= Early History of Eritrea-India Relations =
The trade relations between Africa and India have deep historical roots, tracing back to the 1st century AD. At this time, the Kingdom of Aksum, located in what is now Eritrea and extending into the Tigray region of Ethiopia, emerged as a significant player in international trade. Aksum's advantageous position along the Red Sea facilitated its integration into a thriving network that connected southern India with the Roman Empire. The demand for exotic goods from southern India, such as silks and spices, was particularly high within the Roman markets, consequently allowing Aksum to flourish by acting as a key transit hub along these trade routes.
During this period, Aksum served as a melting pot of cultures and commerce. Importantly, the bustling port of Adulis became a focal point for the exchange of various commodities. Essential products such as glass, brass, and copper were traded alongside valuable Indian spices, noticeably pepper, which was highly sought after. Aksum's exports were equally remarkable; the region was famed for its abundant ivory, which came from its vast elephant populations. Historical accounts from a Greek-Byzantine ambassador in the 5th century describe a herd of 5,000 elephants residing in the area, highlighting the region's incredible wildlife and its importance in the ivory trade. Furthermore, records from the 6th century shed light on how these large elephant tusks were transported across the seas to markets in India, Persia, and even Romania, indicating the extensive reach of Aksum's trade networks.
As centuries progressed, the port city of Massawa in Eritrea continued to attract Indian traders, particularly from the 17th century onward. Its strategic position within the Red Sea trade routes ensured that it remained a pivotal point for commerce. Indian merchants found opportunities to engage in trade, enriching both local economies and their own. Notably, during World War II, the influence of Indian forces reasserted itself in Eritrea when the 4th Indian Division's 5th Infantry Brigade fought valiantly in the region. The brigade achieved a significant victory at the Battle of Keren in 1941, underscoring the historical military connections that further intertwined the fates of Eritrea and India. Their achievements, particularly those of the Bengal Sappers, were commemorated when they were awarded the Victoria Cross for their courage in clearing mines in the Metemma region, reflecting a bond that extended beyond trade into the realms of military history and cooperation.
Thus, the relationship between Eritrea and India is enriched by a multifaceted history that encompasses trade, cultural exchange, and military collaboration, contributing to the legacy of these two regions as intertwined partners in the annals of history.
= Modern Eritrea-India Relations =
India officially recognized Eritrea shortly after it gained its de jure independence in May 1993, marking the beginning of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Understanding the need for nation-building, India extended its support to Eritrea in various capacities, particularly during its formative years. Notably, in January 1995, former Chief Justice of India P.N. Bhagwati conducted a significant workshop focused on legislative drafting, aimed at helping Eritrea develop its legal framework. This initiative epitomized India's commitment to fostering Eritrea’s democratic institutions and governance.
In the realm of agricultural development, both nations have engaged in formal cooperation through multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). In December 2000, an MoU focused on Agricultural Research and Education was established, laying the groundwork for collaborative efforts in this vital sector. Following this, a further MoU was signed in June 2006 between Eritrea and the Indian Council for Agricultural Research, emphasizing agricultural collaboration. As Eritrea sought to enhance its educational framework, an agreement with the Indira Gandhi National Open University was signed in 2010, aimed at promoting distance education and expanding opportunities for Eritrean students.
On the diplomatic front, the appointment of Eritrea's first ambassador to India in 2003 marked a significant milestone, reinforcing the formal diplomatic presence and dialogue between the two countries. Although there have been no visits at the highest levels of state leadership, several Eritrean ministers have traveled to India, enhancing bilateral ties and understanding. One notable visit was by India's Minister of State for External Affairs, General V.K. Singh, in September 2015, during which he held discussions with President Isaias Afwerki. This visit underscored India's active engagement in African diplomatic relations. Additionally, Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman Saleh attended the Third India-Africa Forum Summit in New Delhi in October 2015, further demonstrating the growing international cooperation and dialogue.
