India-Gabon Relations

The Indian business sector recently hosted a group from Gabon in India, and India also congratulated Gabon on its Independence Day (17th August).

Earlier, the Indian Vice President went to Gabon and signed two memorandums of understanding (Memorandum of Understanding).

Memorandum of Understanding

• Between the governments of India and Gabon, the creation of a joint commission.
• Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Services, Gabonese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and training programs for diplomats.
• India and Gabon agreed to cooperate to advance bilateral, regional, and international sectors of cooperation.

India-Gabon Partnership

Diplomatically:

• Since before Gabon gained its independence, India and Gabon have had cordial relations.
• In May 2022, a former vice president of India paid the first-ever high-level visit to the African country of Gabon.
• Presently serving as non-permanent members of the UNSC are both India and Gabon (United Nations Security Council).

Trade & Business:

• In 2021–2022, bilateral commerce between the two countries was USD 1.12 billion.
• The second-largest market for Gabonese exports in India
• In the commercial sphere, the Gabon Special Economic Zone is home to more than 50 Indian businesses.

Cooperative participation in international forums:

• India and Gabon are both Non-Aligned Movement members (NAM).
• NAM concentrates on current events that are important to developing nations.
• India's candidacy at several international forums is supported by Gabon.
• India congratulated Gabon on its election to the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member for the years 2022–2033.
• India endorsed the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration's Common African Position.
• The African Union has adopted a position on international affairs and UN reform known as the Ezulwini Consensus.
• It asks for a more democratic and representative Security Council, one that includes representation for all parts of the world, including Africa.
• The decision to create the African Union was made in 1999 at the Sirte Declaration.

International Solar Alliance:

• Gabon was one of the first nations to formally ratify and sign the agreement.
• India requested that Gabon receive all available help in order to meet its renewable energy goals.
• By 2030, Gabon wants to use only clean energy.

Education:

• Under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) and ICCR initiatives, some Gabonese people enroll in scholarship and training programs provided by India.

Energy cooperation:

• In 2021–2022, India imported crude oil from Gabon for approximately USD 670 million, making it a significant partner for India's need for energy security.

Indian Diaspora:

• Members of the Indian community primarily work on infrastructure projects, engage in trade, and export scrap metal and wood.
• In many areas in Gabon, the Indian diaspora has made a substantial impact.
• Major Indian holidays are observed by the entire community in Gabon, where the Indian community has preserved Indian culture.

Way ahead

• There is a need to investigate India-Gabon's cooperation in a variety of fields, including green energy, services, health, and agriculture.
• To draw in investments, both nations should widen their economic alliance.
• There are several opportunities for agricultural cooperation, such as the sharing of farming information between Gabon and India.

Also, Read - Period Poverty