in June 2019.
Two senior-level customs officials participated in the India-Caricom special training programme in
customs and taxes held in India in June 2019 under ITEC.
 The Government of India has deputed Dr. Pranaya Kumar Parida, Scientist, under the Ministry of
External Affairs ITEC programme as an expert with the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism
Secretariat, Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines for a period of 36 months for assisting
with fisheries assessment/statistical analysis/development plan formulation activities.
onwards, to pursue higher studies in India.
Project
 Ongoing Project: In June 2019 an assistance of US$ 1,334,267 was given from I-UNDP Fund for
the project - Arrowroot Industry modernisation for sustainable and climate resilient rural liveli-
hoods.
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98. Country: Sudan
Relations between India and Sudan date back to ancient times. Evidences indicate that there were
contacts and possibly trade almost 5,000 years ago between Nilotic and Indus Valley Civilizations
through Mesopotamia. India and Sudan have almost 30 bilateral agreements covering trade, science
and technology, media, culture, consultations, business, small industries, legal matters, air services,
agriculture etc. India is a significant trade partner of Sudan. Bilateral trade between both countries is
on a steep rise, lately.

 Government of India has supplied 2.84 million of Covishield Covid-19 vaccine to Sudan under Co-
vax scheme. Following record breaking floods in July-August 2020 and the COVID pandemic,
GOI donated 100 MT food aid (75 MT white flour and 25 MT sugar) as HADR supplies in Novem -
ber 2020 at Port Sudan delivered by INS Airavat. In April 2021, GOI also donated 6 tonnes of life
saving essential medicines to Sudan.

 A number of Lines of Credit have been extended to the Government of Sudan beginning with Rs.
20 million Line of Credit in 1980. In 2003, US$ 50 million LoC was extended to Sudan (the first
ever on G-to-G basis) for Indian goods and services in power, solar energy, railways and laborat-
ory equipment. From 2003 to 2013, various Lines of Credit have been extended to the Govern-
ment of Sudan, through EXIM Bank of India.
 In April 2006, India funded a solar electrification (implemented by Central Electronics Ltd) for
Khadarab village about two-hours road journey from Khartoum, bringing light for the first time into
the lives of some 1,500 villagers. The project has been replicated in several other villages.
 Kosti Thermal Power Plant built by BHEL is located at Um- Dabaker in Sudan with capacity of 500
MW (4 X 125 MW). This is the largest thermal power plant in Sudan, the biggest combined cycle
project built by BHEL in Africa. It is BHEL's largest oil-fired thermal power plant in the overseas
market and also its first crude-oil fired thermal power plant in Africa. The project is financed under
LoC of US$ 350 million to Sudan. The power plant was commissioned in February 2016.
 Mashkour Sugar Project is funded under LoC of US$ 150 million in 2 tranches of US$ 25 million
and US$ 125 million as agreed in January 2009. The project aims to produce 1,13,000 tons of
white sugar. It also envisages co-generation of 33 KW of electricity and 75 KL of ethanol per day.
In October 2009, a contract was signed between Mashkour Sugar Company (MSC) and Overseas
Infrastructure Alliance India private limited (OIA) as the main contractor for US$ 149.975 million.
 India provided 23 tonnes of medical aid to Sudan in May 2023.

 In 2016, ONGC Videsh Ltd (OVL) donated solar street lights to a village in Ombadda area of
Khartoum State.
 On 15 August 2007, Indian company Angelique International Ltd gifted US$ 5,000 to renovate the
Indian school in Kassala town, while OVL helped to refurbish Indian club in Port Sudan.
Special Endeavour: Duty Free and Preferential Treatment (DFTP) Scheme

 Sudan is a beneficiary of India’s Duty Free and Preferential Treatment (DFTP) Scheme for Least
Developed Countries (LDCs) since 2009 and Exports to India from Sudan have been gradually
rising. The DFTP Scheme grants duty free access on about 96% of India's total tariff lines, prefer-
ential access (Positive List) on about 2.2% of tariff lines and only 1.8% tariff lines are under the
Exclusion List.

 Sudanese scholars have also been selected for the C.V. Raman Fellowship Programme. Su-
danese diplomats have been attending Professional Courses for Foreign Diplomats (PCFD) or-
ganized by Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Services (SSIFS).
 In November 2019, 40 Sudanese Government professionals had undergone a special English
language proficiency course in Hyderabad; 25 Sudanese Judges went to Bengaluru in December
2019 for a special training programme; a group of 50 officials from various Sudanese Ministries/
Agencies attended a special English course in Hyderabad in March 2020.
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 In February 2019, a group of 46 Sudanese young diplomats attended a 15-day special course at
FSI. Sudanese students avail scholarships for higher education in India offered by ICCR.
 The number of annual ITEC slots being offered to Sudan is the maximum in the region. A large
number of Sudanese government employees have undergone various customized training
courses under ITEC.
 ICCR under its Africa Scholarship Scheme offers around 60 scholarship slots every year for pur-
suing higher studies in India.
 Under Government of India’s “Pan-African E-Network” project for first phase, which ended in
2017, Sudan utilized the services of tele-education and tele-medicine. Government of India has
launched the second phase of this project with enhanced capacity and superior equipment called
e-Vidya Bharati (tele-education) and Arogya Bharati (tele-medicine) [e-VBAB]. This project will be
set up in three educational institutions and one hospital in Sudan. Enrollment for distance learning
courses under e-Vidya Bharati has also taken place.
 In pursuance of the commitments made under IAFS-III, mid-career specialized training courses
are conducted at regular intervals at renowned hospitals in India like Apollo, Fortis and Artemis.
India has become the major destination for Sudanese patients to avail medical treatment. India is-
sued 6175 medical/medical attendant visas in 2019, 3284 (2020), 4049 (2021) and 6966 (2022).
Prominent hospitals like Apollo, Yashoda, Fortis are in the process of setting up information
centres in Sudan to better serve the Sudanese patients.
 Sudanese side had requested Indian expertise in treatment of medical waste.
 About 1500 students travel to India annually for higher studies mainly to Pune, Mumbai, Hydera-
bad, Chennai and Bangalore. More than 100,000 Sudanese, graduates of Indian Universities,
have carved a niche for themselves in their chosen fields. The number of student visas issued by
the Mission is increasing every year. Mission issued nearly 1775 student visas in 2019, 507 dur-
ing 2020, 1007 in 2021 and 1454 in 2022.
 India had in the past provided germ plasm for Neem, Mango and Ashok trees. Sudan had also re-
quested help for technical know-how for rice production; small scale sugar mills of capacity up to
200 TCD (Tons of Cane per Day). Some areas of cooperation could be twinning of agricultural
universities; capacity building in micro-finance; bio-fertilizers; cow and sheep breeding techno-
logy; warehousing; rain water harvesting; milk cooperatives etc.
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99. Country: Suriname
India shares close, warm and friendly relations with Suriname with historical linkages dating back to
149 years. Suriname is a country with a sizeable diaspora population. A coalition government led by a
largely Indian origin party assumed power in Suriname in July 2020. The current President of
Suriname H.E. Mr. Chandrikapersad Santokhi is a Person of Indian Origin (PIO).

 Government of India provided lifesaving drugs and protective gear worth US$ 100,000 to the
Govt. of Suriname to assist in its fight against Covid 19 pandemic in August 2020. As a gesture of
solidarity, GoI donated 50000 doses of made in India Covishield vaccine to Suriname on March
2021.

 India extended ten Lines of Credit (LOCs) aggregating USD 154.98 Mn through Exim bank to Sur-
iname. During President Santokhi’s visit to India, a request for restructuring the debts was made,
which was later approved. The restructuring agreement was also signed by Exim Bank of India on
12.04.2023. As per an email received from SDMO, Suriname and also confirmed by the Exim
Bank of India that no further disbursement is allowed in ongoing LoCs {further details given be-
low)
 Grant of US$ 3,11,567.21 in 2015-16 for upgrading of the S' Lands Hospital morgue in Para-
maribo.
 US$ 1,69,400/- in 2015-16 as an assistance to the Institute for Natural Resources and Engineer-
ing Studies (NATIN) of Suriname.
 A cheque of US$ 150,000 was handed over to the Government of Suriname as a humanitarian
assistance for the rehabilitation of the victims of devastating flood in Suriname during his visit to
Suriname in April, 2017.
 A grant of US$ 29,988 was provided to the Surinamese government for school going children- a
community development project in August, 2017 and US$ 35,402 for annual Christmas celebra-
tion with senior citizens organized by the Bureau of the First Lady during 2017-18.
 Two small grant projects for Community development and women entrepreneurship were an-
nounced in June 2018 namely Craft Market place at Paramaribo for US$ 175,602 and every stu-
dent a computer for US$ 109,800 (for 200 computers) and executed. India donated US$ 10,000
to Mytyl School (special needs school) as charity.
 Cash assistance of US$ 50,000 to the Government of Suriname for flood victims of the interiors in
August 2018.
 Government of India had approved 19 projects under quick impact projects. The umbrella agree-
ment on QIP and individual MoUs for each of the five priority projects were signed in March 2023.
 US$ 1 million grant for each CariCom member-State for community development projects under
India-UNDP Fund was announced during India-CariCom meeting in September 2019. Under this
grant, one project submitted by Suriname side titled as 'Enhance early warning service delivery to
communities of Suriname in order to build their resilience to flooding due to excess rainfall’ bear-
ing a tentative cumulative cost of US$ 246,852.71 has been approved. Project Signing Ceremony
& Start of Project Implementation took place on 20 October 2023.
 USD 2,810,500 announced as grant for construction of an Old Age Home in the District of Wan-
ica. Detailed DPR awaited from Suriname side.
 Under the USD 1 Mn Grant for the SME Sector announced by EAM during the India-COFCOR
Meeting in Guyana in April 2023, Suriname has submitted a project proposal for setting up a pas-
sion fruit packing unit at an estimated cost of USD 975,000 the approval for which is pending with
MEA.
 Donations made by HR during visit to Suriname in June 2023: USD 25000 each to Arya Diwaker
Temple and Vishnu Mandir of Sanatana Dharma Mahasabha.

