Early Relations
Burkina Faso and India embarked on their diplomatic relationship in March 1976, marking a significant milestone with the official visit of Burkina Faso's Commerce and Industry Minister to India. This visit laid the foundation for further cooperative ties between the two nations, culminating in the signing of a Protocol on Economic and Technical Cooperation. Since then, there have been numerous high-level visits between officials, indicating a growing interest in fostering bilateral relations.
Notable Visits and Agreements
The early 1980s saw increased diplomatic activity when Burkinabe President Captain Thomas Sankara attended the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit in India in 1983, which underscored the significance of non-alignment for both nations. In 1987, the Indian Minister of State for External Affairs made history by becoming the first Indian minister to visit Burkina Faso, reinforcing the budding partnership. The relationship deepened further when President Blaise Compaore visited India in 1993, leading to an agreement to establish a Joint Commission for enhancing bilateral cooperation. India pledged assistance in various sectors, including agriculture, mining, irrigation, small-scale industries, and hand looms, demonstrating its commitment to supporting Burkina Faso's economic development.
Prime Ministerial Visits
A pivotal moment in the relationship occurred in November 1995 when Indian Prime Minister Narasimha Rao took a state visit to Burkina Faso, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to do so. During his stay, he met with President Compaore, addressed the Burkinabe Parliament, and received the country's highest civilian honor. Rao's visit also marked the inauguration of the Indian Embassy in Ouagadougou, which was initially under the charge of a resident official until its closure in 2002. In a reciprocal gesture, Burkina Faso opened its embassy in New Delhi in 1996 and upgraded it to an ambassador-level representation in 2011, illustrating the mutual desire to strengthen diplomatic ties.
Continued Cooperation and Initiatives
In 1994, Burkina Faso and India formalized their collaboration by establishing a Joint Commission that focused on economic, cultural, political, and technical cooperation. This framework has allowed both countries to explore diverse avenues for partnership. The involvement of Burkina Faso in significant international forums, such as the first India-Africa Forum Summit in 2008 where Prime Minister Tertius Zongo engaged in bilateral discussions with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, indicated a commitment to elevate their relationship further.
Modern Developments
On 15 November 2016, both nations were among the inaugural members of the International Solar Alliance, an initiative proposed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi aimed at promoting renewable energy resources across solar-rich countries. This collaboration highlights not only the historical ties between Burkina Faso and India but also their shared vision for sustainable development and cooperation in tackling contemporary global challenges.
Trade Relations
Burkina Faso and India share a significant trade relationship, which has evolved notably over the years. In 2015, India emerged as the second-largest destination for Burkina Faso's exports. The bilateral trade for the fiscal year 2014-15 amounted to an impressive $264.40 million, a substantial increase from $119.76 million in the previous fiscal year. This upward trend in trade illustrates the strengthening ties between the two nations. During this period, India exported approximately $112.76 million worth of goods to Burkina Faso. These exports primarily consisted of pharmaceutical products, vehicles and spare parts, iron and steel, machinery and mechanical appliances, as well as rubber and rubber products. Conversely, India's imports from Burkina Faso were valued at $151.64 million, largely comprising gold and cotton—two vital commodities that play a crucial role in Burkina Faso's economy.
Strategic Partnerships
The relationship between Burkina Faso and India is further highlighted by significant partnerships and agreements aimed at fostering economic collaboration. Notably, Burkina Faso was the partner country at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Conclave held in New Delhi in March 2009, signaling its commitment to enhancing bilateral ties. Such partnerships not only promote trade but also encourage cultural exchange and mutual understanding between the two countries.
Telecommunications Development
The telecommunications sector has also played a pivotal role in the relationship between Burkina Faso and India. In June 2010, Bharti Airtel, a leading Indian telecommunications company, made headlines by acquiring Zain's mobile operations in 15 African countries, including Burkina Faso, for $8.97 billion. This acquisition marked India's second largest overseas takeover, following Tata Steel's purchase of Corus in 2007. Bharti Airtel's entry into the Burkinabe market signified the growing influence of Indian companies in Africa and indicated strong faith in the untapped potential of the continent's telecommunications industry. However, in January 2016, Airtel announced its decision to divest from its operations in Burkina Faso, along with Sierra Leone, transferring control to the French telecom giant, Orange S.A. The estimated value of this transaction ranged between $800 to $900 million, and by June 2016, Orange had officially taken over the operations in Burkina Faso, marking a new chapter in the telecommunications landscape of the nation.
Overall, the relationship between Burkina Faso and India is characterized by mutual interests in trade, investment, and development. As both countries continue to explore opportunities for economic cooperation, the potential for growth and synergy remains tremendous.
