India Chad Relations: Trade Agreement, Summit, Partnership - UPSC Notes

India and Republic of Chad work closely across various domains to further enhance their strategic partnership. Situated in the Central Africa / Africa, Republic of Chad plays a key role in international geopolitics and security. The establishment of diplomatic relations in 2004 onwards (Post-independence diplomatic relations) marked a pivotal step in India–Republic of Chad bilateral engagement. India and Republic of Chad sustain a Indian Embassy Khartoum (accredited), Chad Embassy New Delhi, with each country’s embassy in the other’s capital facilitating strategic communication. The partnership between India and Republic of Chad is of Sahel region stability, oil resources, G5 Sahel member, marked by defense cooperation, economic collaboration, cultural connections, and mutual interests in global security. 

• India and Republic of Chad work together in Capacity building, trade, agriculture, health, energy such as defense, nuclear energy, trade, space exploration, oil and gas, cybersecurity, culture, and education. 
• India and Republic of Chad have entered into multiple agreements in sectors like General Cooperation Agreement (2000), MoU on FOC (2013) to strengthen bilateral ties. 
• India and Republic of Chad maintain a trade volume of USD 5822 million (2022-23), illustrating their growing economic partnership. 
• Pharmaceuticals, vehicles, machinery, textiles, engineering goods make up a major portion of India’s exports to Republic of Chad, underlining a robust trade framework. 
• As part of their trade relationship, India mainly sources Crude oil, raw cotton, gum arabic from Republic of Chad. 

India and Republic of Chad collaborate in ITEC scholarships, e-VBAB network, educational grants, focusing on research, student exchange, and innovation-driven partnerships. In this article, we have explored Defence Partnerships, Joint Commissions, and Bilateral Trade Flows for India Chad Relations, offering valuable insights for UPSC aspirants preparing for GS Paper 2 and PSIR Optional. 

India Chad Relations Establishment of Diplomatic Ties

Initial engagements, including Non-Aligned Movement, South-South cooperation focus, have shaped the trajectory of bilateral ties. Chadian President Déby (IAFS-I 2008, IAFS-III 2015) stand out as milestones in the evolving diplomatic relationship between India and Republic of Chad. 

• India–Republic of Chad relations can be traced through key stages, including Early diplomatic ties, recent focus on energy, development.

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Strategic & Political Cooperation of India Chad Relations

The Sahel region stability, oil resources, G5 Sahel member of India and Republic of Chad relations often encompasses defense cooperation, economic partnerships, cultural exchanges, and common global security goals. 

• ITEC training slots for Chadian military personnel between India and Republic of Chad promotes regional security through joint exercises, strategic arms deals, and maritime partnerships. 
• India participates in global efforts of Shared concerns on terrorism in Sahel region with Republic of Chad, sharing alerts and learning from each other’s security practices. 
• e-VBAB project (tele-education, tele-medicine) between India and Republic of Chad is vital for digital security, technological advancement, and innovation. 
• India and Republic of Chad use platforms like UN, NAM, AU, G5 Sahel, CEMAC, OIC to collaborate on global issues, share best practices, and innovate. 
• Oil exploration (ONGC Videsh previously), crude oil imports with Republic of Chad is crucial for India’s energy transition, focusing on sustainable resources and cleaner energy solutions. 
• The collaboration between India and Republic of Chad in e-VBAB Network Project (tele-education, tele-medicine) supports joint research, technology exchange, and advancements in space exploration. 

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Trade and Economic Overview of India Chad Relations

• Several significant agreements in areas such as General Cooperation Agreement (2000), MoU on FOC (2013) have been signed between India and Republic of Chad to promote cooperation. 
• The bilateral trade between India and Republic of Chad stands at USD 5822 million (2022-23), reflecting increasing economic interdependence. 
• Investment flows highlight Indian investment in oil sector, Chad seeks more and include important joint ventures promoting bilateral growth. 
• Regular platforms like Foreign Office Consultations, often taking place every year or two, are held to boost and evaluate trade and investment relations. 
• India and Republic of Chad have provided a range of USD 40 million (power transmission), other smaller grants to advance economic growth and support bilateral financial partnerships. 
• According to trade statistics, USD 601 million (2022-23) was the total export value to India from Republic of Chad. 
• India regularly exports Pharmaceuticals, vehicles, machinery, textiles, engineering goods to Republic of Chad, supporting mutual trade ties and economic collaboration across multiple sectors. 

USD 5221 million (2022-23) represents the value of Indian exports received by Republic of Chad. Indian businesses active in Republic of Chad include Oil sector (previously ONGC Videsh), trading companies, spanning manufacturing, IT, and services.

Socio-Cultural & Diaspora Engagement

India and Republic of Chad thrive from the positive influence of their diaspora, which significantly impacts Trade promotion, local employment, small businesses. By taking part in Limited, ITEC alumni network, both countries learn to respect and enjoy each other’s cultures. India and its partner country support each other in education through programs like ITEC, e-VBAB, ICCR scholarships, educational material grants. 

• The Approximately 300 (businessmen, professionals, workers) in Republic of Chad plays a pivotal role in enhancing the cultural and economic relationship between India and Republic of Chad. 
• By harnessing Development aid (LoCs, grants), ITEC, e-VBAB, India and Republic of Chad seek to reinforce their strategic strength and broaden their global influence.

India Chad Relations Recent Developments

Strategic priorities and bilateral goals have been discussed extensively during Chadian Ministers (Voice of Global South Summit 2023) between the two nations.  

• India and Republic of Chad are currently engaged in Projects under lines of credit and grants, aimed at enhancing mutual cooperation. 
• Strategic cooperation is sometimes hindered by challenges like Chad's internal political stability, security, infrastructure gaps. 
• Long-term engagement strategies reflect positive energy cooperation, agriculture, capacity building, health sector between the two partners.

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UPSC Relevance of India Chad Relations

• Questions on India’s bilateral relations with Republic of Chad may feature in UPSC Prelims under International Relations or Current Affairs.
• A strong grasp of challenges and future prospects enhances answer quality in international relations essays.
• India–Republic of Chad ties can serve as case studies in essays on diplomacy, soft power, or global cooperation.
• International relations within Public Administration or Law optional papers can cite treaties, agreements, or global governance themes from this relationship.