 As part of capacity building trainings, nearly 388 professionals from Suriname have been trained
in India under ITEC since 2002. Of these, 161 professionals have been trained just in the previ-
ous 9 years since 2014-15.
 In addition, two Surinamese senior officers participated in a special training programme for Cari-
Com mid-level/senior customs officers under ITEC in June 2019. Till date, over 200 Surinamese
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diaspora have benefited from various programmes/scholarships of GoI including 161 Surinamese
from Know India Programme, 26 under Special Know India Programme (for middle-aged dia-
spora), one availed of SPDC scholarship for pharmacy during 2018-19, two Surinamese joined
the Agra Hindi Sansthan in 2019 and three post graduate/undergraduate courses under ICCR/
AYUSH scholarship.
 ICCR under its Atal Bihari Vajpayee General Scholarship Scheme offered 1 scholarship slot from
2022-23 onwards, to nationals of Suriname to pursue higher studies in India.
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100. Country: Syria
India and Syria enjoy friendly political relations based on historic and civilizational links. Both countries
have a secular, nationalist and developmental orientation, share similar perceptions on many
international and regional issues and are a member of NAM. There have been regular bilateral
exchanges at the highest levels since the establishment of diplomatic ties.

 Government of India has supplied 1.3573 million doses of Covishield Covid-19 vaccine under Co-
vax scheme to fight against Covid-19.

 In March 2018, India delivered humanitarian aid worth US$ 6 million in form of pharmaceuticals
and food stuff (tea, sugar, palm oil).
 India facilitated the development and modernization of the Hama Iron & Steel Plant, under a LOC
of US$25 million, which was extended to Syria in 2008. Indian company Apollo International Lim-
ited in tandem with GECOSTEEL under the Syrian Ministry of Industry has completed (2017) the
project during the crisis.
 India assisted Syria in carrying out a feasibility study on augmentation of its phosphate produc-
tion. A consortium of Indian companies, comprising of PDIL, RITES and MECON carried out the
study. India is looking into cooperation with Syria in this sector. An MOU on Cooperation in Fertil-
izer sector was also concluded in October 2010. The MOU will facilitate Indian involvement in the
development of phosphatic fertilizer sector in Syria.
 India has supplied 13.3 tons medical aid to Syria in the aftermath of earthquake in February 2023.

 Under the “Study in India” scholarship programme of the GoI, 393 Syrian students were placed in
several Indian Universities for UG, Masters and Ph.D programmes during the academic year
2018-19, and another 600 scholarship slots were allotted for the academic year 2019-20. The
Foreign Training Institutes of the two countries signed an MOU of cooperation in January 2018.
The phase three and phase four of the programme is in implementation stage.
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101. Country: Tajikistan
Relations between India and Tajikistan have been traditionally close and cordial. Deep rooted
historical and cultural linkages have helped expand and widen the relationship to a new level.
Cooperation between the two countries encompasses all aspects of human endeavor with special
focus on military and defence ties. In general, Tajikistan supports India in most elections for UN
bodies and other international organisations. In June 2022, Tajikistan conveyed its decision to support
India’s candidature for membership in Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of
Intangible Cultural Heritage. In 2020, Tajikistan extended support for India’s candidature for a non-
permanent seat in UNSC for the term 2021-22. Tajikistan has publicly supported India’s bid for UNSC
permanent membership. India has consistently supported Tajikistan’s proposals at UN on water
related issues. India also supported Tajikistan’s candidature to ECOSOC.

 Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020, India has provided humanitarian medical assistance to
Tajikistan. In May 2020, India provided 50,000 HCQ tablets and 100,000 Paracetamol tablets to
Tajikistan, and sent another consignment of 4.6 tons of medical supplies. In June 2020, India sent
another 800 Kgs of medicines and medical accessories to Tajikistan. India has also supplied
890,500 doses Covishield Covid-19 vaccines to Tajikistan under Covax scheme.

 In 1995, India extended a credit line of USD 5 million to set up a pharmaceutical plant (Ajanta
Pharma). The Government of India thereafter converted the principal amount along with the ac-
crued interest of USD 3.37 million into a grant in November 2003.
 With a grant of USD 0.6 million, a fruit processing plant was established in Dushanbe by M/s HMT
in January 2005.
 With a grant of USD 0.6 million, an Information and Technology Centre (Bedil Centre) was com-
missioned in 2006. The project ran for full hardware cycle of 6 years and trained almost all the
first-generation IT experts in government sector in Tajikistan.
 With a grant of about USD 0.75 million, India set up a modern engineering workshop and commis-
sioned it in June 2011. The project is running successfully.
 India undertook rehabilitation and modernization of a 1936 vintage Varzob-1 Hydro Power Station
through Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) and National Hydroelectric Power Corporation
(NHPC). After renovation, the installed capacity was enhanced from 2x3.67 MW to 2x4.75 MW.
The rehabilitated power station was inaugurated in December 2012 and is running successfully.
 A project for setting up of computer labs in 37 schools in Tajikistan, announced in July 2015 was
completed and delivered in August 2016 at a cost of USD 6,02,701/-.
 Under the USD 20 million grant announced during the state visit of President of India to Tajikistan
in October 2018, India commenced with the construction of phase-I of an 8-lane highway project
from Chortut village to Ayni roundabout in Dushanbe at a cost of approximately USD 17.54 million
and the project was completed and handed over in 2022.
 In March 2021 as announced during official visit of EAM, India provided USD 2 million financial
assistance to Tajikistan to help conduct SCO Head of State Summit in Dushanbe in Sep 2021.
 In December 2021, India has signed an MoU with Tajikistan for Indian Grant Assistance for imple-
mentation of high impact community development projects of a capital cost up to US$ 1.5 million
each.
Special Endeavour: Humanitarian Assistance

 India delivered USD 5 million worth of food assistance in 2001-02.
 To overcome a crisis caused by an unprecedented harsh winter in January-February 2008, India
gave a grant of USD 2 million (USD 1 million as cash assistance and USD 1 million in kind, such
as power cables, generators and pump sets).
 In June 2009, USD 200,000 cash assistance was given by India to overcome damage caused by
floods in April-May 2009.
 After flash floods in Kulyab province in May 2010, India provided USD 200,000 humanitarian cash
assistance.
 After the outbreak of Polio in southwest Tajikistan, India provided 2 million doses of oral polio vac-
cine through UNICEF in November 2010.
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 In September 2015, India granted USD 100,000 as humanitarian assistance to Tajikistan for
providing relief to the flood and mudslide-affected people of GBAO (Pamir) and Rasht valley.
 India provided USD 100,000 to Tajikistan in March 2017 as humanitarian assistance for natural
disasters.
 In March 2018, India gifted 10 ambulances to various regions of Tajikistan.

 Since establishment of the Indian Embassy in Dushanbe in 1994, Tajikistan has been a benefi-
ciary of ITEC programme. In October 2018, the number of ITEC slots for Tajikistan was enhanced
from 150 to 200. Every year about 25 ICCR scholarships are offered to Tajik citizens. About 1455
ITEC slots and 392 ICCR scholarships have been utilized by Tajik candidates so far. In the finan-
cial year 2017-18, Eurasia Division financed 60 additional slots for customised training of Tajik ex-
perts in the field of remote sensing. In FY 2019-20, 10 Tajiks joined Kendriya Hindi Sansthan,
Agra to study Hindi. In FY 2022-223, 12 Tajiks joined Kendriya Hindi Sansthan, Agra to study
Hindi. In 2019, under India-Central Asia Dialogue Process, 8 Tajik diplomats were trained at For-
eign Service Institute, Delhi. Both in 2018 and 2019, one Tajik diplomat was trained under Foreign
Service Institute’s PCFD program. Since 2002, 48 students have gone to learn Kathak/music/vo-
cal/instrumental music in India. ICCR under its Atal Bihari Vajpayee General Scholarship Scheme
offered 20 slots for the year 2022-23 & 30 slots for 2023-24, to pursue higher studies in India.
 With help of funds provided by Indian Ministry of Culture to friendship societies in Tajikistan, Em-
bassy has opened a few India Study Corners in some prominent Universities/Institutions in Dush-
anbe, Khorog, Konibodom and Panjikent to cater to the increasing demand for study of Indian lan-
guages and yoga in Tajikistan.
 A Hindi-Urdu Chair was established in the Tajik State University and since January 2019 a Pro-
fessor has been deployed by ICCR at the university till date.
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102. Country: Tanzania
Tanzania and India have enjoyed traditionally close, friendly and cooperative relations. From the
1960s to the 1980s, the political relationship involved shared commitments to anti-colonialism, non-
alignment as well as South-South Cooperation and close cooperation in international fora. In recent
years, India-Tanzania ties have evolved into a modern and pragmatic relationship with sound political
understanding, diversified economic engagement, people to people contacts in the field of education
& healthcare, and development partnership in capacity building training, concessional credit lines and
grant projects.

 India has executed a number of projects under government grants in Tanzania since early years.
Among recent ones, three IT/Communication projects have been completed: A Centre of Excel-
lence in ICT at the Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology in 2011; ICT Centre at Nelson Mandela
African Institute for Science & Technology in 2016 and the Pan African e- Network Project at Uni-
versity of Dar es Salaam in 2010.
 1st tranche of essential medicines and vaccines worth USD 1 million announced in July 2016 was
handed to Ministry of Health of Tanzania in September 2018. The second tranche of essential
medicines (nearly USD 1 million) was handed on 10 September 2020.
 Under “India for Humanity” programme, an artificial limbs (Jaipur Foot) Fitment Camp was organ-
ized by Shree Bhagwan Mahavir Viklang Sahayata Samiti, Jaipur under a GOI grant at the
Muhimbili Orthopedic Institute, Dar es Salaam in June - July 2019 during which 551 limbs to 520
Tanzanian beneficiaries were provided free of cost.
 In August 2017, over 1,30,000 NCERT Science & Mathematics text books for Secondary Public
Schools in Tanzania from India were handed over to the Minister of Education, Science, Techno-
logy & Vocational Training.
 India extended support of USD250,000 for Kagera earthquake relief in September 2016.
 India set up a radiation therapy machine ‘Bhabhatron-II’ for cancer patients at Bugando Medical
Centre, Mwanza under Government of India grant support in July 2016. Currently over 100 cancer
patients are receiving radiation therapy daily.
 India has committed over USD1.1 billion in LOC to Tanzania for various water projects.
 LOC of USD 36.56 million for supply of trucks and other vehicles to the Tanzanian People’s De-
fence Force (TPDF) in 2013-14.
 LOC of USD 40 million for supply of tractors and agricultural equipment in 2013.
 LOC of USD 178.125 million has been extended for the development of water supply projects in
Dar es Salaam and coastal Chalinze region; the water supply project packages from Upper Ruvu
River to Dar es Salaam was completed and inaugurated in June 2017. Works are ongoing for the
Chalinze package of water distribution.
 LOC of USD 268.35 million was granted for extension of water pipeline from Lake Victoria to
towns of Tabora, Igunga and Nzega in western Tanzania. The project was completed in January
2021. A balance of funds that remained from this project was utilized for water supply project in
Tinde and Sheuli villages.
 LOC of USD 92.18 million for rehabilitation and improvement of water supply system in Zanzibar.
This project is under implementation and expected to be complete soon.
 Line of Credit Agreement of USD 500 million for water infrastructure projects in several towns in
Tanzania was signed in May 2018. Four Indian companies L&T, Afcons-Vijeta JV, Megha
Engineering and Jindal Water Infrastructure have been selected to implement the water project.
Contract signing ceremony between the Indian contractors and Ministry of Water of Tanzania was
held in June 2022 in Dodoma. The project is expected to start soon.
 Hydrography is another advancing area of cooperation between the two countries. Indian naval
survey ships have conducted hydrographic surveys of Tanzanian ports and prepared navigational
charts. 100 copies of 6 navigational charts and 7 ENCs prepared by India were handed over to
Tanzanian officials in July 2016. 2nd joint committee on Hydrography was successfully held
through Video conference on 4-5 August 2021.

