New Delhi, August 1: Sudhakar Dalela, Secretary (Economic Relations) of India’s Ministry of External Affairs, attended the National Day celebration of Benin as the chief guest. During the event, he reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Benin and enhancing cooperation in various areas of mutual interest.
The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson released a statement along with photos from the event. On the social media platform X, he noted that the friendly relations between India and Benin are continuously deepening. Both countries are committed to expanding cooperation in trade, investment, capacity building, development partnerships, and other shared interests.
India also extended its best wishes to the people and government of Benin on their National Day, expressing a desire to elevate the partnership between the two nations to new heights.
According to information shared on the MEA’s official website, the relationship between India and Benin is based on key values such as democracy, secularism, and mutual trust. In terms of economic partnership, India is one of Benin’s largest trading partners, with bilateral trade exceeding $1.3 billion.
India primarily exports rice, pharmaceutical products, machinery, and vehicles to Benin, while Benin mainly exports agricultural products like cashews and cotton to India. This small West African nation openly supports India’s permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council.
Diplomatic relations with Benin are managed through the Indian High Commission in Nigeria, while Benin’s embassy is located in New Delhi. According to the MEA, approximately 1,500 Indian citizens reside in Benin, engaged in trade, education, and social activities. There is also an Indian cultural association and a Hindu temple in Cotonou.
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