India and Madagascar discussed ways to further enhance trade-economic cooperation during the recently concluded visit of Dammu Ravi, Secretary (Economic Relations) in the Ministry of External Affairs.
During his visit to Antananarivo, Madagascar from Dec 15-17 2023, he interacted with prominent Malagasy business leaders to identify ways to deepen cooperation in the trade and economic sectors.
On Dec 16, he also made a courtesy call to President Andry Rajoelina and conveyed the best wishes of Prime Minister Modi for a successful second tenure of the President and further strengthening of the India-Madagascar partnership and Vision SAGAR.
He was welcomed at Antananarivo Airport by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Madagascar Tahirimiakadaza Ratsimandao on Dec 15.
Later, on the sidelines of the Investiture Ceremony, in his brief interaction with the President of Comoros and current Chairperson of the African Union, Azali Assoumani. Dammu Ravi conveyed greetings of Prime Minister Modi for a stronger India-Africa Partnership.
Later he took part in an Indian Community reception hosted by the Embassy of India in Antananarivo. Secretary (ER) spoke about the ongoing India’s economic transformation under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and encouraged the local Indian Diaspora to contribute towards stronger trade-economic cooperation and people-to-people linkages between India and Madagascar.
Why is Madagascar important for India?
It is a developing nation in the Indian Ocean Region and India remains its committed reliable partner, situated in the southwest Indian Ocean, has expressed a keen interest in strengthening strategic ties with India. Despite historically maintaining warm relations, the focus has primarily been on trade, commerce, and cultural exchanges. However, recent developments highlight a shift towards greater emphasis on defence and security aspects in India’s bilateral relationship with Madagascar.
Notably, Madagascar is part of China’s One-Belt-One-Road (OBOR) Initiative, envisioned as a key hub in the Maritime Silk Route connecting Africa. There is a distinct increase in China’s interest in enhancing defence ties with Madagascar, marked by the appointment of Colonel Wang Tao as the first Defence Attaché in 2020. In contrast, India lacks a Defence Attaché in Madagascar, with the nearest one stationed in South Africa without formal accreditation to Madagascar.
China’s involvement extends to donating patrol vessels to the Malagasy Navy and providing various training courses to Malagasy Defence personnel. This growing presence has led to speculation about China establishing a military logistics presence, akin to Djibouti, in Madagascar or possibly Comoros. Madagascar’s natural harbours and deep-water ports make it a more suitable location for such facilities compared to Comoros.
The prospect of a Chinese military base in Madagascar, potentially including exclusive port and aviation facilities, raises concerns in New Delhi. India views the southwest Indian Ocean as part of its extended neighbourhood, with strong ties to nations like Mauritius, Seychelles, Madagascar, Comoros, and France. China’s influence in the maritime security landscape poses challenges for India, especially regarding the safety of its sea trade routes in the region.
Recognizing their common interest in Indian Ocean security, India stands to benefit significantly from enhancing defence and security ties with Madagascar. Both countries are members of the Indian Ocean Regional Association and the Indian Ocean Commission, reinforcing their shared commitment to safeguarding the region’s security and stability.