 Tanzania is a major beneficiary of training courses allocated under India’s ITEC & ICCR
scholarships. India has offered 450 ITEC seats and 70 ICCR scholarships from 2022-23 onwards
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under its Africa Scholarship Scheme. ITEC scholarships were first extended to Tanzania in 1972,
since then about 4600 Tanzanians have benefited from the programme.
 India and Tanzania signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defence Co-operation in
Oct 2003. The MoU provides an over-arching framework for progressing various defence co-
operation initiatives between the two countries. In recent years, India and Tanzania have been
cooperating in the field of defence training in Indian institutions. Over 550 Tanzanian defence
personnel have been trained in India. An ICCR chair of Law is established at University of Dar-e-
Salaam, Tanzania. MoU valid till November, 2026.
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103. Country: Thailand
India’s bilateral relations with Thailand are rooted in history, age-old social and cultural interactions
and extensive people to people contacts. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were
established in 1947. In 2022, India and Thailand celebrated the 75th anniversary of establishment of
diplomatic relations with a series of commemorative events and activities. Thailand plays an important
role in various regional and sub-regional groupings. It is, therefore, an important partner for India in
India-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, East Asia Summit (EAS), Bay of Bengal Initiative
for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), Mekong Ganga Cooperation
(MGC), Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD), Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and Ayeyawady-
Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS). Thailand took over the BIMSTEC
Chairmanship from Sri Lanka in March 2022 for a period of 2 years.

 Government of India has donated 200,000 doses of made in India Covid-19 vaccine to Thailand
under Quad initiatives to assist in Thailand’s fight against Covid 19 pandemic.

 India offers 72 scholarships annually under various schemes (ITEC – 40, ICCR scholarships – 30
and Hindi scholarships – 2) to Thailand. As part of capacity building trainings, nearly 981
professionals from Thailand have been trained under ITEC (in India) and eITEC since 2002. Of
these, 512 professionals have been trained just in the previous 9 years since 2014-15.
 India has also offered 1,000 Ph.D. fellowships at the IITs to ASEAN countries, including 100 slots
to Thailand. Currently, there are 6 Indian Studies Centres in Thailand. In addition to these India
Studies Centres, 12 India Corners have been set up in various Thai Universities/institutions.
 ICCR offers 7 and 15 scholarship slots under Atal Bihari Vajpayee General Scholarship Scheme
for the years 2022-23 and 2023-24 respectively and 10 slots under Mekong Ganga Cooperation
Scholarship Scheme from 2022-23 onwards to pursue higher studies in India.
 Educator and scholar of Sanskrit, Pali and epigraphy, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn was con-
ferred ICCR World Sanskrit Award - 2015 in New Delhi (21 November 2015).
 Assistant Professor and lecturer, Ratchasuda College, Mahidol University, Ms. Dollaporn
Phuakkhong was conferred ICCR Distinguished Alumni Award - 2017 in New Delhi (13 April
2018).
 The Council is administering two Chairs in Thailand:
(I) A Chair of Sanskrit at Silpakorn University, Thailand. MoU valid till Dec, 2024.
(ii) A Chair of Hindi at Thammasat Universtiy, Thailand. MoU valid till April 2025.
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104. Country: The Bahamas
Both India and the Bahamas are members of NAM, G-77, WIPO, WTO (Observer), the United Nations
and its various subsidiary bodies. With democratic governance, respect for rule of law and rights of
their people, both share similar aspirations for accelerated economic growth. The Bahamas has
consistently supported Indian candidatures, unilaterally or reciprocally, to various UN and other
international bodies. Bahamas is sensitive to India’s concerns on International Terrorism and supports
Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) proposed by India.

the Bahamas to fight the pandemic in March 2021.

 India made a contribution of medicines worth US$ 50,000/- as relief in the aftermath of
devastation caused by Hurricane Ivan in September 2004.
 India had donated an amount of US$ 1 million as a disaster relief fund towards devastation
caused by Hurricane Dorian in two major islands of Bahamas.
 Under the India-UN Development Partnership fund ‘Abaco Hurricane Shelter’ and India-
Commonwealth Secretariat funded ‘Strengthening of Public Debt Management Framework and
Developing Government Bond Market in The Bahamas’ implemented by UNDP. ‘Abaco Hurricane
Shelter’ Project is scheduled to complete in December 2024 and ‘Strengthening of Public Debt
Management Framework and Developing Government Bond Market in The Bahamas’ is going to
complete in June 2024.
 ICCR under its Atal Bihari Vajpayee General Scholarship Scheme offered 2 slots for the year
2022-23 & 1 slot for 2023-24, to nationals of the Bahamas to pursue higher studies in India.
 In July 2022 an assistance of US$ 1 million was given from I-UNDP fund for project -Abaco
Community Centre and Hurricane Shelter.
 In July 2020 an assistance of US$ 550000 was given from I-UNDP fund for project -Strengthening
public debt management framework and developing government bond market.

 As part of capacity building trainings, nearly 35 professionals from Bahamas have been trained in
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105. Country: The Gambia
India and The Gambia share warm and friendly bilateral relations. The bilateral engagement stands
on the pillars of amicable political relations, development partnership, trade and people-to-people
contacts. The Gambia has been generally supportive of India in various international fora.

 Government of India has supplied 36,000 doses Covid-19 vaccine (Covishield) to Gambia under
Covax scheme in March 2021 to fight against Covid-19.

 The Government of India has extended several Lines of Credit to the Government of Gambia
covering diverse areas including Tractor Assembly, construction of National Assembly Building
Complex (inaugurated in October 2014), replacement of Asbestos Water Pipes with UPVC pipes;
Electricity Expansion Project in Greater Banjul Area (inaugurated in November 2020).
 India created Vocational Training Center (VTC) and Incubation Center (IC) in Banjul and handed
over to the Gambian authorities in September 2017. The Centre is imparting training in disciplines
such as plumbing, welding, electrical, construction sector, carpentry, draftsman-ship, survey,
plastic technology demonstration cum training, ICT, agro and food processing, gemstones cutting
and polishing etc.

 Under ITEC scheme, India has allotted 75 slots to The Gambians.
 25 Senior Civil Servants from The Gambia participated in the Special Training Programme held at
National Centre for Good Governance, Mussoorie in June 2019 under ITEC+ programme.
 Under India's developmental support (capacity Building Measures) to Africa, 10 Solar Mamas
(Illiterate women) were trained at Barefoot College in India during March-September, 2019. The
training imparted covered solar electrification, solar panel & light installation/maintenance and
entrepreneurial skills for a period of six months.
 India is exploring setting up in The Gambia a pilot solar hydel project under ISA (International
Solar Alliance) framework.
 The Gambia joined India’s tele-education and tele-medicine platform eVBAB in March 2020; by
October 2021, more than 80 Gambian students registered for tele-education courses under this
scheme.
 The project 'Using of Drones and Early Warning Systems for Pre & Post Floods Disaster
Management in The Gambia' is supported (2020-2021) by India under Commonwealth Window of
the India-UN Development Partnership Fund.
 ICCR under its Africa Scholarship Scheme offers around 33 scholarship slots every year for
pursuing higher studies in India.
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106. Country: Timor Leste
India was one of the early countries to establish diplomatic relations with Timor Leste (TL) and was
represented at its Independence Day celebrations in May 2002 by a high-level delegation. Since the
establishment of diplomatic relations in January 2003, India and TL have been cooperating at
bilateral, regional and international levels. India has been offering economic, technical and capacity
building assistance to TL.

 GoI approved a grant in aid to TL in October 2008 for infrastructure projects. An amount of US$
100,000 was transferred to TL in March 2010.
 Bamboo Project: The project “Establishment of Bamboo Skills Development and Demonstration
Centre in TL” was initially started by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization
(UNIDO) in October 2004. The project with a combined budget of US$ 1 million was completed in
March 2012. The Indian technical partner was Cane and Bamboo Technology Centre (CBTC) in
Assam. The objective of this project is to establish bamboo as thriving industry sector in TL. A
skills development centre was also established in order to create awareness of the potential and
to train craftsmen.
 Project under IBSA Fund: The project, “Conservation Agriculture, Permaculture and Sustainable
Fisheries Management: Enhancing Food and Nutrition Security and Reducing Risk Disaster in TL’
was funded by IBSA for a total cost of US $ 1.4 million. The project was developed by FAO in TL
along with 2 NGOs - under the supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries of TL, was
implemented in the remote part of the Aautro Island of Timor-Leste. As a part of the project,
Sustainable Agriculture & Permaculture Learning Centre was formally inaugurated in April 2019 at
Atekru, in Aaturo Island. The Centre would serve as a learning centre for sustainable agriculture
and natural resources conservation and development, thereby enhancing productivity in
agricultural, horticultural and fisheries sector of the Island.
 India gifted 2000 MT rice to Timor-Leste in May 2022 as humanitarian aid.
 In May, 2021 an assistance of US$ 881,193 was given from I-UNDP Fund for leveraging ICT to
improve education and skills.

