Historical Neutrality and Engagement
India played a neutral role during the turbulent periods of the First and Second Sudanese Civil Wars. These conflicts, which spanned from 1962 to 2005, led to significant changes in the governance of the region and the eventual establishment of the Southern Sudan Autonomous Region following the First Civil War. Notably, in December 1975, Indian President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed made a significant visit to the Southern Sudan region where he addressed the Regional Peoples' Assembly in Juba. This visit not only underscored India's neutrality but also fostered a deeper respect for India among the Southern Sudanese people, as highlighted by the Indian Embassy in Khartoum.
Post the conclusion of the Second Civil War, which officially ended in 2005, India increased its diplomatic engagement with South Sudan significantly. Indian Minister of State for External Affairs E.A. Ahamed took part in the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement on January 9, 2005, marking India’s commitment to supporting peace in the region. In subsequent years, starting from 2006, India initiated training and exchange programs for South Sudanese citizens, emphasizing the building of human capital as an essential aspect of its foreign policy. The establishment of a consulate in Juba in August 2007 marked a concrete step towards enhancing bilateral ties.
Recognition and Developmental Assistance
On July 9, 2011, India formally recognized South Sudan on the very day the country declared its independence, marking a milestone in the two nations' relationship. The participation of Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari in the independence celebrations in Juba highlighted the importance India placed on this new nation's sovereignty. In a heartfelt letter to South Sudanese President Salva Kiir, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh emphasized India's readiness to share its development experience and provide necessary assistance. This pledge encapsulated India's commitment to aiding South Sudan in various developmental sectors, including infrastructure, health, education, and rural development.
The assurance of a structured approach to aid was further reinforced by a statement from a Foreign Ministry official, who indicated that India had developed a concrete roadmap detailing potential assistance avenues for South Sudan. The elevation of the Consulate General in Juba to an embassy in March 2012 was indicative of strengthened diplomatic relationships and the burgeoning partnership between the two nations.
Enhanced Diplomatic Relations
As India and South Sudan continued to bolster their cooperation, significant milestones were achieved. A key moment in this developing relationship occurred when President Salva Kiir attended the Third India-Africa Forum Summit in New Delhi in October 2015. This marked not only a growing recognition of South Sudan's role on the continental stage but also advanced diplomatic engagement between the two countries. During this visit, President Kiir held a bilateral meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasizing the importance of direct dialogue in addressing mutual interests and cooperation areas. This visit was particularly noteworthy as it marked the first instance of a South Sudanese President undertaking a state visit to India, symbolizing the strong ties that were being cultivated between the two nations.
Overall, India-South Sudan relations illustrate a robust commitment toward mutual development and cooperation, underpinned by historical respect and contemporary engagement. As both nations look to the future, their partnership is poised to expand further, driven by shared goals of progress and development.
Economic Relations Between India and South Sudan
South Sudan, despite its classification as one of the poorest nations globally, bears significant economic potential primarily due to its substantial oil reserves. According to Pramit Pal Chaudhuri in the Hindustan Times, the Indian government's perspective acknowledges that South Sudan possesses some of the largest oil reserves in Africa, second only to Nigeria and Angola. This wealth of resources has incentivized countries like India to explore deeper economic ties, as the Indian Foreign Ministry recognizes the strategic importance of these reserves in enhancing bilateral relations.
India's engagement with South Sudan in terms of investment centers around the oil sector, with New Delhi keen on expanding its influence in the region. The country currently controls more than two-thirds of the oil fields that were previously part of unified Sudan. While bilateral trade statistics between the two nations remain ambiguous, it is clear that the majority of commercial activities occur through intermediary nations such as Kenya and the United Arab Emirates. The trade dynamic reveals that India exports consumer and household goods, pharmaceuticals, food products, motorcycles, and three-wheelers to South Sudan. Conversely, India's imports from South Sudan predominantly consist of oil and timber, vital resources that serve the growing demands of various sectors within the Indian economy.
Between 2003 and 2015, ONGC Videsh Ltd., the investment arm of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, illustrated India's commitment to the region with significant investments totaling approximately US$ 2.5 billion in the oil industries of both Sudan and South Sudan. This investment not only aims to ensure energy security for India but also strives to foster economic development in South Sudan through infrastructure and technological improvements related to oil extraction and processing. As India continues to strengthen its economic relations with South Sudan, there may be further opportunities for collaboration in diverse sectors, including agriculture, education, and healthcare, which can collectively contribute to the socio-economic advancement of South Sudan.
Indian Peacekeepers in South Sudan
As of January 2016, India has made a significant commitment to peacekeeping in South Sudan through the deployment of two battalions of the Indian Army, comprising approximately 2,000 personnel. These Indian peacekeepers are stationed in Jonglei and Upper Nile, the largest states in South Sudan, as part of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). Their role extends beyond military duties; they are actively engaged in various community-building initiatives, which include conducting medical camps, providing educational materials like books to schools, and constructing vital infrastructure such as roads. These activities not only enhance the welfare of the local population but also foster trust and cooperation between the Indian contingents and the South Sudanese communities.
