India – Benin Relations

India and Benin share principles of democracy and secularism. Both the nations participated in the Non – aligned Movement. Benin supported India’s candidature for permanent membership in Security Council.

The current phase of ascendance in India – Benin bilateral relations can be traced to 2009. President Boni Yayi visited India in 2009 along with 5 ministers. Following his visit, PM Manmohan Singh announced a line of credit of 15 million USD to help health and education sectors. Later in 2010, the GoI donated half a million dollars towards flood relief.

In July 2019, President Ram Nath Kovind visited Benin. He is the first president of India to visit Benin. After his discussions, India offered 100 million USD line of credit.

India exports 655 million USD worth goods to Benin and imports 285 million USD (2011 – 12). Under ITEC – Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation program, 5 seats were allocated to Benin. It was increased to 10 seats after IAFS – India Africa Forum Summit.

There are about 1000 Indians living in Benin. They are engaged in trade mostly. The famous WARDA – West Africa Rice Development center is located in Benin. There are more than dozen Indian experts working here. Indian community is well respected in the country for its socio – economic charitable activities in healthcare, education, water supply, etc.

There is no resident diplomatic mission in Benin. The high commissioner of India to Nigeria is currently accredited as the ambassador of Benin. The major constraint is that there are no air connections between India and Benin. The current alternatives are via Lagos and Paris.