 India continues to strongly support TL's developmental path and is eager to cooperate and
contribute in TL's tasks of nation building. As part of capacity building trainings, nearly 60
professionals from Timor-Leste have been trained in India under ITEC since 2002. Of these, 22
professionals have been trained just in the previous 9 years since 2014-15.
 12 Timorese diplomats were trained at Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service (SSIFS),
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) from 20 Sep – 29 Sep 2023.
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107. Country: Togo
India and Togo have cordial bilateral relations. India recognized the Togolese Republic since it
attained Independence in 1960. India is among the top trading partners of Togo. Togo is one of the
beneficiaries of the Duty-Free Trade Preference scheme.

 Government of India has supplied 156,000 doses Covid-19 vaccine (Covid shield) to Togo under
Covax scheme in March 2021 to fight against Covid-19.

 India has extended a total of 7 LoCs [including 2 LoCs extended through ECOWAS Bank for In-
vestment and Development (EBID)] amounting to US $ 193.14 million to Togo covering sectors
of Power, Health and Agriculture.
 Projects under two LoCs (including one LoC through EBID) are under various stages of imple-
mentation in the Power sector.
 Projects under five LoCs have been completed in sectors of Power, Health and Agriculture.
 In July 2019, a project to promote biodiversity friendly livelihoods in the Fazao-Malfakassa Na-
tional Park (North-Togo), funded by the Government of India through the India-UN Development
Partnership Fund for US $1 million, was launched in Lome.
 The project was implemented by UNESCO and got completed in September 2022.
 The project consisted of setting up a biosphere reserve around the Fazao-Malfakassa National
Park.
 The project, reflects the dynamism of South-South Cooperation, and aimed at preserving biod-
iversity and catering to the problems of deforestation, land degradation and the decline of agricul-
tural production.
 India has provided economic assistance to Togo in the form of tractors (60), water pump, sewing
machine, ambulance, transport vehicles, corn-grinding machine etc.
 On the request from Togolese Government, India extended grant assistance that included supply
of indelible ink in 2002 for the elections held in Togo.
 India rendered humanitarian assistance in the form of medicines to ameliorate the suffering of the
victims of the floods in 2008;
 Togolese Government approached India for support in organizing the AU Maritime Security Sum-
mit in Lome to be held in October 2016 with an assistance of US $100,000 was extended.

 India offers training in human resource development under the Indian Technical and Economic
Cooperation (ITEC) programme.
 276 officials from Togo have been trained under the ITEC programme in the last 15 years.
 In the year 2022-23, Togo has utilized 9 ITEC slots.
 Prior to 2022-23, 12 ICCR scholarships were utilized by Togo.
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108. Country: Tonga
Tonga and India have traditionally enjoyed a close relationship. Late King Tupou IV and Queen paid
state visits to India in 1971 and 1976. Several Tongans, including members of the Royal family have
received training in India in defence and other courses under ITEC programme. In July 1972, the Late
Prince Tuipelehake became the first Tongan to attend the Indian Military Academy in India.

 On 28 August 2020, Government of India approved funding US$ 1,08,844 for supporting re-
sponse to COVID-19 pandemic which was utilized for setting -up a container based medical dia-
gnostic laboratory (2023) in Nuku’alofa.
 Immediate relief assistance of US$ 200,000 announced to support relief, rehabilitation and recon-
struction efforts in the wake of a tsunami that hit Tonga on 15 January 2022. (A consignment of
272 packages of Disaster Relief Supplies was airlifted from India for the disaster affected people
and reached Tonga on 23 May 2022).

 Government of India provides annual grants for community development projects in Tonga.
 In 2007, GOI provided a grant-aid of US$ 100,000/- for construction of access road from Wharf to
Hunga village.
 Grant-aid of US$ 100,000/- was approved in 2008 for up-gradation of jetty in Hunga.
 In July 2014, GOI had provided grant-aid of US$ 300,000 for Tsunami Alert System.
 In October 2014, US$ 115,000 was committed by GOI for Project Proposal “Upgrade to the Office
of the Public Service Commission ICT Infrastructure”
 In September 2015, US$ 71,627/- was approved by GOI for project titled ‘Spectrum Monitoring In-
cluding Detection of Interference and Illegal Transmission’.
 In September 2017 Climate Early Warning Systems in Seven Pacific Countries (including Tonga)
project was launched under the India-UN Development Partnership Fund. (Total funding: US $ 1
Million)
 In 2018, India provided US$ 1 million as assistance for relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction.
After Tropical Cyclone Gita, US$ 500,000 was given as immediate cash assistance and the bal-
ance amount has been given through UNDP for renovation of export facility in Tonga.
 In June 2020, the project to improve resilience in the Pacific Island Countries (including Tonga)

 Tonga has been provided training slots per year under ITEC programme, number for which are
changing on utilization basis.
 06 slots were utilized out of 10 offered in 2016-17, 01 slot was utilized out of 05 allotted slots in
2017-18, 02 slots were utilized out of 5 2018-19, 02 were utilized in 2019-20, 01 was utilized out
of two in 2020-21 and 03 slots were utilized in 2021-22.
 Mr. J. Somasekharan, Indian ‘Coconut Development Expert’ was on deputation to the Govern-
ment of Tonga for a period of seven months from March-October 2017.
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109. Country: Trinidad & Tobago
Relationship between India and Trinidad & Tobago goes back to 30 May 1845 when the first ship
‘Fatel Razack’ carrying 225 Indian indentured workers reached the shores of Trinidad, then a British
colony. Their numbers increased with subsequent arrival of more ships from India. The descendants
of those indentured workers, now in their fifth generation form nearly 42% of the total population
constituting an integral part of the economic, political and social fabric of the country. The presence of
a substantial population of Indian origin (the largest ethnic group) has contributed immensely to close
bilateral relations between the two countries.

 Under the Vaccine Maitri programme, Government of India donated 40,000 doses of the COVID
SHIELD vaccine to the Government and for the people of Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. The
medical supply was handed over in April 2021.

 In order to promote and disseminate information on Ayurveda and traditional Indian medicines, an
AYUSH Information Centre, sponsored by Department of AYUSH, was opened.
 The Centre was dedicated to the people of Trinidad & Tobago in October 2012.
 Facilities under ITEC programme were extended to Trinidad & Tobago in late 1960s.
 In January 2012, the Government of India increased the number of annual training slots for Trin-
idad & Tobago.
 Presently, India is providing 125 slots.
 Government of India has also deputed experts in Trinidad & Tobago in the fields of coconut and
rice farming.
 In 2014-15, 01 student and 03 in 2012-13 were awarded ICCR scholarships.
 In 2015, 14 participants visited India, 14 in 2016, 16 in 2017, and 31 in 2018 under Know India
Programme (KIP).
 Additionally, 210 members of Diaspora have visited India under this Programme.
onwards, to nationals of Trinidad & Tobago to pursue higher studies in India.
146
110. Country: Tunisia
India has traditionally maintained cordial and friendly relations with Tunisia since establishment of
diplomatic relations in 1958. The first resident Indian Mission was established in Tunisia in 1963 and
was raised to the Ambassadorial level in 1976 with the first Resident Ambassador in 1978. The
Tunisian Embassy in New Delhi was set up in 1981. Bilateral relations of the two countries are built on
shared values including secularism and rule of law. Both the countries cooperate extensively on the
international fora including the UN and other multilateral agencies.

 India has completed two ‘Quick Impact Projects’ (QIPs) in Tunisia.
 The first QIP is for landscaping and beautification of a park in Jendouba University, at a cost of
US $ 8100 and the second QIP is for creation of a play area in Mreghma School in Jendouba,
Tunisia at a cost of US $ 6277.
 A third QIP under construction is that of a mini synthetic football ground for Raoued Municipality in
Ariana at a cost of US $ 63,547. The total cost of the QIPs is US $ 77,924 USD.
 All three QIPs are located in remote/underprivileged areas in Tunisia, which goes in line with
Tunisia’s policy of promoting development in those areas.

 Under this initiative, Institute Pasteur of Tunis (IPT) is among the 3 institutes selected by the
African Union Commission for support by the Indian scientific community to work on specific prob-
lems of the African continent and to find practical solutions for them.
 Accordingly, a close cooperation programme has been initiated between IPT and the International
Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi. Tunisia avails of a num-
ber training programmes in different fields under IAFS.
 Pursuant to the agreement signed in October 2017, a Soil, Water and Tissue Testing Laboratory
will be set up in Tunis by the Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal under IAFS-III progamme.
 Proposal for setting up a Next Generation Centre of Excellence by CDAC in the field of IT is under
consideration.
 Proposal for setting up a Regional Civil Aviation Centre under IAFS is also under consideration of
the Ministry.
 Even during the pandemic, the exchange remained unaffected through e-ITEC programme,
wherein India provided training to 200 Tunisian nationals during the pandemic period.
 Over the past 7 years, more than 700 Tunisian nationals have availed this facility.
147
111. Country: Turkmenistan
India and Turkmenistan share historical and civilizational linkages. Archaeological finds have revealed
contacts between the Indus Valley Civilization and Bronze Age settlements in southern Turkmenistan.
A statue of Buddha found in the ruins of Merv (Mary Province) in Turkmenistan suggests trade and
cultural links between the two countries since ancient times as Merv was an important point in the
famous Silk Route. India enjoys warm and cordial relations with Turkmenistan. Both countries have
established mechanisms such as Inter-Governmental Commission (IGC) for Trade, Economic,
Scientific and Technological Cooperation at the level of Foreign Minister and Foreign Office
Consultations (FOC) at the level of Deputy Foreign Minister.

