Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh, undertook an official visit to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, from 6–8 August 2026, at the invitation of the Government of Côte d’Ivoire, to attend the celebrations of the 66th National Day of Côte d’Ivoire as the Guest of Honour.
During the visit, the Minister of State attended the National Day celebrations and witnessed the participation of an Indian Armed Forces Marching Contingent in the National Day Parade. Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh held substantive bilateral discussions with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Côte d’Ivoire and called on H.E. the President of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire. The discussions covered the entire gamut of bilateral relations, including economic and development partnership, defence and security cooperation and people-to-people ties. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen the multifaceted India–Côte d’Ivoire partnership.
An important component of the visit was the Minister of State’s interaction with the Indian diaspora in Abidjan. MoS appreciated the valuable contribution of the Indian community towards strengthening the bonds of friendship between India and Côte d’Ivoire, and reiterated the Government of India’s continued commitment to the welfare, safety and well-being of the Indian citizens overseas and the Indian diaspora
The visit provided a valuable opportunity to further consolidate the momentum in India–Côte d’Ivoire relations. The warm reception accorded to the Minister of State and the Indian Armed Forces contingent reflected the depth of goodwill and friendship between the two countries. The visit is expected to impart further impetus to the growing India–Côte d’Ivoire partnership, as part of India’s broader engagement with Africa.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of External Affairs – Government of India.