In addition to military personnel, India contributes to the capacity building of the country's law enforcement by deploying 37 Indian Police officers. These officers are tasked with training members of the South Sudan National Police Service, thereby aiding in the development of a more robust and effective policing framework in the post-conflict environment of South Sudan. The presence of Indian civilians within the UNMISS further underscores India’s comprehensive approach to supporting South Sudan, as they contribute to various tasks, including humanitarian assistance and development efforts.
However, the mission has not come without its challenges. The safety of Indian peacekeepers has been a concern, highlighted by tragic incidents during their deployment. On April 9, 2013, an attack by rebels during an escort mission resulted in the death of one senior Indian Army officer and four soldiers, along with injuries to four others. Further tragedies followed, including the deaths of two Indian soldiers in an attack on the UN Base at Akobo, Jonglei State, on December 19, 2013, and injuries sustained by additional soldiers during an assault on the UN Base at Bor in April 2014. These incidents reflect the volatile situation in South Sudan and the risks faced by international peacekeepers as they work to stabilize the region.
Overall, India’s engagement in South Sudan through military deployment, police training, and civilian assistance illustrates a multifaceted approach to addressing the complex challenges of nation-building and peacekeeping. Through these efforts, India not only contributes to the stabilization of South Sudan but also reinforces its commitment to international peace and security as a responsible member of the global community.
Indian Foreign Aid and Support to South Sudan
India has been an active supporter of South Sudan since the country gained independence in 2011, demonstrating its commitment through various forms of foreign aid and assistance. One of the most significant pledges was made during the Oslo Donors Conference in April 2005 when India committed US$5 million for the construction of a hospital in South Sudan. This investment highlights India's proactive role in addressing the dire healthcare needs in a nation struggling with underdeveloped infrastructure.
In addition to healthcare assistance, India has provided humanitarian aid in times of crisis. For instance, during the flood relief efforts in January 2008, India donated US$100,000 worth of tents and medical supplies to both Sudan and South Sudan. Such initiatives reflect India's determination to address the immediate needs of the South Sudanese population, particularly during natural disasters that exacerbate the challenges the country faces.
Recognizing the critical state of energy infrastructure in South Sudan, in 2011, India's Central Electronics Limited successfully completed a solar electrification project near Juba. This initiative was crucial given South Sudan's minimal power generation capabilities, facilitating not only essential services but also enhancing the quality of life for residents. Furthermore, in February 2012, an agreement was signed between India and South Sudan to incorporate the latter into the Pan African e-Network Project, aimed at enhancing telecommunication and information technology infrastructure across the continent.
India's contributions have also extended to support for veterans and rehabilitation efforts. For example, ONGC Videsh Ltd. donated 1,000 artificial limbs, known as the Jaipur foot, to disabled veterans of South Sudan's armed forces in 2014. This humanitarian gesture emphasizes India's willingness to assist not only in physical infrastructure but also in providing for the wellbeing of individuals impacted by conflict.
The Indian government has identified additional opportunities for investment in South Sudan's socio-economic development by offering to establish a vocational training centre, a rural technology park, and an agricultural seed production and development centre. These initiatives aim to empower the local population through skills training and agricultural development, promoting self-sufficiency and resilience.
Moreover, India has emerged as a key destination for South Sudanese patients seeking medical treatment, correlating with India's advancements in healthcare services. Citizens of South Sudan benefit from scholarships provided under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, facilitating educational exchanges and enhancing the competencies of South Sudanese individuals. This educational initiative aligns with India's broader commitment to capacity building in developing nations, thereby reinforcing its positive relations with South Sudan. Overall, Indian support is multifaceted, focusing on immediate relief, infrastructural development, and long-term capacity building initiatives.
Indian Community in South Sudan
The Indian community in South Sudan has a rich history that began in the context of regional conflict. Most Indians residing in South Sudan originally migrated north to Sudan following the onset of the Second Civil War in 1983. This migration was largely motivated by seeking safety and opportunities amidst the turmoil. The Indian presence in South Sudan has since evolved, with an estimated 700 Indian citizens living in the country as of January 2016.
In terms of economic contribution, the Indian community has played a significant role in the development of South Sudan's nascent economy. Many Indians have established businesses in the capital city of Juba, including hotels, borehole drilling companies, printing presses, and department stores. The entrepreneurship of Indians in South Sudan began around early 2006, when the country was on the verge of implementing peace agreements leading to independence. Their initiatives have not only created jobs but have also contributed to the local economy by enhancing service availability and quality.
Additionally, a number of Indian citizens are employed by various enterprises operating within South Sudan, providing essential services in sectors such as construction, healthcare, and information technology. Among these individuals, there is also a small contingent of Christian missionaries, who are engaged in humanitarian and community development efforts, reflecting the diverse role of Indians in this young nation.
In terms of security and international relations, the Indian government has made notable contributions to peacekeeping efforts in South Sudan. There are approximately 2,000 Indian Army peacekeepers deployed as part of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), alongside 37 police officers and various civilian officials working to stabilize the region. These personnel from India are integral to the peacekeeping mission, engaging in humanitarian support, protection of civilians, and facilitation of the peace process. Their presence underscores the commitment of India to fostering stability and development in South Sudan, thus strengthening India-South Sudan relations over the years.