Strengthening India-Cameroon Relations: A Path to Shared Prosperity

By Ngombet Claudia & Monojit Das

India and Cameroon share an antique bond that exceeds the topographical boundaries and is rooted in common respect and cooperation. Diplomatic ties both countries were established in the 1960s, characterized by high-level visits and exchanges. Key visits include President Paul Biya's official visit to India in 1983 at the NAM Summit, Prime Minister Philimon Yang's participation in the CII-EXIM Bank Conclave in 2013, Minister Edger Alain Mebe Ngo’o attending DefExpo India 2012, and various ministerial visits focusing on defense and economic partnerships, notably the USD 42 million credit line for the Cassava Plantation Project in 2012. 

Additionally, activities extended to multilateral forums like the India-Africa Summit-III in 2015. Health, infrastructure, and parliamentary exchanges further enriched the relationship, exemplified by visits such as the Advantage Health Care India conference in 2016 and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in 2014. Notably, Indian dignitaries shared these visits, representing India's promise to improve bilateral relations, as seen in engagements like the special envoy's visit in 2015 to deliver Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's request to President Biya for the India-Africa Forum Summit.

Trade and Economic Cooperation

India and Cameroon have well-maintained dynamic trade and commercial relations since the authorization of a Trade Agreement in February 1968. Despite challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, bilateral trade has shown flexibility and development. In 2019-20, bilateral trade reached USD 904.81 million, with India emerging as Cameroon's 7th trading partner. However, due to the pandemic, trade provisionally reduced to USD 481.54 million in 2020-21 but recovered to USD 910 million in 2021-22, reaching USD 1.1 billion in the fiscal year 2022-23.

This continued growth highlights the likelihood of further development and adjustment of trade relations between the two countries. Key sectors such as energy, agriculture, healthcare, and information technology offer hopeful avenues for partnership and venture. Indian companies, with a presence in Cameroon, contribute significantly to the country's economy. Indian companies like Mahima Group, Deelite Group, Sonam Group, Reddy Global, and Africure, contribute significantly to Cameroon's economy. Indian investments in Cameroon cover sectors such as iron ore mining and pharmaceuticals. Potential areas for collaboration include oil & gas, forestry, mining, education, and medical tourism.

Cameroon, as the largest economy in the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC), grants considerable times for bilateral economic collaboration, supported by its GDP of 44 billion USD in 2022. Overall, the trade and profitable association between India and Cameroon continues to change, driven by mutual interests and a shared vision for economic development and prosperity. India had stretched two Lines of Credit (LoCs) with USD 79.65 million to the Republic of Cameroon for Rice, Maize and Cassava plantation projects.

Defense Cooperation and Capacity Building

The defense partnership between India and Cameroon highlights their joint obligation to regional peace and security, with India providing exercises in counter-terrorism, anti-piracy operations, and UN peacekeeping missions. Contribution in events like the Aero show underlines growing partnership in defense events. Capacity building initiatives, including the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) and scholarships from the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), have equipped Cameroonian officials with skills and knowledge. The Africa-India Field Training Exercise in Pune further solidifies military cooperation.

Cultural Diplomacy

Cultural exchanges, facilitated by Indian films, dance performances, art exhibitions, festivals, books, and language programs, have deepened people-to-people ties, enhancing mutual understanding. In February 2019, King Jean Yves Eboumbou Douala Manga Bell of Akwa, attended the Kumbh Mela religious festival on the invitation of the Indian government. Notable Indian cultural events in Cameroon include the yearly celebration of the International Yoga Day, the Indian Film Festival organised in 2012, the Mahatma Gandhi Anniversary celebration, and the Rajasthani folk dance troupe performance in Douala, in 2010, under the sponsorship of ICCR.

Recent development

The 3rd round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between India and Cameroon, held on 7th August 2023 in Yaounde, reaffirmed the long-lasting bilateral relations. Chaired by Shri Sevala Naik Mude from the Indian side and H.E. Oumarou Chinmoun from Cameroon, the meeting encircled various aspects including political, economic, defense, and cultural exchanges.

The session of the Cameroon-India Intergovernmental Consultation, chaired by Minister Mbella Mbella, led to discussions on enhancing trade, healthcare, defense, and judicial cooperation, aiming to elevate the cooperation to a strategic level.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

India-Cameroon relations are on a rising course, yet face challenges such as limited air connectivity and visa procedures hindering people-to-people interactions and business collaborations. However, seizing opportunities and forging partnerships is crucial as they navigate the complexities of the 21st century. India's liberalization of the e-visa regime for Cameroon in 2019 signifies progress.

While the Indo-Cameroon cooperation presents challenges that need to be overcome, the opportunities for mutual growth and collaboration are significant. Future collaboration could focus on sectors like digital technology, renewable energy and healthcare.

CNews24