ICCR under its Atal Bihari Vajpayee General Scholarship Scheme offers 12 slots every year to pursue
higher studies in India.
 India has been providing training for Turkmen nationals under its ITEC programme. Since the in-
ception of the programme for Turkmenistan in 1994, over 400 Turkmen nationals have been
trained in various courses.
 In addition, India provides ICCR Scholarships to Turkmen students to pursue graduation, post-
graduation and Ph. D. There are currently over 315 students from Turkmenistan pursuing their
higher education in various universities in India including those doing self-financed studies.
 ITEC /ICCR & Hindi Days are regularly organized by Embassy in association with respective
alumni / institutes.
 During the visit of Hon. Prime Minister of India, H.E. Mr. Narendra Modi to Turkmenistan in July
2015, an MoU on Cooperation in Yoga and Traditional Medicine was signed between the two
countries.
 A Yoga & Traditional Medicine Centre, the first of its kind in Central Asia, was also inaugurated by
PM at Bagtyyarlyk Sports Complex, Ashgabat. An India based Ayurveda Expert was appointed to
the Centre who has been delivering lectures at the State Medical University, Ashgabat as well as
offering free Ayurveda consultancy for the general population at the Centre.
 A Teacher of Indian Culture (TIC) was also deputed by ICCR who offered free Yoga classes
every day at the Centre as well as 2 credit courses on Yoga therapy at the State Medical Univer -
sity, Ashgabat.
 Pursuant to ICCR’s guidelines, a local yoga teacher has been hired since June 2023 who con-
ducts yoga classes 6 days a week. International Day of Yoga is being celebrated in Turkmenistan
every year since 2015 enthusiastically.
 In March 2010, a Hindi Chair was established by India in Azadi Institute of World languages,
Ashgabat where Hindi is being taught to university students by a teacher deputed by ICCR (until
2020. Revised MoU is currently under consideration).
 In October 2006, India announced the plan to establish an IT centre in Ashgabat.
 The Centre was inaugurated at the Magtymguly State University, Ashgabat in October 2011. The
first batch of trainers was trained in India under a special ITEC programme organized by CDAC,
Pune.
 The Centre continues to function successfully, offering IT training to students and Turkmen cit-
izens.
 In 2002, India set up an 'Industrial Training Centre' in the Institute of Architecture & Construction
in Ashgabat which was executed by Hindustan Machine Tools (International) Ltd., Bengaluru.
 The centre was then upgraded, the first phase of which included supply of heavy machines, in-
stallation of equipment and other items, commissioning and functioning, which was completed in
August 2017.
 During the Second Meeting of India Central Asia Dialogue held on 28 October 2020, India an-
nounced a Line of Credit offer/ availability of US $ 1 billion for priority Developmental Projects in
the Central Asian countries in fields such as connectivity, energy, IT, healthcare, education, agri-
culture etc.
 India provides capacity building and training assistance to Turkmen armed forces annually
through ITEC and tailor-made courses.
 In February 2021, 16 Turkmen paratroopers underwent skydiving training in Bakloh, India as part
of capacity building assistance.
 The 2nd phase of training was held in Turkmenistan in August – September 2021, during which
an 8-member para-trooper team visited from India to train Turkmen paratroopers.
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112. Country: Tuvalu
Bilateral relations between India and Tuvalu have grown steadily since the reopening of the High
Commission of India, Suva in 1999.

 In August 2020, Government of India approved funding of US 370,353/- for support to Tuvalu’s re-
sponse to COVID-19.

 Government of India provides annual grants for community development projects in Tuvalu.
 In 2019, India assisted Tuvalu with US$1.9 million as contribution towards construction of Tuvalu
Convention Centre for hosting the 50th Pacific Islands Forum Summit in Tuvalu in August 2019.
 Annual Grant in Aid of US$200,000
 Assistance through special grants and HADR
 Assistance of US$275,122 for construction of government buildings in 2017
 Assistance of US$ 1.9 million towards construction of Tuvalu Convention Centre for hosting the
50th Pacific Islands Forum Summit in August 2019
 Under the India-UNDP Fund, Tuvalu was assisted with US$370,353 for strategic response to
Covid-19 pandemic.
 A Consignment of Medical Supplies containing Tuberculosis medicines was handed-over to Tu-
valu on 11 April 2022 to combat Tuberculosis disease in Tuvalu.
 In June 2020, the project to improve resilience in the Pacific Island Countries (including Tuvalu)
Forum (PIDF) to be largely funded by India.
 Under the scheme Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems will be installed on buildings of national signi-
ficance. (Total funding: US $ 1 Million)

 Training slots are offered to Tuvalu under the ITEC Programme of the Government of India.
 Diplomats are also offered training at the Foreign Service Institute of India.
 3 slots were utilized out of 10 offered in 2017-18, 3 slots were utilized out of 10 offered in 2018-
19, 1 slot was utilized out of 3 offered in 2019-20. All 03 slots were unutilized in 2020-21 primarily
owing to the prevailing Covid situation.
 Under the ICCR’s General Scholarship Scheme (GSS), five slots have been allotted for Tuvalu for
2021-2022.
 Mr Leopold Kenieti Paeniu, United Nations Desk Officer, attended 63rd Professional Course for
Foreign Diplomats (PCFD) held at Foreign Service Institute, New Delhi from 29 March- 28 April
2017.
 Tuvalu has become one of the Founding Members of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) – a
joint initiative of the Governments of India and France to promote solar energy.
 Former Prime Minister Honourable Enele Sosene Sopoaga visited New Delhi to attend the
Founding Conference of ISA in March 2018.
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113. Country: United Arab Emirates
India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) established diplomatic relations in 1972. UAE opened its
Embassy in India in 1972 while Indian Embassy in UAE was opened in 1973. The traditionally strong
bilateral relations enjoyed by India-UAE have received impetus with exchange of high-level bilateral
visits from time to time. Year 2015 marked the beginning of a new Comprehensive and Strategic
partnership between the two countries. Since 2014, Prime Minister visited the UAE five times in 2015,
2018, 2019, 2022 and July 2023, while the current President of UAE visited India in 2016, 2017 and
Sept 2023. UAE has been invited as a Guest Country to the G-20 Summit held under India’s
Presidency this year. UAE has been one of the most active participating countries to the G20-2023 as
there have been visits of UAE’s President, Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Economy, Education, Advance
Technology, Energy, Foreign Trade, Climate Change, etc for different meetings of G20. During the
G20 Leaders’ Summit, UAE became part of two important initiatives – Global Biofuel Alliance and
India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).

 India and the UAE are currently part of several plurilateral platforms such as I2U2 (India-Israel-
UAE-USA) and UFI (UAE-France-India) Trilateral. During I2U2 Leaders Summit in July 2022, an
investment of worth USD 2 billion in developing integrated food corridors in India by the UAE was
announced.
 The bilateral trade between India and UAE has reached to record time high at USD 84.5 billion in
FY 2022-23. UAE has emerged a reliable energy partner of India.
 Growing India-UAE economic and commercial relations contribute to the stability and strength of
a rapidly diversifying and deepening bilateral relationship between the two countries.
 On 5 Oct 2023, two MoUs were signed- MoU on the cooperation in the field of Industries & Ad-
vanced Technologies; (ii) Agreement between National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)
and its UAE counterpart for developing a Domestic Card Stack in UAE.
 During Hon’ble Prime Minister’s visit to UAE on 15 July 2023, three MoUs were signed (i) MoU
between RBI and the Central Bank of UAE for bilateral trade settlement in local currencies;
 MoU between RBI and Central Bank of the UAE on interlinking of the payment and messaging
systems; and MoU to establish IIT Delhi campus Abu Dhabi.
 On 18 Feb 2022, Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was signed between
India and UAE.
 On 13 Jan 2023, an MoU on Cooperation in the field of Green Hydrogen Developments and In-
vestments was signed.
 On 25 June 2018, Memorandum of Understanding in the field of diplomatic training between the
Emirates Diplomatic Academy (EDA) and the Foreign Service Institute(FSI) of India.
 On 4 Dec 2018, MoU for Development Cooperation in Africa between Ministry of Foreign Affairs &
International Cooperation of the UAE and Ministry of External Affairs of India.
 On 3 Sept 2015, MoU on cooperation in Higher Education & Scientific Research was signed.
 On 24 Oct 2017, Framework Agreement on the establishment of the International Solar Alliance
(ISA).
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114. Country: Uganda
India and Uganda share historical relations spanning over a century. Indians first came to Uganda in
the beginning of 20th century. India’s freedom struggle inspired the early Ugandan activists to fight
colonization and eventually Uganda achieved freedom in 1962. India established its diplomatic
presence in Uganda in 1965. Relations between India and Uganda over the years have acquired a
greater depth and breadth in areas such as political, defence, economic, commercial, cultural,
education, health and tourism.

 India donated 1 lakh HCQ tablets and 1 lakh Paracetamol tablets to Uganda in May 2020 to assist
fighting Covid19. India gifted a large consignment of medicines (costing approx. Rs. 1.5 crore) in
August 2020.
 Government of India also sent a consignment of medicines, consisting of 521 cartons in August
2020. India also gifted 1 lakh Covid shield vaccines to Uganda in March 2021.
 Under Vaccine Maitri, India has supplied 9,64,000 (1,00,000 under GoI grant, and 8,64,000 under
GAVI COVAX) Made in India COVID vaccine doses to Uganda in March 2021.

 During the visit of PM Modi to Uganda in July 2018, India extended two Lines of Credits for con -
struction of electricity lines and substations worth US $ 141 million and Agriculture and Dairy pro-
duction for US $ 64 million.
 However, due to requirement on the Ugandan side to submit the Detailed Project Reports (DPR)
to obtain approval of their Parliament for external borrowing, the LoC Agreement has not been
signed yet.
 During the visit of EAM to Uganda in April 2023, the Government of Uganda informed that they
would like to reprioritize the LOC projects by including irrigation and other priorities subjects. The
response from Ugandan side is awaited.
 We gifted 80 vehicles in March- August 2020 (44 utility vehicles were handed over for civilian use
to Foreign Minister and 36 military vehicles- 10 buses, 10 troop carriers, 2 ambulances and 14
motorcycles.
 A total of 100,000 NCERT text books were gifted to Uganda in August 2019.
 We gifted 20 Laptops worth of US $ 23,620 and 4 SUVs worth of US $ 1,20,000 to the Ministry of
East African Community Affairs in August 2020 and in December 2020 respectively.
 Under India for Humanity programme, an artificial limbs fitment camp was organised in Novem-
ber-December 2020 during which 500 Ugandans were benefitted.
 During the visit to Vice President of India to Uganda in January 2017, we announced to gift medi-
cines worth of US $ 2 million and made in India medical equipment worth of US $ 1 million to
Uganda. Government of India has gifted medicines worth US$ 1.4 million to the Government of
Uganda in January 2019.
 Bhabhatron/medical equipment: Gift of Bhabhatron Cancer Therapy Machine was announced
during the visit of PM Modi in July 2018. It was commissioned in February 2020.

