India-Algeria Relations
India and Algeria had good cordial relations even before independence of Algeria. India supported the Algerian Liberation Movement that fought against the French colonial rule. Algeria got its independence in July 1962. Since then the two countries have good diplomatic relations.
India exports around 1180 USD worth goods annually to Algeria and imports 1520 USD worth goods. The major exports are milk powder, automobile spare parts, chickpeas, industrial machinery, agricultural equipment like tractors and harvesters, mobile phones, rice, pharmaceuticals and cosmetic products. The goods imported from Algeria are oil, gas, phosphates and lubricants.
The Indian diaspora in Algeria is miniscule. Most of the Indians placed in Algeria are technically skilled and are in remote areas. There are about 5700 Indians working in Algeria.
So far, two Presidents of Algeria have visited India. Mr Chadi Bendijedid visited India in 1982, 1983 and in 1987. Later Mr Abdelaziz Bouteflika visited as Chief guest at the Republic day celebration in 2001. Two Indian Prime Ministers have visited Algeria so far. Smt Indira Gandhi visited Algeria in 1973 to attend the NAM summit. Mr Rajiv Gandhi visited Algeria in June 1985.
India launched three Algerian satellites from Sriharikota on September 26 2016. They were ALSAT – 1B, ALSAT – 2B, ALSAT – 1N.
A Confederation of Indian Industry visited to Algeria from 8th to 10th July 2018. The CII signed Memorandum of Understanding with the CACI (Chamber is Commerce and Industry) to boost the economic partnership between the countries. Following this, 30 Indian companies participated in International Pharmaceuticals Exhibition that was held in Algeria in September 2018.
The Algerian foreign minister visited India in January 2019. During his visit 2 documents were signed namely Cultural Exchange Program and Visa Waiver Agreement for Diplomatic and Official Passport holders.
In 2003, India sent half a million USD worth medicines to help the victims of earthquake that struck Algeria in 2003. Another half million USD was sent as steel for construction of houses.
