India and Sudan held the 9th round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in New Delhi on March 6, 2025. The meeting reaffirmed the broad scope of bilateral cooperation between the two nations and included a joint commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms.
Key Highlights of the Consultations
The Indian delegation was led by the Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs, while the Sudanese delegation was headed by the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Both sides reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations, including political, economic, cultural, and developmental cooperation.
The discussions underscored the importance of strengthening trade and investment ties. India reiterated its support for Sudan's development efforts, particularly in capacity building, infrastructure, and healthcare. Sudan expressed appreciation for India's assistance under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program and other grant-based projects.
Counter-Terrorism and Regional Security
A significant portion of the talks focused on security cooperation. Both countries condemned terrorism in all forms and stressed the need to prevent the financing of terrorist activities. They agreed to enhance intelligence sharing and coordinate efforts at multilateral forums such as the United Nations and the African Union.
Regional issues, including the situation in the Horn of Africa and the Sahel region, were also discussed. India and Sudan called for peaceful resolution of conflicts and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Cultural and People-to-People Ties
The consultations highlighted the strong cultural ties between India and Sudan, rooted in historical connections. Both sides agreed to promote tourism, educational exchanges, and cultural festivals. They also discussed the welfare of the Indian diaspora in Sudan, which plays a vital role in bilateral relations.
The 9th FOC concluded with both sides expressing satisfaction with the progress made and agreeing to hold the next round in Khartoum at a mutually convenient date.
This meeting marks a continuation of the positive trajectory in India-Sudan relations, with both countries committed to deepening their partnership for mutual benefit and regional stability.