 Since 2002, 1227 professionals have been trained under ITEC, and 719 professionals have been
trained in just 9 years since 2014-15.
 ICCR Scholarships: Uganda utilized 144 slots out of 162 slots offered in last five years. In 2023-
24, Uganda was offered 35 slots.
 CV Raman Scholarships
 Special training conducted: Special capacity building courses at SSIFS for 25-30 Ugandan diplo-
mats held between 11-23 June 2023.
 MoS for External Affairs, Shri V. Murleedharan inaugurated the Learning Centre set-up under e-
Vidhya Bharti e-Arogya Bharti (E-VBAB) at the College of Computing & Information Science at
Makerere University in Kampala on 13 November 2021. The last intake of e-VBAB for July 2023
included 92 slots for Uganda and over 160 students applied and by October 2023, the students
are likely to start online classes.
 The Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of India and the
Government of the Republic of Uganda for setting up of off-shore campus of National Forensic
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Science University (NFSU) of India in Uganda was signed by Minister of External Affairs of India
and Minister of Defence & Veteran Affairs of Uganda on 12 April 2023.
 Agreement between MEA and NFSU, Gandhinagar was signed on 21 September 2023 to provide
financial support of Rs 30,00,00,000/-(30 Crores) ( Rs 10,00,00,000/- for each year from FY
2023-24 to 2025-26) for establishment of off-shore campus of NFSU at Jinja, Uganda.
 NFSU, Gandhinagar is working with DPA-II division to deployment of experts at NFSU (Uganda)
Campus under ITEC programme.
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115. Country: Uruguay
The Embassy of India in Buenos Aires, Argentina, is concurrently accredited to Uruguay. Diplomatic
relations between India and Uruguay were established in 1960. Uruguay has an Embassy in New
Delhi and an Honorary Consulate in Mumbai.

 India offers 5 ITEC scholarships to Uruguay every year.
 Four diplomats from Uruguay have attended various editions of the Professional Course for For-
eign Diplomats at the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service in New Delhi.
 In 2021, 3 e-ITEC slots were utilized by Uruguay.
 There is a proposal to set up an India-Uruguay Centre for Excellence in Information Technology in
Montevideo.
 ICCR under its Atal Bihari Vajpayee General Scholarship Scheme offered 2 slots for the Aca-
demic year 2022-23 & 1 slot for the Academic Year 2023-24, to pursue higher studies in India.
153
116. Country: Uzbekistan
India and Uzbekistan have relations that go back in history. India was one of the first countries to
recognize the state sovereignty of Uzbekistan after the latter’s independence. The protocol on
establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Uzbekistan was signed in Tashkent on 18
March 1992. In recent years, there has been significant intensification in bilateral ties. Bilateral
relations now encompass a wider canvas, including on political and strategic issues, defence and
security, trade and investment, energy, agriculture, S&T, education and people-to-people ties.

 India gifted HCQ and Paracetamol tablets sought by Uzbekistan, along with lifting ban on export
of essential medicines to fight Covid-19.
 India also conducted e-ITEC programmes for capacity building of medical professionals from
Uzbekistan.
 660,000 doses of Covishield vaccine were delivered from Serum Institute of India to Uzbekistan
under the COVAX initiative on 17 March 2021. In India’s fight against the second wave of COVID-
19, Uzbekistan provided 100 Oxygen concentrators and 2000 injections of Remdesivir carried by
Uzbekistan Airways flight on 1 May 2021 to deliver at New Delhi.

 In response to a request for LOC of USD 1 billion by the Uzbek Government, a Line of Credit
Agreement for USD 200 million for construction of affordable housing and social infrastructure
projects was signed between the State Investment Committee of Uzbekistan and the EXIM Bank
in January 2019.
 India has also conveyed an offer for additional USD 800 million as Line of Credit/Buyers Credit to
Uzbekistan. The Uzbek side had identified 4 projects under LOC so far and has signed an agree-
ment to this effect.
 A Joint Centre for Information Technology was set up in 2006 and upgraded in 2014 with Indian
assistance.
 An India-Uzbekistan Entrepreneurship Development Centre (EDC) was inaugurated on 24
December 2018 in Tashkent. An Indian expert has been deputed at EDC for training and capa-
city building of Uzbek entrepreneurs.
 India has offered grant assistance for implementation of High Impact Community Development
Projects to Uzbekistan. Two MOUs were signed in Tashkent on 11 December 2021 at the cost of
about USD 2.5 Million under India’s grant assistance.
 Information Technology: The 2nd meeting of the Joint Working Group (JWG) on IT was held in
Tashkent alongside the 11th IGC in August 2018. An expert from Software Technology Park of In-
dia (STPI) has been deputed to assist with establishment and further expansion of an IT Park in
Tashkent. The first phase of IT Park was inaugurated in July 2019.
 Pharmaceutical and Healthcare: This is a high priority for the Uzbek side. The 1st meeting of the
JWG on Pharmaceutical and Healthcare was held in Tashkent alongside the 11th IGC in August
2018. Investment by Indian companies in pharma as well as medical care sectors has been a ma-
jor focus for the Uzbek side.
 e-Governance and ICT: The creation of a Joint Committee on e-Governance and ICT has been
envisaged under the MoU signed on 28 September 2018.
 Science &Technology: A Joint Committee on S&T was formed in February 2019 as envisaged un-
der a MoU signed in October 2018.
 In pursuance to the agreement, a Programme of Cooperation in S&T for the period of 2019-22
was signed in October 2019, facilitating joint research, visits of scientists and specialists and fel-
lowships and internships for Uzbeks in premiere Indian scientific institutions.

 Uzbekistan has been sending candidates under the ITEC programme since 1993.
 More than 2400 Uzbek professionals have undergone training under ITEC in premiere institutes in
India so far.
 164 slots were utilized in 2019 in regular and specialized courses.
 As per the MoU between Gujarat Forensic Sciences University in Gandhinagar and Ministry of In-
novation Development of Uzbekistan, various post-graduate courses are now open for admission
to Uzbek students along with training of Uzbek officials in different forensic sciences.
154
 Uzbek students also avail of ICCR and Kendriya Hindi Sansthan scholarships.
 ICCR under its Atal Bihari Vajpayee General Scholarship Scheme offers 12 slots every year to
Uzbekistan to pursue higher studies in India.
 Head of South Asian Languages Department, Dr. Sirojiddin S. Nurmatov was conferred ICCR
Distinguished Alumni Award - 2017 in New Delhi (13 April 2018).
 ICCR Chairs has established in Uzbekistan:-
(i) Indian Studies Chair at Samarkand State Univeristy
(ii) Indian Studies Chair at University of World Economy and Development.
(iii) Hindi Chiar at Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies.
 There are also scholarships under AYUSH and short-term scholarships for music and dance, in
addition to two annual scholarships for one-year course in Hindi by KHS Agra. Regularly, Hindi
and Urdu teachers are getting support of the Lal Bahadur Shastri Centre for Indian Culture (LB-
SCIC) for attending refresher courses/participating in International Conferences/Vishwa Hindi Di-
was.
 Indian faculty and scholars visit Uzbek institutions as guest lecturers and for research and confer-
ences. The Samarkand State University has set up an Indian Study Centre, which is headed at
present by a senior professor from India.
 Bukhara State University, Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies have also opened an In-
dia Room with IT instruments installed in it. The rooms will be equipped with books, musical in-
struments, dresses, artifacts with assistance of GOI, depicting various facets of Indian culture.
155
117. Country: Vanuatu
Diplomatic relations with Vanuatu were established in 1986. Till mid-2000, the Indian High
Commission in Canberra was accredited to Vanuatu. The accreditation was transferred to HCI, Port
Moresby in August 2000 and to HCI Suva in June 2014. Since February 2022, High Commission of
India in Wellington is accredited to Vanuatu.

 Two Category 4 cyclones (TC Judy and TC Kevin) hit Vanuatu — one of the world’s most disas-
ter-prone countries — within 72 hours in early March 2023. (HADR assistance to Vanuatu’s re-
covery efforts is under process)
 As part of Government of India's Regional Assistance Initiatives for Pacific Island countries, India
offers annual grant-in-aid for development projects in Vanuatu.
 Following “Cyclone Pam” in March 2015, India gave a grant of US$ 250,000 as a humanitarian
assistance.
 India gave a grant of US$ 200,000 for resettlement process of Ambae islands after eruption of
volcano in June 2018.
 Government of India has increased Grant-in-Aid to Vanuatu to US$ 200,000 annually to be rolled
over to provide a wider scope for our development cooperation.
 India had given US$ 669,093 to Vanuatu since 2006 for various community development projects
like procurement of equipment for school/office equipment/ICT equipment, etc.
 US$ 200,000 assistance for LED bulbs and energy efficient equipment has been delivered on 31
January 2018.
 Assistance of US$ 250,000 in 2015 post Tropical Cyclone Pam
 US$ 200,000 in July 2018 for resettlement of Ambae islands residents after volcanic eruptions.
 In June 2020, the project to improve resilience in the Pacific Island Countries (including Vanuatu)
will be installed on buildings of national significance. (Total funding: US $ 1 Million).
 India will be doing solar electrification of 200 houses in Vanuatu.
 Refresher training for 43 ‘Solar Mamas’ from seven Pacific Island Countries was completed suc-
cessfully in Fiji on 10 September 2016, as a part of US$ 1.5 million.
 Four Vanuatu solar mamas had been trained in India at Barefoot College, Rajasthan since 2012.
 Vanuatu has signed and ratified the Framework Agreement of International Solar Alliance (ISA)
and become the founding member of ISA.

