History of India-Togo Relations
The diplomatic relations between India and Togo date back to the late 20th century, highlighting a growing partnership that has evolved through mutual visits and collaborative initiatives. One of the early significant interactions occurred in 1989 when Togolese President Gnassingbe Eyadema made a brief stop in Calcutta on his way to China. This was a precursor to his official state visit to India in September 1994, where both nations agreed to establish a Joint Commission aimed at fostering cooperation across various sectors.
The engagement between the two countries further deepened in the 2010s, marked notably by Prime Minister Gilbert Houngbo leading Togolese delegations to several important conclaves in India. These included the 6th Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)-Exim Bank Conclave in March 2010, and the 7th CII-Exim Bank Conclave in March 2011. Togo's participation as a partner country at the India-Africa Conclave in New Delhi in March 2011 underscored its commitment to strengthening ties with India, as Houngbo expressed Togo's interest in learning from India's successful Green Revolution and effective poverty alleviation strategies.
In addition to these high-profile visits, several Togolese ministers, members of Parliament, and senior advisors to the presidency have traveled to India, reflecting a keen interest in enhancing bilateral relations. On the flip side, high-level visits from India to Togo have also taken place, though primarily at the minister of state level. A notable visit occurred in 1985 when Lok Sabha Speaker Balram Jakhar attended an Inter-Parliamentary Conference in Lome. The exchange of visits serves to underscore the continued commitment of both nations to engage in dialogue and share expertise, paving the way for a robust partnership in the years to come.
Overall, India-Togo relations are characterized by a spirit of collaboration, as both countries seek to learn from one another and explore avenues for mutual development in areas such as agriculture, trade, and infrastructure. As both nations continue to interact on various platforms, the potential for future growth and cooperation remains significant in achieving their shared goals.
Cultural Relations
The cultural relationship between India and Togo has seen significant development over the years, highlighted by various exchanges and recognition of individual contributions. A notable event in this relationship was the recognition of Indian citizen Chander Verma, who served as Togo's honorary consul in India. In June 2011, he received the Officre de Order de Mono, which is Togo’s highest civilian honor. This award was presented by President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbe, underlining Verma's considerable contributions to fostering friendly ties between the two nations and promoting cultural understanding.
Education and professional development have also played a pivotal role in enhancing cultural relations between India and Togo. Numerous students and professionals from Togo have taken part in capacity-building courses at esteemed Indian institutions, including the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade. These programs not only provide vital skills and knowledge but also establish deeper connections between the two countries by nurturing a generation of Togolese professionals who are well-versed in international trade and commerce.
Additionally, in a move to strengthen scientific cooperation, Togolese scientists had the opportunity to visit India between June and December 2013. They participated in prestigious research studies under the CV Raman Research Fellowships Scheme, which aims to promote collaboration in research and innovation. By engaging with Indian scientists and researchers, these Togolese fellows contributed to, and benefited from, shared knowledge and expertise, fostering a spirit of collaboration that has long-lasting implications for both nations.
These cultural exchanges, educational programs, and recognition of individuals together create a framework for mutual respect and cooperation, reflecting the shared values and aspirations of India and Togo. As both countries endeavor to enhance their bilateral relations, the emphasis on cultural ties will remain fundamental in promoting understanding and collaboration across various sectors.
Trade Relations
India and Togo share a significant and evolving trade relationship, with India standing as Togo's third largest export destination. A notable aspect of this bilateral trade is India's reliance on Togo for phosphate imports, which are crucial for various industries, especially agriculture. Over the years, the trade volume has shown considerable growth, increasing from $505 million in the fiscal year 2011-12 to $884 million by 2014-15. However, in the subsequent fiscal period of 2015-16, there was a slight decline, with total trade falling to $757.28 million. During this period, India exported goods worth $532.19 million to Togo, while imports stood at $225.09 million.
The nature of the commodities exchanged between the two nations highlights a diverse range of products. Indian exports to Togo encompass mineral fuels, mineral oils and their distillation products, various cereals and their preparations, cotton, apparel, iron and steel items, as well as pharmaceuticals and machinery. Additionally, India provides a variety of plastic and rubber products, vehicles, and related accessories. On the other hand, Togo primarily exports natural phosphates to India, along with ferrous and copper waste, wood products, metal scrap, and oilseeds including coconuts and Brazil nuts. This reciprocal trade reflects the complementary nature of the two countries’ economies.
Cultural and Economic Initiatives
The bilateral relationship extends beyond mere trade. In March 2013, the Synthetic & Rayon Textiles Export Promotion Council (SRTEPC) of India took the initiative to host the Indian Textile Exhibition (INTEXPO 2013) in Togo, aimed at promoting Indian textiles in the Togolese market. This exhibition served as a platform for both Indian exporters and Togolese importers to explore business opportunities and strengthen commercial ties. Furthermore, in August 2013, the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IFFT) organized an Executive Development Programme in Lomé, which was attended by a select group of Togolese businessmen. These initiatives reflect India's proactive approach towards capacity building and knowledge exchange with Togo.
