Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu was embarked on a State Visit to three African countries namely Algeria, Mauritania and Malawi from 13-19 October, 2024. This was the first ever visit by an Indian Head of State to the three African nations.
President Murmu visited to Algeria on 13-15 October, 2024 at the invitation of H.E. Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, President of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria. During the visit, President Murmu was held bilateral talks with her counterpart. Several Algerian dignitaries including President of the Council of Nation (Upper House of the Algerian Parliament) and President of National People’s Assembly (Lower House of the Algerian Parliament) called on her. President was addressed the India-Algeria Economic Forum and the Sidi Abdellah Science and Technology Pole University. She was also inaugurated the India Corner at Hamma Garden at Jardin d’essai. India and Algeria share cordial relations with cooperation in several fields including strategic areas like oil and gas, defence, and space cooperation. The visit was expected to further enhance bilateral ties between the two countries.
On the second leg of her visit, President Murmu was visited to Mauritania on 16 October, 2024. The visit was at a crucial juncture when Mauritania holds the Presidency of the African Union. During the visit, President Murmu will hold talks with the President of Mauritania, H. E. Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani. Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Mauritania called on the President Murmu. In addition, President Murmu was interacted with the members of the Indian community. The visit was provided further impetus to India-Mauritania bilateral relations.
From Mauritania, at the invitation of the President of Malawi, H.E. Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, President Murmu visited to Malawi from 17-19 October. During the visit, President Murmu was held bilateral meetings with Malawi’s leadership; interact with key trade and industry leaders and the Indian diaspora; and visit places of cultural and historical significance. The visit was reaffirmed our strong commitment to further strengthen our existing friendly and cordial relations with Malawi.
The State Visit by President Murmu to Algeria, Mauritania and Malawi was reflective of India’s deep desire to strengthen its partnership with countries in Africa. It comes a year after the African Union was made a permanent member of G 20 during India’s Presidency.