History of Friendly Relations
The bilateral relations between India and São Tomé and Príncipe have long been characterized by mutual respect and cooperation, particularly following São Tomé and Príncipe's independence from Portugal in 1975. Since then, both nations have cultivated a partnership that emphasizes shared values and common interests. The first significant high-level interaction occurred between 29 November and 2 December 2009, when Carlos Alberto Pires Tiny, the São Toméan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation & Communities, made an official visit to India. During this visit, meaningful discussions took place with Indian Minister of State for External Affairs, Shashi Tharoor. One of the notable outcomes was the signing of a Protocol on Foreign Office Consultations, aimed at ensuring ongoing dialogue and collaboration on a range of bilateral, regional, and international issues.
In addition to strengthening diplomatic ties, India has committed to supporting São Tomé and Príncipe through official developmental assistance and technical cooperation. This commitment encompasses various aspects of capacity building and economic and social development, which is vital for the small island nation. The Indian government has announced several grants and lines of credit to facilitate these initiatives, allowing for impactful projects that aim to improve the living standards of the São Toméan people. São Tomé and Príncipe, in return, praised India's contributions to international peacekeeping operations and its leadership in South-South Cooperation, signaling its support for India’s bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
Diplomatic Missions and Collaborations
Historically, the High Commission of India in Lagos, Nigeria, was responsible for India's diplomatic relations with São Tomé and Príncipe, before being moved to the Embassy of India in Luanda, Angola, in September 2008. This strategic shift aimed to enhance diplomatic engagement and facilitate closer ties with the island nation. In recognition of India's influence on the global stage, São Tomé and Príncipe also endorsed India's candidacy for a Non-Permanent Seat on the UN Security Council for the term 2011–12, underscoring its commitment to partnership.
The relationship saw further growth during the third India Africa Forum Summit held in New Delhi from 26 October to 29 October 2015. This summit marked a historic occasion as it was the first visit by a São Toméan Prime Minister, Patrice Trovoada, to India. Trovoada was accompanied by a delegation that included the Foreign Minister and other key officials, indicating a robust interest in exploring economic and diplomatic opportunities. During his visit, Trovoada engaged in bilateral discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where both leaders underlined the importance of enhancing cooperation across various sectors, including trade, investment, and development.
Overall, the relationship between India and São Tomé and Príncipe serves as a testament to the potential for collaborative growth and mutual advancement, built upon a foundation of goodwill and shared aspirations. The ongoing interactions and agreements signify the commitment both nations have towards nurturing this partnership for years to come.
Trade Dynamics
The bilateral trade between India and São Tomé and Príncipe has seen notable fluctuations over the years. In the fiscal year 2014–15, the trade volume reached a total of US$1.52 million, with India exporting goods worth $1.47 million to São Tomé and Príncipe, while imports from the archipelago accounted for $500,000. This trade relationship, however, underwent a significant decline in the following fiscal year, dropping to $930,000 in 2015–16. Notably, during this period, India did not import any goods from São Tomé and Príncipe, reflecting the challenges faced in sustaining consistent trade.
The principal commodities exported by India to São Tomé and Príncipe include pharmaceuticals, organic chemicals, cotton, and various optical, photographic, and medical instruments. These exports underscore India's strong manufacturing and technological capabilities. Conversely, São Toméan importers have expressed a keen interest in diversifying their imports from India to include a broader range of products. However, they are often deterred by logistical hurdles such as prolonged shipping times and elevated transportation costs, which impact the competitiveness of Indian goods in the São Toméan market.
Investment Opportunities in the Joint Development Zone
Beyond trade, India's investments in São Tomé and Príncipe have also contributed to bilateral relations, particularly in the energy sector. Indian firm ONGC Videsh Limited holds a 13.5% stake in Bloc 2 of the Joint Development Zone (JDZ), a region that has been earmarked for oil and gas exploration. This stake is managed through its wholly owned Nigerian subsidiary, ONGC Narmada Ltd. Additionally, Aban Engineering has been active in the JDZ, having conducted drilling operations in Bloc 4, further illustrating the scope of Indian involvement in the sector.