Moreover, the role of Eritrean Ambassador to India, Alem Tsesaye Woldemariam, adds a significant dimension to bilateral interactions, as he serves as the Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps in India. This position allows him to not only represent Eritrean interests but also to foster deeper connections with other African nations within the Indian context. Overall, while the Eritrea-India relationship has evolved significantly since 1993, it remains characterized by collaboration in various fields, particularly in agriculture, education, and diplomatic engagement, promising mutual benefits for both nations.
Bilateral Trade Overview
Bilateral trade between Eritrea and India has seen significant growth, reaching a total of US$244.73 million during the 2014-15 fiscal year. This marked a dramatic increase from just $21.30 million in the previous year, highlighting a burgeoning trade relationship. India has established itself as one of the primary trading partners for Eritrea, alongside Italy and the United Arab Emirates, contributing to a diverse exchange of goods and services.
Export and Import Dynamics
In the fiscal year 2014-15, India exported approximately $14.06 million worth of goods to Eritrea, while India’s imports from Eritrea amounted to $230.68 million. The exports to Eritrea from India primarily include electrical and miscellaneous engineering equipment, pharmaceuticals, millets, and textiles, such as cotton yarn and fabrics. On the other hand, Eritrea's exports to India predominantly consist of animal products, notably leather, hides (excluding raw hides), and skins. This trade dynamic showcases the complementary nature of the two countries' economies, with India providing a range of industrial goods and Eritrea supplying raw materials.
Preferential Trading Arrangement
To bolster this economic relationship, India has extended unilateral duty-free tariff preferential market access to Eritrea for the export of goods and services since 2008. This arrangement not only enhances Eritrea's export capabilities but also fosters economic growth by allowing a variety of Eritrean products to reach the Indian market without the burden of tariffs, thereby encouraging trade volume and collaboration between the two nations.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, the potential for expanding trade between Eritrea and India appears significant. Both nations can explore opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, technology, and manufacturing, aligning with India's broader Look East policy aimed at strengthening ties with African nations. Moreover, initiatives to improve infrastructure and connectivity in Eritrea will likely facilitate more robust trade activities in the years to come. As both nations work towards enhancing their bilateral relationship, the groundwork laid through trade agreements and preferential access can serve as a catalyst for greater economic collaboration.
Foreign Aid and Capacity Building
India has played a significant role in the development of Eritrea through various forms of foreign aid and capacity-building initiatives. This assistance spans multiple sectors, including legislative drafting, technical scholarships in fields such as agriculture, education, and health, as well as food aid to address hunger and malnutrition. By providing Eritreans the opportunity to pursue higher education in India, the nation has also become a favorable destination for students seeking advanced studies, which contributes to the professional growth of Eritrea's future leaders in these critical fields.
In 1998, a trilateral agreement was signed in Rome among India, Eritrea, and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), marking a pivotal step in agricultural collaboration. Under this agreement, India deployed 100 agricultural experts to Eritrea with the aim to enhance agricultural productivity, support inland fisheries, and promote aquaculture practices. This initiative highlights India's commitment to addressing food security challenges in Eritrea. Additionally, India's humanitarian efforts included a notable donation of 5,000 metric tonnes of wheat in 2003, supplementing earlier relief contributions that included 1,500 metric tonnes of wheat and 200 metric tonnes of sugar destined to aid those in need.
Furthermore, the Indian government responded to specific requests from Eritrea, most notably by sending an Indian legal expert to the country for two years to assist in legal capacity building, showcasing India's support in governance and rule of law. Financially, India established a Line of Credit worth $20 million in July 2009, designating $10 million each for projects in education and agriculture, thereby facilitating significant development in vital sectors.
In a bid to integrate technology in education, India inaugurated its Pan African eNetwork project in Eritrea in August 2010, enhancing accessibility to educational resources through digital platforms. Moreover, in October 2014, a technical team from the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare visited Asmara to finalize plans for establishing a Vocational Training Centre, which aims to furnish Eritreans with essential skills and vocational training.
