Diplomatic relations between Cameroon and India were formally established in 1960, coinciding with Cameroon’s declaration of independence. This relationship has been marked by mutual admiration and respect, with Cameroonian leaders frequently commending India for its contributions to Africa and appreciating its secular democracy and notable economic advancements. India’s active role in the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) has also earned it goodwill in Cameroon. This support is reflected in Cameroon’s endorsement of Indian diplomat Kamalesh Sharma for the position of Commonwealth Secretary-General, highlighting a shared vision for international governance and cooperation.
Over the years, high-level visits have been integral to strengthening ties between the two nations. Noteworthy among these visits is the participation of Cameroonian President Paul Biya in the NAM Summit in India in 1983. In March 2013, Prime Minister Philémon Yang led a delegation that included seven ministers and business leaders to New Delhi for the Africa-CII/Exim Bank Conclave. Such exchanges have facilitated dialogue on various fronts, from economic partnerships to cultural exchanges. On the Indian side, engagement has typically been at the ministerial level, with the first visit by an Indian government official occurring in February 1988 when the Minister of State for Industrial Development visited Cameroon. Subsequent visits have included the Minister of State for External Affairs in 1990 and Minister of State for Human Resource Development Ram Shankar Katheria in 2015, indicating a commitment to fostering bilateral relations.
The two nations have also collaborated on pressing security issues, particularly concerning militancy in Africa. At the third India-Africa Forum Summit in October 2015, Cameroonian External Relations Minister Mbella Mbella expressed the nation’s concern over regional security challenges, especially the threat posed by Boko Haram. He engaged in discussions with Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who acknowledged Cameroon’s security needs. India responded positively by extending support to help build Cameroon’s defense capabilities, sending officials to train Cameroonian defense forces in counter-insurgency and anti-terror operations. This cooperative effort underscores India’s commitment to regional stability in Africa and reflects the broader objectives of both nations to combat global terrorism collaboratively.
These ongoing interactions between Cameroon and India not only demonstrate a solid bilateral relationship but also emphasize a shared commitment to regional security, economic development, and a vision for a multipolar world where mutual respect and understanding prevail. As both nations continue to engage more closely, the prospects for collaboration in various sectors, including trade, technology, and education, appear promising, providing opportunities for enhanced collaboration and development in a rapidly changing global landscape.
Trade Relations
Cameroon and India have maintained a strong trade relationship since signing a trade agreement in February 1968. This partnership has evolved significantly over the years, with India emerging as a key destination for Cameroonian exports. Notably, in 2015, India was highlighted as the largest export market for Cameroon. The bilateral trade between the two nations reached approximately US$748.3 million in the financial year 2015–16, which was a decrease from US$994.48 million in the preceding year. This decline in trade figures reflects the dynamic nature of international trade, influenced by various global economic factors.
India's imports from Cameroon are predominantly crude oil and petroleum products, which represented a substantial 87.42% of total imports in 2015–16. This reliance on petroleum underscores the importance of the energy sector in the trade relationship, contrasting with India's exports to Cameroon, which amounted to $191 million in the same period. The diversification of trade goods and services between the two nations remains critical to sustaining and growing this relationship.
As of December 2016, there were around 60 Indian companies actively operating in Cameroon, mainly engaging in the trade of general merchandise. The cumulative investment by Indian nationals in Cameroon is estimated to be between $10 million to $15 million. This investment is spread across various industries, including plastics, biscuit production, scrap smelting, and alcohol bottling and distribution. Such encapsulation of diverse sectors illustrates the potential for bilateral investment growth.
Significantly, the Cameroon Alumina Ltd., a consortium consisting of Indian company Hindalco, Dubai Aluminium, and the American firm Hydramine, made strides in bauxite exploration by signing a crucial agreement with Cameroonian authorities in May 2009, wherein Hindalco holds a 45% stake. Additionally, the Jindal Group is making inroads in the country's iron ore mining sector, further contributing to the extractive industry's development in Cameroon.
Moreover, the Non-Resident Indian-owned agribusiness Olam International, which is headquartered in Nigeria, plays a remarkable role in Cameroon’s agricultural landscape. Olam manages a vast expanse of agricultural land, including over 7,500 hectares dedicated to coffee plantations and 12,000 hectares for cocoa production. As a result, Olam has positioned itself as the leading producer of both crops in Cameroon. The firm’s influence extends to rice imports, contributing significantly to its annual revenue of approximately $120 million generated through its operations in the country.
