The India-Cote d'Ivoire defence cooperation agenda gained fresh momentum as External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held talks with senior leaders in Abidjan on defence, anti-terrorism and wider bilateral ties. The discussions also covered trade, investment, infrastructure, agriculture and healthcare as India seeks to deepen its engagement with African partners.
Jaishankar’s visit to Cote d’Ivoire is the second leg of his three-nation Africa tour. He arrived from Ghana and is scheduled to travel to Ethiopia for the next phase of his engagements.
Defence and Anti-Terrorism at the Centre
Jaishankar met Cote d’Ivoire’s Vice Prime Minister and Defence Minister Tene Birahima Ouattara for discussions focused on security cooperation.
Following the meeting, Jaishankar said the two countries had discussed their growing defence partnership, supported by mutual trust, capacity building and shared interests.
The two sides also explored opportunities to expand cooperation in defence and anti-terrorism, including training, capacity building and institutional exchanges.
Ouattara said the meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between India and Cote d’Ivoire and described it as reaffirming their shared commitment to peace, security and development.
The discussions come as India continues to expand its engagement with African countries on security and capacity-building initiatives.
Trade, Healthcare and Infrastructure Also Discussed
Jaishankar also met Cote d’Ivoire’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Niale Kaba.
Their discussions covered opportunities to advance bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare and people-to-people ties. Jaishankar said India's cooperation would remain aligned with the priorities of Cote d’Ivoire.
The two sides also discussed strengthening engagement through multilateral forums.
During his visit, Jaishankar interacted with alumni of India’s Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation programme. He highlighted India’s capacity-building initiatives and their role in responding to partner countries’ priorities while building connections between the two societies.
He also met members of the Indian community in Cote d’Ivoire.
India’s Wider Africa Engagement
The Cote d’Ivoire visit forms part of India’s broader effort to strengthen partnerships across Africa and deepen cooperation with the Global South.
Before arriving in Abidjan, Jaishankar visited Ghana, where discussions covered pharmaceuticals, healthcare, mining, defence, railways and digital cooperation.
His next stop is Ethiopia, where he is scheduled to hold further engagements and chair a Regional Heads of Mission Conference.
The Ministry of External Affairs has described the broader tour as part of India’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Africa and advancing cooperation with countries of the Global South.
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