 India has been offering 5 training slots under the ITEC Programme until 2018-2019.
 In the year 2018-19, Vanuatu utilized only 1 slot.
 Since 2019-20, Vanuatu has been offered 01 ITEC slot which has remained unutilized due to
Covid-19.
 ICCR in 2022-23, allocated 4 scholarship slots & in 2023-24, allocated 2 slots under Atal Bihari
Vajpayee General Scholarship Scheme to pursue higher studies in India.
 Kemson Tavdey, Foreign Service Officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vanuatu participated
in the 63rd Professional Course for Foreign Diplomats (PCFD) held at Foreign Service Institute,
New Delhi from 29 March to 28 April 2017.
156
118. Country: Venezuela
India and Venezuela have always enjoyed cordial relations. There is a similarity of views on major
international, political and economic issues. Besides actively promoting bilateral relations, the two
countries cooperate in multilateral forums. The countries marked the 60th Anniversary of
establishment of diplomatic relations in 2019. Resident Embassies have been in Caracas and New
Delhi for over four decades. Venezuela has emerged as one of India's largest oil suppliers.
The main items of India’s imports from Venezuela are mineral fuels and oils and products of their
distillation, bituminous substances; mineral waxes, iron and steel, aluminium, edible vegetables and
certain roots and tubers, copper and articles thereof, lead and articles thereof, zinc and articles
thereof, wood and articles of wood; electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound
recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, raw hides, skins
and leather, boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances; edible fruit and nuts; plastic and articles
thereof, organic chemicals, miscellaneous chemical products, articles of iron or steel.

 The first AYUSH Information Cell of Venezuela has been established in Gran Fraternidad Univer-
sal, Maracay in July 2017.
 International Day of Yoga (IDY) has been celebrated each year since 2015.

 A Catedra Libre (India Chair) was set up in the University of Los Andes (ULA) in Merida in 2006
and in the Central University of Venezuela (UCV) in Caracas in 2010.
 Dr. B.R Ambedkar Study Centre was opened in Santa Maria University, Caracas on 14 April
2016.
 A workshop and IT Centre was setup in Araira, Miranda State on 16 March 2017. Nearly 1300
students from the local community have benefitted from the project.
 Vallabhbhai India-Venezuela Association (VIVA) Centre was set up at El Hatillo, Caracas on 31
October 2016 to mark National Unity Day.
 Mahatma Gandhi Center was inaugurated in Caricuao on 2 October 2017.
 Mahatma Gandhi Foundation Venezuela, which was set up in June 2016, offers regular diploma
courses on non violence.
 ICCR offers 1 slot under Atal Bihari Vajpayee General Scholarship Scheme from 2022-23 on-
wards, to Venezuela to pursue higher studies in India.
157
119. Country: Vietnam
India and Vietnam, with historical roots in their national struggle for independence, shares traditionally
warm and cordial friendly bilateral relations, upgraded as a comprehensive strategic partnership. India
has actively supported Vietnam's development efforts, contributing significantly to capacity building,
sustainable development goals, and socio-economic progress. Vietnam is also a development partner
within the ASEAN mechanism and Mekong Ganga framework. India’s development cooperation with
Vietnam includes lines of credit, grants and capacity building.

 India’s development cooperation with Vietnam ranges from industry to culture, health and IT and
cyber, socio-economic projects, defence restoration and preservation of cultural and heritage as-
sets.
 Under the Mekong Ganga Cooperation Framework, India implements Quick Impact Projects
(QIPs) across Vietnam.
 Since 2017, QIPs particularly support socio-economic infrastructure such as classrooms, facilities
at old age homes, micro-irrigation, rural bridges. So far, 37 QIPs have been completed in 33
provinces of Vietnam. In addition, 19 QIP projects are at different stages of implementation.
 Various lines of credit have been extended to Vietnam in the past to provide equipment for hydro-
power projects, railway locomotives, machinery for textile and agro-processing industries, support
to research centres in the area of rice and buffalo, high speed guard boats.
 India’s Development Partnership with Vietnam includes extending Lines of Credit for various pro-
jects such as hydropower projects, railway locomotives, machinery for textile and agro-processing
industries support to research centres in the area of rice and buffalo rearing. India provided USD
100 million Lines of Credit (LoC) for construction and delivery of 12 High-Speed Guard Boats to
the Vietnamese Border Guard .India also gifted indigenously built, missile corvette, INS Kirpan, to
the Vietnam People’s Navy in July 2023.

 India has contributed significantly to the restoration and conservation of Vietnam’s cultural herit-
age.Technical assistance valued at USD 2.25 million was provided for conservation and restora-
tion of the world heritage Site of ‘My Son’ in Quang Nam Province of Vietnam. This conservation
work was undertaken by experts from the Archaeological Survey of India and was completed after
five years of intricate and meticulous work on site. It was handed over to the Vietnamese side in
December 2022.More heritage conservation projects are under implementation.

 Capacity building programmes including through short-term and long-term training courses, play
an important part in India’s development cooperation efforts with Vietnam.
 The Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme offers over hundred short-
term courses in Indian institutions.
 Indian Council for Cultural Relations provides about 50 annual scholarships to Vietnamese stu-
dents and scholars for undergraduate, post graduate and doctorate studies in India.
 As part of capacity building trainings, nearly 1706 professionals from Vietnam have been
trained under ITEC in India and through e- ITEC since 2002. Of these, 718 professionals have
been trained just in the previous 9 years since 2014-15.
 As on date, more than 3000 Vietnamese participants have availed various courses under ITEC
programme while another 500 students and experts have utilized ICCR scholarships in India.
 ICCR offered 24 slots under Atal Bihari Vajpayee General Scholarship Scheme, 14 scholarship
slots under Dr. S Radhakrishnan Cultural Exchange Scholarship Scheme & 10 scholarship slots
under Mekong Ganga Cooperation Scholarship Scheme from 2022-23 onwards, to pursue higher
studies in India.
 Secretary General of ASEAN to India, H.E. Mr. Le Luong Minh was conferred ICCR Distinguished
Alumni Award - 2015 in New Delhi (10 December 2015).
 Vice Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture Development, Vietnam, Mr. Bui Ba Bong was conferred
ICCR Distinguished Alumni Award - 2018 in New Delhi (28 January 2019).
 Chairman of Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism,
Mr. Nguyen Trung Khanh was conferred ICCR Distinguished Alumni Award - 2022 in Hanoi (04
August 2023).
158
 Deputy Head, Lecturer, teaching at Department of Dharma English, Vietnam Buddhist University
in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Dr. Duong Thi Thanh Huong was conferred ICCR’s Award for Pro -
motion of Buddhist Studies - 2021 in Hanoi (4 August 2023).
159
120. Country: Yemen
India had actively supported Yemen’s independence from the British and was one of the first countries
to recognize Yemen Arab Republic (YAR) in 1962 and People’s Democratic Republic of Yemen
(PDRY) in 1967. In 1990, YAR and PDRY merged to become Republic of Yemen. Yemen and its
people are favorably disposed to India and have supported it in international fora. Upon invitation,
India joined the “Friends of Yemen Group” in April 2012 in order to assist the country in the transition
phase.
India’s championship of independence and recognition of Yemen Arab Republic and People’s
Democratic Republic of Yemen laid the foundation for a relationship in the post-colonial era that
began to deepen during the 1980s. Yemen is a member of Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA),
among others. Yemen has been steadfast in its support for permanent membership for India in an
expanded UN.

 As a long-standing friend of Yemen, India has always prioritized the humanitarian needs of Ye-
men and has extended humanitarian assistance to Yemen through the supply of medicines and
food commodities in the past.
 As part of India’s Vaccine Maitri Initiative, 360,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses via COVAX facility
were supplied to Yemen in March 2021.

 India exported more than 250,000 tons of wheat to Yemen, since April 2022, to mitigate the ad-
verse impact of supply changes in the global commodity markets on Yemen.

 India offers scholarships under various schemes under the aegis of ICCR for pursuing graduate,
post graduate and doctoral programmes. Under ITEC programme, India provides civilian trainings
to Yemen for capacity buildings.
 Ministry of External Affairs, GoI had sanctioned 108 slots for 2013-2014 against 110 slots reques-
ted. In 2013-2014, 103 ITEC slots were utilized by Yemeni nationals; five applicants could not
travel due to personal and family reasons.
 For 2014-2015, Ministry has sanctioned 80 slots for Yemen. In addition, ICCR had allotted 52
slots for the Yemeni students for the year 2014-2015 and 50 candidates have utilized the scholar-
ship scheme.
 ICCR scholarships were extended for the year 2015-16; Out of 58 slots allotted to this Mission, 43
slots were utilized despite difficult ongoing security situation in Yemen, and Mission’s relocation to
Djibouti with reduced staff in April 2015.
 In 2021-22, 58 Yemeni students received ICCR scholarship to study in India.
 ICCR offered 35 slots under Atal Bihari Vajpayee General Scholarship Scheme & 23 scholarship
slots under Dr. S Radhakrishnan Cultural Exchange Scholarship Scheme from 2022-23 onwards.
160
121. Country: Zambia
Over the last several decades, India has come to be seen as a reliable partner and friend by
successive Zambian leadership. The relationship continues to be driven by mutual respect and is
based in a spirit of partnership for mutual benefit. Zambia is among a few African countries which
considerably benefitted from India’s development cooperation programme. India has provided EXIM
Bank credits; railway wagons and flood relief grants and lines of credit besides fully paid scholarships
for various higher education courses and ITEC training slots as well as specialized capacity building
programmes under IAFS.

 To augment Zambia’s fight against COVID-19, essential medicines including Hydroxychloroquine
(HCQ), weighing 6000 kgs were donated to Zambia in May 2020.
 As part of India’s Vaccine Maitri Initiative, 228,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses via COVAX facility
were supplied to Zambia in April 2021.
 Medicines worth US$ 2 million were handed over to Ministry of Health in December 2019.

 In 1979 and 1982, India extended government and EXIM Bank credits to Zambia totalling Rs. 25
crores. In 1989, India provided railways wagons costing about Rs. 8 crores to Zambia under the
Africa Fund. Other assistance such as Maruti vehicles were given to Zambia News Agency and
emergency medical supplies.
 In April 2003, further assistance was provided and India waived off the inter-governmental credit
amounting to about $3 million.
 120 MW ItezhiTezhi Hydropower Project (ITHP), a joint venture project of Zambia’s State Power
utility ZESCO and TATA Power of India, was commissioned in March 2016. Out of the GoI LoC of
US$ 50 million for the project, Zambian side had utilized US$29 million.
 Pan-Africa E-network Project was implemented at three sites in Zambia in 2009: VVIP Centre for
Video Conferencing at the State House, Lusaka; Patient End Location at the UTH, Lusaka; and
Learning Centre for tele-education at the Mulungushi University.
 M/s Afcons a subsidiary of M/s Shapoorji Pallonji group has completed the US$ 289.5 million Lu-
saka City Road De-congestion Project. The project was financed by EXIM Bank of India under
Buyer’s Credit of US$ 245.74 million and remaining part was funded by the government of Zam-
bia. The project was launched in April 2018.
 The construction of 650 rural pre-fabricated health posts was announced in 2011 for which an
LOC US$ 50 million was signed in 2013. Construction of the health posts commenced in 2014. An
additional LOC of US$ 18 million was approved in 2017 to complete the project. 563 health posts
have already been completed and are operational.
 Medicines worth US$ 2 million were handed over to Ministry of Health in December 2019.
 1000MT of non-Basmati rice was delivered to Zambia in October 2020.
 Government of India has included Zambia in the second phase of Cotton Technical Assistance
Programme (CTAP).
 Zambia signed the Letter of Intent to utilize Duty Free Tariff Preference Scheme (DFTP) in May
2010 and in April 2012; it was notified as one of the beneficiaries of the scheme.

