History of East Timor-India Relations
The relationship between East Timor and India has historical roots that can be traced back to the early modern period. Indian traders, primarily in search of valuable sandalwood, journeyed to the island, establishing the foundations for trade. This relationship deepened significantly during the Portuguese colonization, which affected both East Timor and parts of India. The Portuguese established garrisoned trading centers in India to facilitate the sandalwood trade and governed all their territories in Asia, including East Timor, from Goa. This era also saw the arrival of Portuguese-trained Goan missionaries in the early 17th century, who played a pivotal role in introducing and spreading Catholicism in East Timor. In addition to missionaries, many Indians traveled to the island to serve in various capacities such as soldiers, colonial bureaucrats, and migrant laborers. By the late 19th century, a small but notable community of Timorese citizens of Goan descent emerged, highlighting the long-standing influence of Indian migration.
India's diplomatic recognition of East Timor's sovereignty and independence marked a significant milestone in their bilateral relations. After East Timor declared independence in May 2002, India was the second nation to officially recognize it. A high-level delegation led by the then Minister of State for External Affairs, Omar Abdullah, attended the celebrations, where Abdullah presented congratulatory letters from India's President, Prime Minister, and External Affairs Minister. Formal diplomatic ties were established shortly after, on January 24, 2003. This spirit of cooperation extended to international platforms; during the UN General Assembly in 2003, East Timor’s Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri publicly endorsed India's bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.
The hosting of Indian diplomats in East Timor further solidified these relations. Kamlesh Sharma and Atul Khare served as the Special Representatives of the Secretary-General and were stationed in East Timor until 2004 and 2009, respectively. Their presence illustrated India’s active engagement with the region. In November 2003, Indian diplomats were part of a UN Security Council delegation that assessed the post-conflict situation in East Timor as the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) was set to withdraw.
East Timor's support for India continued in various forms, including voting for India's bid to secure a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the term 2011-12. The support extended to candidate elections within international organizations, such as the endorsement of Poonam Khetrapal Singh for the position of Regional Director of the Southeast Asia Regional Office of the World Health Organization in September 2013. Notably, East Timor co-sponsored India's resolution at the UN General Assembly in January 2015, designating June 21 as International Yoga Day, reflecting shared cultural interests and values.
The relationship has been enriched by high-level visits exchanged between the officials of the two nations. A landmark visit occurred in February 2013 when East Timorese Vice Minister of Health Natalia D. Araujo became the first East Timorese government official to attend the 'International Conference on Traditional Medicine for Southeast Asian Countries' in India. This was complemented by visits from East Timorese Finance Minister Emília Pires, who attended the ADB Governors' Meeting in May 2013, and Hernâni Coelho, the first East Timorese Foreign Minister to visit India in March 2016, during which he met key Indian government officials. These interactions have fostered stronger bilateral ties and enhanced cooperation in several sectors.
Bilateral Trade Overview
Bilateral trade between East Timor and India witnessed a total of US$3.45 million for the fiscal year 2015-2016, reflecting a modest decline of 3% compared to the previous year. India emerged as a significant trade partner by exporting $3.42 million worth of goods to East Timor while importing goods valued at $30,000. The primary exports from India to East Timor include pharmaceuticals, plastics, and electrical machinery, showcasing India’s strength in manufacturing and technology sectors. Conversely, the main commodity imported by India from East Timor consists of chemical products, indicating a mutual interest in industrial raw materials.
Significant Delegations and Trade Agreements
The strengthening of economic ties was marked by the first-ever Indian business delegation visiting East Timor in October 2014, which was led by the Indian Ambassador to Indonesia. This visit highlighted India's commitment to fostering trade relations with East Timor. To further facilitate trade, India has extended unilateral duty-free tariff preferential (DFTP) market access to East Timor, allowing for easier export of goods and services between the two nations. This preferential access aims to promote trade and investment and is expected to generate more opportunities for Timorese exporters.
Investment in Oil and Gas Sectors
Indian firms have also shown a strong interest in East Timor's oil and gas sector, which is vital for the country's economy. A notable player, Reliance Petroleum, was granted exploration rights in two offshore blocks, EEZ and the Joint Petroleum Development Area (JPDA), back in 2006. By 2010, Reliance had commenced gas exploration in the Timor Sea, underpinning the potential for significant bilateral cooperation in energy resources. The ongoing exploration activities not only highlight India's strategic investment in regional energy security but also contribute to East Timor's economic development.