Together, these developments exemplify the multifaceted nature of Cameroon-India relations, revealing a partnership characterized by a diverse array of trade opportunities, ongoing investments, and substantial contributions to both nations' economies. As they move forward, continued collaboration in various sectors holds promise for expanding bilateral ties.
Cultural Relations
The cultural connections between Cameroon and India are evident through various channels, with Indian cinema enjoying significant popularity in the Central African nation. Indian films are frequently aired on local television stations, making them a common choice for entertainment among Cameroonians. The vibrancy and diversity of Indian culture have found a receptive audience in Cameroon, leading to a shared appreciation for storytelling, music, and dance that transcends geographical boundaries.
Additionally, sports play a vital role in strengthening the ties between the two nations. The Cameroon national football team has participated multiple times in the Nehru Cup, an international football tournament organized by the All India Football Federation (AIFF). This participation not only showcases Cameroon's athletic talents but also promotes goodwill and camaraderie between the two countries, fostering a sports-centric relationship that brings together athletes and fans alike.
Indian expatriates have established a noteworthy presence in Cameroon, with an estimated 700-800 individuals residing in the country as of December 2016. This expatriate community primarily engages in trading and small businesses, contributing to the local economy and enhancing the commercial ties between the two countries. There are also professionals among the Indian community, working in various sectors such as healthcare, information technology, and engineering, thereby enriching the professional landscape in Cameroon.
Despite the generally favorable perception of the Indian community, there have been alarming reports of violence against Indians and Indian-owned businesses. Notably, during the political crisis in Cameroon in February 2008, an Indian manufacturing plant in Douala was vandalized, underscoring the vulnerabilities faced by expatriates amid local unrest. Some incidents of physical violence have emerged, often linked to commercial disputes or misunderstandings. These occurrences highlight the need for diplomatic and community efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of the expatriate population while fostering mutual respect and understanding between local Cameroonians and Indians living in the country.
Foreign Aid and Development Initiatives
India has played a significant role in providing foreign aid to Cameroon, focused on agricultural development and enhancing educational and health infrastructure. In 2007, India donated a substantial quantity of agricultural equipment, comprising 60 tractors and various agricultural implements, demonstrating its commitment to boosting Cameroon's agricultural sector. This support was further extended in subsequent years through financial assistance; notably, in May 2009, India provided a line of credit valued at $37.65 million aimed at the establishment and improvement of rice and maize farm plantations in Cameroon. This financial backing has been instrumental in aiding local farmers cultivate these staple crops, essential for food security in the region.
In a bid to strengthen the communication and educational infrastructure in Cameroon, India implemented the Pan-African e-Network project in June 2010. This initiative aimed at bridging the digital divide by establishing tele-medicine and tele-education facilities. Notably, the Cameroon State Regional University in Yaoundé and its associated hospital benefited from these projects, enhancing access to quality education and healthcare services for the local population. Building on this commitment to agricultural development, in September 2012, India provided an additional line of credit amounting to $42 million specifically for cassava plantation projects, further underlining its focus on supporting agricultural initiatives in Cameroon.
Moreover, India offers opportunities for citizens of Cameroon through educational scholarships under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations. These programs are designed to provide Cameroonians with quality education and professional training in various fields, fostering cultural exchange and enhancing bilateral relations. Additionally, Cameroonian diplomats have benefited from specialized training courses, such as the Professional Course for Foreign Diplomats (PCFD) organized by the Foreign Service Institute of India's Ministry of External Affairs, highlighting India's investment in capacity-building for Cameroonian officials.
Trade Relations
The trade relations between India and Cameroon have experienced fluctuations over the years, showcased by the trade data from 2015 to 2021. In the 2015-2016 period, India exported goods worth $191 million to Cameroon while importing approximately $558 million from the nation, culminating in a total trade volume of $749 million. The following years saw variations in these figures; for instance, in 2016-2017, India's exports dipped to $149 million with imports also decreasing to $359 million, leading to a total trade amount of $508 million.
The trend continued with India's exports and imports experiencing ups and downs through subsequent years. In 2019-2020, exports peaked at $228 million, while imports surged to $676 million, resulting in a total trade of $904 million, indicating a growing economic interdependence. By 2020-2021, India's exports rose to $279 million, but imports sharply fell to $202 million, dropping the total trade volume to $481 million. These statistics reflect the evolving nature of trade dynamics between the two countries, demonstrating India's significant role as a trading partner to Cameroon while also highlighting areas for potential growth in future trade relations.