Additionally, Eritrean citizens are eligible for scholarships provided through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme (ITEC) and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), broadening access to advanced education and capacity-building programs. These comprehensive efforts underscore the enduring commitment of India to support Eritrea's development and empower its people through education and technical expertise.
Indians in Eritrea
As of January 2016, the Indian community in Eritrea was comprised of approximately 1,200 individuals, primarily concentrated in the capital city of Asmara. This community has established a significant presence in various regions of Eritrea, including Anseba, Debub, the Northern Red Sea region, and the Dahlak Islands. The contribution of Indians to Eritrea's workforce is notable, especially in the education sector, where many serve as school teachers at different levels.
The educational landscape in Eritrea significantly benefits from the presence of Indian nationals, with over 800 Indian teachers employed across various institutions, including high schools, vocational training centers, and colleges. The Eritrean Institute of Technology, which is a crucial institution for higher education in the country, boasts that nearly 80% of its faculty members are Indians. This substantial representation highlights the dependence of Eritrean educational institutions on skilled expatriate teachers, reflecting the long-standing ties and collaboration between India and Eritrea in promoting education and professional development.
Historically, Indians have been part of Eritrea's fabric since the 1960s, when their numbers reached nearly 2,000. During that time, they were predominantly engaged in academia as teaching staff in secondary schools, technical colleges, and as professors at the University of Asmara. Additionally, many were involved in various business ventures, contributing to the local economy and the development of Eritrea's commercial landscape. The ongoing Indian presence in Eritrea is a testament to the enduring cultural and economic connections between the two nations, nurtured over decades through professional exchanges and growing bilateral relations.
Peacekeeping Contributions
Between 2000 and 2008, the presence of Indian peacekeepers in the region under the United Nations Mission for Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) highlighted India's commitment to fostering stability in conflict-affected areas. More than 1,500 Indian troops actively participated in UNMEE, deploying efforts not only in Eritrea but also in associated regions, significantly influencing regional security dynamics until the mission concluded in February 2007. Major General Rajender Singh's leadership as the UNMEE Force Commander from 2004 to 2006 was pivotal, providing strategic oversight and support amid complex operational challenges.
Apart from their core duties of peacekeeping, Indian troops engaged in various humanitarian efforts that contributed to the quality of life in local communities. They provided essential medical assistance to those in need, showcasing India's commitment to not just peace but also the welfare of the populations in areas of conflict. The Indian forces played a crucial role in infrastructure development; they undertook the drilling of wells to ensure communities had access to clean water and contributed to the construction of vital roads and dams. These initiatives were key in promoting sustainable development and essential services in war-torn Ethiopia and Eritrea, aiming to foster long-term peace and resilience.
Economic Trends
India's economic ties with Eritrea have also undergone significant changes in recent years. The data illustrating bilateral trade reflects fluctuating patterns, with figures dropping from 14.06 million USD in 2014-15 to 3.22 million USD in 2016-17, before witnessing a gradual recovery. By 2017–18, trade had risen again to 7.43 million USD, and additional growth was marked in subsequent years, culminating in a noteworthy 9.19 million USD by the 2020-21 period. Such economic interactions not only underline a resilient trading relationship but also hint at the broader strategic alignment between the two nations.
Strategically, this evolving economic relationship may serve as a foundation for further collaboration in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, technology, and renewable energy. With India possessing substantial expertise and capacity in these areas, this partnership can aid Eritrea's socio-economic development efforts. As access to the Red Sea becomes increasingly strategic in global dialogue, particularly regarding trade and security, the relationship between Eritrea and India will likely gain greater significance in regional geopolitics. Thus, the enduring ties reinforced through peacekeeping missions and economic exchanges signal a promising trajectory for Eritrea-India relations moving forward.