Notably, Bilateral engagements have also been evident through attendance at significant events such as the 12th India-Africa Summit held in New Delhi in March 2017, where around 20 Togolese business representatives participated. Such involvement underscores Togo's recognition of India's growing role as a partner in Africa and the potential for enhanced economic collaboration. As both nations seek to strengthen their ties, the ongoing initiatives and trade agreements are likely to pave the way for a mutually beneficial relationship, fostering growth in various sectors.
Foreign Aid and Assistance
India has been a vital partner in supporting Togo through various forms of aid and assistance aimed at enhancing the country’s agricultural, health care, and infrastructure capabilities. Notable contributions include the provision of essential equipment such as tractors, water pumps, sewing machines, ambulances, transport vehicles, and corn-grinding machines. In September 1994, India recognized the developmental needs of Togo by introducing a substantial grant of ₹10 crore, which translates to approximately ₹66 crore or US$7.9 million in today’s value, earmarked for establishing an agricultural project. This investment reflects India's commitment to bolster agricultural productivity and self-sufficiency in Togo.
Furthermore, India has proactively responded to Togo's specific requests for assistance, such as supplying indelible ink for electoral processes in 2002. In times of humanitarian crisis, notably during the floods in 2008, India extended its support by donating medicines, demonstrating solidarity and commitment to alleviating the challenges faced by Togolese citizens. The implementation of the Pan African e-network project in Togo, initiated through an agreement with TCIL in 2008, is another notable example of India's involvement in enhancing connectivity and access to information and communication technology in the region.
Cooperation Agreements and Financial Support
India's financial support to Togo also includes a line of credit (LOC) agreement signed in November 2011, worth $15 million, dedicated to a rural electrification project—a critical step in improving access to electricity in rural areas. Following this, in January 2012, India extended another LOC of $13.095 million primarily focused on funding the cultivation of rice, maize, and sorghum. By December 2014, India's commitment to Togo had culminated in four separate LOC agreements amounting to a total of $144.35 million, which covered diverse projects such as the procurement of health equipment ($20.04 million), upgrades to electrical generation and distribution infrastructure, and the construction of transmission lines to bolster energy access.
The engagement didn't stop with funding; in December 2013, the Secretary of the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) led a delegation to Togo to explore establishing an Agricultural Seed Production-cum-Demonstration Centre. This initiative signifies a targeted effort to enhance agricultural research and development within Togo. Subsequently, in May 2014, two Indian experts visited the country to provide technical assistance aimed at developing Togo’s domestic cotton industry, further underscoring India’s role in enhancing local agricultural capacities.
Cultural and Educational Ties
In addition to financial aid and technical support, cultural and educational exchanges have played a significant role in fostering India-Togo relations. Togolese citizens are eligible for scholarships through various Indian programs, including the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations. These initiatives not only promote educational opportunities for students from Togo but also help strengthen the bilateral ties between the two nations by fostering mutual understanding and collaboration across various fields.
Overall, India's multifaceted assistance to Togo illustrates a commitment to facilitating sustainable development and strengthening diplomatic ties through continued cooperation in agriculture, education, and health care. Through these efforts, India and Togo are fostering a partnership that holds promise for mutual growth and development in the years ahead.
Indians in Togo
As of December 2016, the Indian community in Togo is relatively small, with approximately 200 to 300 Indians residing in the country. The majority of these individuals play an important role in Togo’s economy, primarily engaging in trade, establishing assembly plants, and managing supermarkets and hotels. The limited size of this community has led to the formation of an Indian community association; however, it remains inactive, reflecting the challenges faced by such a small group when it comes to community engagement and support in a foreign country.
The safety and security of Indian nationals in Togo have occasionally been called into question, as evidenced by a notable incident involving Sunil James, the Indian captain of the merchant ship MT Ocean Centurion. On July 31, 2013, James made a stop in Togo to report that his vessel had been attacked by pirates on July 16. Unfortunately, Togolese authorities apprehended him and two crew members, alleging that they had aided the pirates. After significant diplomatic efforts, including intervention by the Indian High Commissioner in Accra and a meeting with Togo's President Gnassingbe, James and another sailor named Vijayan were eventually released on December 19, 2013. This case was particularly sensitive because James' family was dealing with the grief of losing his 11-month-old son shortly before his release, leading India's government to request his release on compassionate grounds.
In another incident from July 2013, five Indian employees from a merchant navy firm were arrested in Togo under similar allegations related to piracy. The individuals—Anthony Godwin, Shaji Abdulla Kutty, Tharun Babu, Nithin Babu, and Navin Niravath Gopi—all hailing from Kerala, were taken into custody while aboard a ship en route from Mumbai to South Africa. Their release was ultimately facilitated by the intervention of India's Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj, who brought attention to their situation. Following her involvement, the Togolese authorities released the five Indian nationals on February 1, 2017. These incidents accentuate the complex interplay between international relations, maritime security, and the welfare of expatriate communities.
Overall, while the Indian community in Togo is small and somewhat isolated, their contributions to local commerce are notable. The incidents involving piracy and arrests also highlight the broader challenges faced by expatriates in terms of legal protections and the need for robust diplomatic channels to ensure their safety and rights in foreign lands.