Foreign Aid and Economic Development Support
Burkina Faso's relationship with India has significantly evolved since the early 1990s, particularly following the diplomatic visit by President Blaise Compaoré in July 1994. During this visit, India committed to supporting Burkina Faso's economic development, with a focus on multiple sectors such as agriculture, handlooms, mining, irrigation, and small-scale industries. This assistance was marked by a pivotal aid package valued at ₹250 million (approximately ₹1.6 billion or US$20 million in 2023) which specifically aimed to enhance agricultural practices within Burkina Faso. The support included the provision of 200 tractors and a variety of essential farming implements, seeds, water pumps, and other agricultural accessories, underscoring India’s commitment to fostering agricultural growth in the country.
In addition to material support, India played a crucial role in enhancing local agricultural capacities by dispatching expert farmers to Burkina Faso. This initiative aimed to train local farmers in advanced Indian techniques, particularly in rice cultivation, the effective use of ergonomically designed hand tools, and operational knowledge related to tractors. The project, which commenced in 1999 and concluded in 2002, resulted in the successful transfer of agricultural knowledge and equipment. Following the project's completion, India donated several types of farming machinery and vehicles to the Burkinabe government, reinforcing its investment in the country's agricultural infrastructure.
India's engagement with Burkina Faso expanded further through collaborative initiatives such as the TEAM-9 initiative and the Pan African e-Network Project. Burkina Faso was selected as one of the nine West African nations to benefit from these projects designed to enhance regional cooperation and development. The Pan African e-Network Project was formally launched in March 2009 by Indian officials alongside Burkinabe counterparts. This initiative underlined India’s commitment to providing technical and financial assistance, including a line of credit of $30.97 million to support agricultural projects and construct a National Post Office in the country. An additional array of lines of credit were extended in subsequent years to fund various projects, including rural electrification and establishing a tomato processing plant, thus catering to diverse development needs within Burkina Faso.
The bilateral relationship has also fostered educational and vocational development, highlighted by India's pledge during the inaugural India-Africa Forum Summit in 2008. India committed to establishing a Vocational Training Centre/Incubation Centre, which came to fruition with a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2013. This centre was ultimately set up in Ouagadougou and transferred to local oversight in 2016, further contributing to skills development in Burkina Faso. Additionally, India has responded to humanitarian needs, such as the dispatch of medicines following the floods in 2008 and monetary assistance for flood relief efforts in 2009.
Beyond agriculture and vocational training, cultural exchanges have been a vital component of India-Burkina Faso relations. Burkinabe scientists participated in research programs in India under the CV Raman Research Fellowships Scheme in 2013, exemplifying the academic collaboration fostered between the two nations. Furthermore, Burkina Faso citizens benefit from various scholarships offered through programs like the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, promoting educational opportunities that strengthen bilateral ties and build goodwill between the peoples of both nations.
Indians in Burkina Faso
As of April 2023, the Indian community in Burkina Faso is estimated to be between 800 and 1,000 individuals. This vibrant expatriate group has established a significant presence in various sectors of the economy, demonstrating the potential for collaboration and investment between India and Burkina Faso. Many Indian nationals have made Burkina Faso their home, contributing to the nation's economic landscape through entrepreneurship and specialized skills.
The businesses owned by Indian nationals span a range of industries crucial to the local economy. In the manufacturing sector, Indian-owned companies are involved in producing key products such as cement, beer, plastics, and leather goods. These enterprises not only contribute to local job creation but also enhance the manufacturing capabilities of Burkina Faso, enabling the country's gradual industrialization.
In the service sector, Indians have made strides in hospitality and trade. Many run hotels and restaurants that cater to both locals and visitors, showcasing diverse culinary offerings. Additionally, Indian entrepreneurs have set up ticketing and travel agencies, enhancing tourism in the region. They are also involved in essential services such as water well drilling, which addresses the critical issue of access to clean water. The retail and trading sectors are further supported by Indians who import and export various products, including pharmaceuticals, cotton, cashew nuts, sesame, shea nuts, and gold. These activities not only enhance trade relationships but also promote local agricultural products on international markets.
Beyond entrepreneurship, a significant portion of the Indian community works as employees within these businesses, contributing to the skills and knowledge transfer that benefits the local workforce. This dual presence of business owners and employees fosters a rich cultural exchange and encourages collaboration, which may lead to further opportunities for investment and development in Burkina Faso.
The growing Indian community in Burkina Faso illustrates the potential for deeper economic ties and cooperation between India and West Africa, highlighting the importance of diaspora contributions to bilateral relations. As both countries explore avenues for trade and investment, Indians residing in Burkina Faso stand at the forefront of fostering connections between two culturally rich nations.