Developmental Support Initiatives
In addition to energy investments, India has contributed to East Timor's socio-economic development through various initiatives. The Indian microfinance institution BASIX provided vital technical assistance to Tuba Rai Metin, a local microfinance institution, which plays a crucial role in enhancing financial inclusion in the country. Furthermore, Tata Motors made a significant contribution by supplying 400 vehicles for use by the Timorese police and other government agencies in 2006, showcasing India's commitment to supporting infrastructure and public service development in East Timor.
Conclusion
Overall, the relationship between East Timor and India is characterized by a blend of trade, investment, and developmental cooperation. The initial trade figures and investments in key sectors like oil and gas provide a solid foundation for future economic engagements. Furthermore, India’s support of financial and infrastructural initiatives in East Timor not only underscores its role as a development partner but also enriches the bilateral relationship, paving the way for a more integrated and fruitful partnership in the years to come.
Cultural Relations
The relationship between East Timor and India extends beyond mere diplomatic ties; it is deeply rooted in cultural interactions and mutual respect. As of December 2016, approximately 25 Indians hold advisory positions in various East Timorese ministries, UN agencies, and international donor organizations. This presence reflects India's commitment to supporting East Timor's development goals and enhancing institutional capacity through shared expertise. The Indian community in East Timor is also represented by entrepreneurs engaged in trading ventures and the restaurant business, contributing to the local economy and cultural exchange.
In East Timor, there exists a small but notable community of Timorese nationals of Goan descent, which exemplifies the historical connections between the two regions. This community has made significant contributions to East Timor’s political landscape and social development. Distinguished members include Roque Rodrigues, who served as the country’s Defense Minister, and Manuel Longuinhos, recognized as the first Prosecutor General and the pioneer surgeon in East Timor. These individuals not only underscore the contributions of the Goan diaspora but also symbolize the potential for further collaboration between the two cultures.
Educational exchanges also play a vital role in fortifying the cultural ties between East Timor and India. A number of East Timorese students pursue their education at Father Muller's educational institutions in Mangalore, Karnataka. This initiative enables these students to acquire valuable skills and knowledge, which they can subsequently apply in their home country, fostering growth and innovation. By nurturing such educational partnerships, both nations can benefit from enhanced cultural understanding and cooperation, paving the way for stronger bilateral relations in the future.
Overall, the cultural and personal connections between East Timor and India illustrate the ongoing collaboration and interaction that enrich both societies. As these relationships continue to evolve, they will likely pave the way for improved economic ties, shared cultural experiences, and invaluable exchanges that will enhance the bonds between the two nations.
Foreign aid initiatives have played a crucial role in strengthening the relationship between India and East Timor, particularly in sectors such as technology, healthcare, and education. One significant endeavor in this context is the establishment of a bamboo skills development and demonstration centre, a project initiated by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in October 2004. The Assam-based Cane and Bamboo Technology Centre (CBTC) served as the technical partner in this initiative, which came to fruition after the investment of $1 million and was completed in May 2012. This project aimed to develop bamboo as a vital sector in East Timor, harnessing the plant's versatility for sustainable economic growth.
India's commitment to aiding East Timor has been evident through various forms of support. In October 2008, the Government of India approved a grant to assist in infrastructure projects within the country. Further solidifying this bond, the Indian Embassy in Jakarta contributed $100,000 to East Timor in March 2010 to support various development activities. By March 2014, India took steps to enhance the technological capabilities of East Timor by offering to establish a Centre of Excellence in Information Technology (CEIT). This centre is vital for improving skill development in the burgeoning tech sector of East Timor.
Health initiatives have also been a focal point of India's foreign aid strategy. In January 2016, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs provided a fully equipped ambulance unit, which can function as a mobile operation theatre, to the Ministry of Health in East Timor. This aid, valued at $71,000, was essential for improving healthcare services and emergency response capabilities in the nation. Further, the India, Brazil, and South Africa (IBSA) Dialogue Forum has committed to funding projects like "Conservation Agriculture, Permaculture and Sustainable Fisheries Management," which aim to enhance food security and mitigate disaster risks through collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and non-governmental organizations.
Educational and cultural ties between the two nations are also being nurtured through various scholarship schemes. Citizens of East Timor have access to scholarships under India's Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme, the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, and the General Cultural Scholarship Scheme (GCSS). In addition, East Timorese diplomats have benefited from training through the Professional Course for Foreign Diplomats (PCFD) organized by India’s Foreign Service Institute. This focus on education and professional training extends to women's empowerment initiatives, with India collaborating with the East Timor Development Agency to provide training programs for East Timorese women, aiming to promote gender equality and economic participation. These multifaceted efforts exemplify India's significant role in promoting development and cooperation with East Timor, reflecting a commitment to fostering strong bilateral relations.