 Zambia has availed more than 3500 ITEC slots and the specialized training programmes flowing
from the IAFS-III summit as well as ICCR scholarships.
 Pan-Africa E-network Project was implemented at three sites in Zambia in 2009: VVIP Centre for
Video Conferencing at the State House, Lusaka; Patient End Location at the UTH, Lusaka; and
Learning Centre for tele-education at the Mulungushi University in Kabwe was inaugurated in Au-
gust 2010. Further to this effort, the E-VidyaBharti (E-VBAB) project is under implementation.
 Zambia had utilized 108 e-ITEC slots during the years 2020-21 to 2022-23.
 ICCR Scholarships: 78 seats were allocated during the period 2017-18 to 2022-23 out of which 60
seats have been utilized. For the current academic year 2023-24, 15 seats have been allocated.
 8 Zambian rural women have been trained in the popular ‘Solar Mamas’ course.
 The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and the University of Zambia have recently
signed a MoU on establishment of a Chair on Indian Studies at the University of Zambia.
161
 ICCR is now in the process of selection of a suitable candidate for the position, based on Zam-
bia’s requirements.
162
122. Country: Zimbabwe
India and Zimbabwe have a long history of close and cordial relations. During the era of the
Munhumutapa Kingdom, Indian merchants established strong links with Zimbabwe, trading in textiles,
minerals and metals. Sons of the royal house of Munhumutapa had travelled to India to broaden their
education. In the 17th century, a great son of Zimbabwe, Dom Miguel - Prince, Priest and Professor,
and heir to the imperial throne of the Mutapas lived in Goa. An inscribed pillar stands today at a
chapel in Goa, a tribute to his intellectual stature.

 India gifted emergency medicines worth US$ 2.2 million in 2019-2020.
 Further a consignment of 75,000 doses of Covid-19 vaccine, COVAXIN, and a consignment of 10
state of the art ambulances were gifted in 2021.
 India also gifted anti-TB medicines worth about US$ 100,000 in June 2022.
 Zimbabwe was the first country in Africa to authorized use of COVAXIN.

 Total LoC amount: US$ 468.10 million for 3 projects (Under various stages of implementation).
 India gave an assistance of 50,000 tonnes of rice in 2003 when Zimbabwe experienced severe
drought. Another similar assistance of 500 tonnes of rice was given on March 2015.
 India granted US$ 5 million for promoting SMEs (Indo-Zim Technology Centres) in Zimbabwe, a
project inaugurated in August 2008. The final phase of the project was completed in February
2013. India set up three ‘Hole-In-The-Wall’ computer learning stations in 2012.
 India extended a grant of US$ 1 million and announced an aid of 500 tons of rice to the Govt. of
Zimbabwe on in August 2016, in response to the international appeal made by Zimbabwe in the
wake of national drought disaster. India again extended a grant of US $ 1 million to Zimbabwe on
1st June, 2017 in response to the 2016-17 flood disaster international appeal made by the Gov-
ernment of Zimbabwe. The donation of 500 metric ton rice to the Govt. of Zimbabwe arrived in
Harare and handed over to the concerned authorities in November 2017.
 India established Vocational Training Centre under IFAS-1 at a cost of US$ 1 million under Grant
of GOI. The Centre was inaugurated in February 2019.
 Under the EXIM Bank of India’s Buyer’s Credit Agreement worth US$ 49.92 million, M/s. Ashok
Leyland Ltd. supplied around 635 vehicles and spare parts to the Ministry of Tourism & Hospitality
Industry in October, 2015. Under the similar facility from EXIM Bank of India, BEML Ltd, India
supplied worth US$ 13.03 million mining equipments and blast hole drill and spare parts to
Hwange Colliery Company Ltd., Zimbabwe. The mining equipments were commissioned in June
2015.
 LoC Agreement for US$ 87 million was signed between Government of Zimbabwe and EXIM
Bank of India in 2015 on the sidelines of IFAS-III for renovation/upgradation of Thermal Power
Station in Bulawayo. An additional LoC of US$ 23 million was signed in April 2019, taking the total
LoC to US$ 110 million. Tendering process has already been done. M/s. BHEL, the sole bidder,
has quoted $ 120 million. An agreement has been signed in March 2022 between ZPC and
BHEL.
 Offer of US$ 310 million for the upgradation of Hwange Power Plant was announced during the
visit of Vice-President to Zimbabwe in November 2018. LoC Agreement was signed in March
2020. ZESA has appointed M/s. WAPCOS as Project Management Consultants on nomination
basis. The DPR has been prepared by M/s. WAPCOS and is under consideration of EXIM Bank
and MEA.
 Grant for construction of Mahatma Gandhi Convention Centre, US$ 2.93 million grant for upgrad-
ation of Indo-Zim Technology Centre and gifting of 10 Indian made ambulances, gifting of lifesav-
ing drugs and deputation of experts in five specialized areas.
 India gifted emergency medicines worth US$ 2.2 million in 2019-2020 in addition to 1000 MT of
rice.
 HMT machines [mostly computer numerical controlled (CNC)] under Phase-2 of the US$ 29.1 mil-
lion Indo-Zim Technology Centre, project was handed over in 2019. MoS V. Muraleedharan,
along with Minister of Higher & Tertiary Education Prof. Amon Murwira, commissioned the new
CNC machines at the Indo-Zim Technology Centre at the HIT Campus in Harare.
163
 MOS also handed over a sewing machine to the First Lady from the consignment of 950 sewing
machines being donated to the Angel of Hope Foundation, being run under the patronage of the
First Lady.
 India set-up three ‘Hole-in-the-Wall’ computer learning stations in 2012.
 India established an Indo-Zimbabwe Technology Centre in Zimbabwe through a grant of US$ 5
million in 2008, and the project was completed in 2013.
 Under Phase-2 of the US$ 29.1 million Indo-Zim Technology Centre, the CNC machines were
handed over to Zimbabwe in September 2019.
 India has extended a grant of US$ 1 million from the India-UN Development Partnership Fund for
climate resilient agriculture. The work on the project has been completed through World Food Or-
ganization
 India has also provided US$ 1 million to Zimbabwe in 2021 for climate resilient agriculture in the
districts of Chiredzi and Mangwe through the India UN Development Partnership Fund.

 Assistance to Zimbabwe under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) pro-
gramme has been a regular feature of India’s assistance to Zimbabwe for capacity building. ITEC
is a successful and much sought-after programme in Zimbabwe. Starting with 3 Zimbabweans in
1985, 1924 professionals have been trained under ITEC since 2002, and 1029 professionals have
been trained in just 9 years since 2014-15.
 Zimbabwe has utilized 8 e-ITEC slots during the period 2020-21 to 2022-23.
 Through various memoranda of understanding entered with institutions of great repute in India,
The Harare Institute of Technology [HIT] is sending its students to various Universities to get de-
grees in Master of Technology in various disciplines such as Delhi Technological University;
Amity University, Manessar; Sharda University; Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University; Vel-
lore Institute of Technology; Rabindranath Tagore University; IIT Madras; Indian Institute of Weld-
ing; National Institute of Foundry and Forging Technology; Marwadi University; IIT Kharagpur;
Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology; Institute of Technology and Management and Sri
Ramaswamy Memorial Institute of Science and Technology.
 Indian Embassy has initiated a platform for Indian corporates in Zimbabwe to sponsor meritorious
students to India from their CSR fund in premier institutions like IITs and IIMs.
 ICCR Scholarships: 97 seats were allocated during the period 2017-18 to 2022-23 out of which 58
seats have been utilized. For the current academic year 2023-24, 10 seats have been allocated.
 Executive Dean for the School of Information Science and Technology at Harare Institute of Tech-
nology, Govt. of Zimbabwe, Mr. Tendai Padenga was conferred ICCR Distinguished Alumni
Award - 2019 in Pune, Maharashtra (28 January 2020).
164

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Cooperation to tackle the challenge of COVID-19 Pandemic

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Cooperation to tackle the challenge of COVID-19 Pandemic

Special Endeavour: Space Cooperation

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Development Cooperation (Grants/ LoCs/ Assistance)

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Development Cooperation (Grants/ LoCs/ Assistance)

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Development Cooperation (Grants/ LoCs/ Assistance)

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Development Cooperation (Grants/ LoCs/ Assistance)

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Cooperation to tackle the challenge of COVID-19 Pandemic

Development Cooperation (Grants/ LoCs/ Assistance)

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Cooperation to tackle the challenge of COVID-19 Pandemic

Development Cooperation (Grants/ LoCs/ Assistance)

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Cooperation to tackle the challenge of COVID-19 Pandemic

Development Cooperation (Grants/ LoCs/ Assistance)

Cooperation in New and Emerging Areas

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Cooperation to tackle the challenge of COVID-19 Pandemic

Development Cooperation (Grants/ LoCs/ Assistance)

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Development Cooperation (Grants/ LoCs/ Assistance)

Cooperation in New and Emerging Area

Capacity Building & Other Exchanges

Cooperation to tackle the challenge of COVID-19 Pandemic

Development Cooperation (Grants/ LoCs/ Assistance)

Special Endeavour: Heritage Restoration

Special Endeavour: Mekong-Ganga Cooperation Initiative, Entrepreneurship Development

Special Endeavour: Cambodia India Entrepreneurship Development Institute

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Development Cooperation (Grants/ LoCs/ Assistance)

Cooperation in New and Emerging Area

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Development Cooperation (Grants/ LoCs/ Assistance)

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