Democracy in Diversity: Strengthening Trade and Investment Links

The friendly ties between India and Benin are characterised by a commitment to democracy and secularism. Benin, with its multi-ethnic and multi-religious society and a robust multi-party democracy, stands as a natural partner to India, the world's largest democracy. India has provided lines of credit for various projects in Benin, ranging from agricultural equipment to rural electrification. Additionally, India supports Benin under the Cotton Technical Assistance Programme and the Pan African e-Network project.

In a recent significant development, a Beninese delegation headed by H.E. Mr. Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, the Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Republic of Benin, embarked on an official visit to India from December 16th to 18th, 2023. They commended the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member of the G20.

During the visit, Minister Bakari also met with Shri Piyush Goyal, India's Minister of Commerce and Industry and Minister of External Affairs Dr. S. Jaishankar. The discussions focused on exploring avenues for deepening trade and investment links between the Republic of Benin and India. The collaborative efforts extended to engagements with prominent Indian business associations, including the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI).

India-Benin bilateral relations display a commitment to democratic values and mutual cooperation.