This participation not only highlights India's strategic interest in the resource-rich waters surrounding São Tomé and Príncipe but also presents potential avenues for future collaboration. The availability of hydrocarbon resources in the JDZ could inspire further investments and strengthen existing ties, fostering a more resilient economic partnership. As discussions continue regarding improving trade logistics and bolstering investments, both nations may find opportunities to expand their cooperation in various sectors beyond trade and energy.
Cultural relations between India and São Tomé and Príncipe have seen significant moments that reflect the shared human experiences and cultural exchanges between the two countries. A striking example of this was the issuance of a limited edition collectors' stamp on 15 October 2015, commemorating the Hindu festivals of Navratri and Durga Puja. This unique stamp not only showcases the rich cultural heritage of Hinduism but also underscores the appreciation that São Tomé and Príncipe has for Indian traditions. The stamp prominently features the Hindu goddess Durga, depicted in a powerful pose atop a tiger, a symbolic representation of strength and protection. Additionally, the stamp stands out for its intricate design, which includes a luxurious velvet effect and the adornment of Swarovski crystals, allowing it to appeal to collectors. Limited to just 1,500 copies, each stamp holds a face value of 86,000 dobra, roughly equivalent to US$ 3,998.14. This initiative highlighted the importance of mutual respect and acknowledgment between the two cultures.
Historically, the Indian presence in São Tomé and Príncipe dates back to the colonial era, when a small Indian community settled in the islands during Portuguese rule. This early community contributed to the local economy and culture, establishing connections that would endure beyond the colonial legacy. However, following the annexation of Goa and the subsequent fall of Portuguese India in 1961, many in the Indian community chose to relocate, seeking new opportunities in different parts of the world. As a result, the Indian community in São Tomé and Príncipe diminished significantly. Today, only a small number of Indians remain on the islands, primarily engaged in the food sector, showcasing their culinary traditions and expertise.
In more recent times, Indian traders from neighboring African countries frequently travel to São Tomé and Príncipe, bolstering economic ties through trade. This movement illustrates the ongoing interaction between the two nations, albeit in a more modern context. These traders often bring with them a wealth of cultural richness, including food, textiles, and handicrafts, further promoting cultural exchange and fostering stronger bilateral relations. The relationship between India and São Tomé and Príncipe continues to evolve, driven by both historical ties and contemporary economic interactions, highlighting the significance of cultural recognition and trade within the realm of international diplomacy.
Foreign Aid Initiatives
In 2009, there was a significant diplomatic engagement between India and São Tomé and Príncipe (STP) marked by the visit of Foreign Minister Tiny to India. During this visit, the Indian government made a substantial commitment to support the development of STP, providing a grant of $1 million dedicated to establishing a Technology Incubation-cum-Production Centre. This initiative aimed to bolster the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector in STP, encouraging innovation and economic growth. In addition to this, India extended a grant of ₹10 million targeted toward enhancing the education and health sectors in São Tomé and Príncipe, addressing critical areas for sustainable development.
Furthermore, India extended a line of credit amounting to $5 million aimed at funding agricultural initiatives, capacity-building programs, and infrastructure projects in STP. This financial assistance was intended not only to provide immediate support but also to lay the groundwork for long-term growth and self-sufficiency. In a humanitarian outreach, India also donated computer hardware and 173 packets of essential medicines to the government of STP in October 2010, demonstrating a commitment to improving the technological capabilities and health landscape of the nation.
In addition to financial support, the relationship between India and STP is strengthened through various collaborative initiatives. Notably, STP became the 47th country to sign on to the Pan-African E-Network Project, an ambitious program aimed at fostering telecommunications and information technology collaboration between India and Africa. This project, announced by India during the first India Africa Forum Summit in 2008, has seen progress, with implementation activities occurring in the country as of January 2016, bolstered by ongoing Indian assistance.
Education and professional development are also focal points of India-STP relations. Under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme, citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe are eligible for scholarships, allowing them to enhance their expertise and skills across various fields. Additionally, São Toméan diplomats have participated in the Professional Course for Foreign Diplomats (PCFD) organized by the Foreign Service Institute of India's Ministry of External Affairs. This engagement reflects India's commitment to enhancing the capabilities and understanding of diplomatic practices among São Toméan officials, thereby fortifying their international relations.