India–Madagascar relations

Indo-Malagasy relations

India
Madagascar

India–Madagascar relations refers to the current and historical relationship between India and Madagascar.

History

Relations between Madagascar and western India began in the 18th century and regular trade dates to at least the late 19th century. Interstate relations began in 1954 when independent India established a consulate in French-controlled Madagascar. When Madagascar became independent in 1960, the consulate was upgraded to embassy status.

In February 2011, relations were considered cordial, with several high-level officials having had exchanging visits over the course of relations. Approximately 20,000 people of Indian origin lived in Madagascar, including 2,500 Indian citizens.[1]

In March 2018, Ram Nath Kovind became the first Indian President to visit Madagascar. Kovind was conferred the Grand Cross of the Second Class, Madagascar’s highest honour for non-citizens, by Prime Minister of Madagascar Olivier Solonandrasan.[2]

Trade and finance

In November 2008, Exim Bank gave Madagascar a $25 million loan for agricultural improvements. As of 2011, 61 Malagasy people had received training as part of the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme.[1] In March 2018, to facilitate its financial assistance programme, India decided to offer Madagascar a US$ 80.7 million Line of Credit (LoC) for agriculture and mechanisation.[3]

Military

India Navy operates a Coastal Surveillance Radar (CSR) station in Madagascar.[4]

Geological history

In 2013, scientists discovered that Madagascar and India were part of a single continent about 85 million years ago. The sliver of land joining them is called Mauritia.[5]

References

  1. 1 2 REPUBLIC OF MADAGASCAR: COUNTRY BRIEF and BILATERAL RELATIONS
  2. ↑ "Ram Nath Kovind becomes first Indian president to visit Madagascar; will interact with businessmen, students today". Firstpost. 15 March 2018. Retrieved 21 July 2018.
  3. ↑ "Press Release on State Visit of President to Madagascar (March 14-15, 2018)". Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. 15 March 2018. Retrieved 21 July 2018.
  4. ↑ "India activates first listening post on foreign soil: radars in Madagascar - Indian Express".
  5. ↑


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