President Droupadi Murmu received credentials from ambassadors of Mali, Myanmar, Madagascar and Equatorial Guinea at Rashtrapati Bhavan, highlighting India’s diplomatic engagement and longstanding bilateral relations with the four nations across Africa and Southeast Asia.
President Droupadi Murmu on Friday received credentials from the ambassadors of Mali, Myanmar, Madagascar and Equatorial Guinea during a formal diplomatic ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, marking an important engagement in India’s diplomatic relations with the four countries.
The ambassadors who presented their credentials to the President were Fatoma Thera of Mali, U Aye Min Htwe of Myanmar, Mandehatsara Georget of Madagascar and Miguel Edjang Angue of Equatorial Guinea. The ceremony reflected India’s continued efforts to strengthen bilateral partnerships and expand diplomatic cooperation with countries across Africa and Southeast Asia.
During the ceremony, Fatoma Thera, Ambassador of Mali, presented his credentials to President Murmu. India and Mali maintain diplomatic relations supported by development cooperation, economic engagement and mutual support on international platforms.
According to the Indian Embassy in Bamako, India’s diplomatic mission in Mali was established in May 2009. New Delhi has extended seven Lines of Credit (LoCs), amounting to a total of US$ 303.6 million, to support development projects in the West African country.
Mali has also expressed support for India’s candidature for a permanent seat in a reformed United Nations Security Council, reflecting cooperation between the two countries on important international issues.
U Aye Min Htwe, Ambassador of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, also presented his credentials to President Murmu. India and Myanmar share longstanding historical, civilisational and cultural connections, along with strong people-to-people relations that continue to shape their contemporary partnership.
Myanmar holds considerable strategic importance for India because it is the only ASEAN member country sharing both land and maritime boundaries with India. Its geographical position makes it an important gateway connecting India’s northeastern region with Southeast Asia.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), cooperation with Myanmar is significant for India’s regional connectivity, neighbourhood engagement and broader Act East policy. The two countries also share interests in maintaining peace, stability and development along their common border.
Mandehatsara Georget, Ambassador of the Republic of Madagascar, was the third diplomat to present credentials to the President. India and Madagascar have maintained historical connections dating back to the 18th century.
Currently, approximately 17,500 people of Indian origin, most of them from Gujarat, live in Madagascar, contributing to the longstanding cultural and social links between the two nations.
India established its Consulate General in Antananarivo in 1954. The diplomatic mission was subsequently upgraded to an Embassy in 1960, following Madagascar’s independence. Over the years, bilateral relations have developed through cooperation in trade, development, education and other areas of mutual interest.
Miguel Edjang Angue, Ambassador of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, also presented his credentials to President Murmu during the ceremony.
India and Equatorial Guinea have traditionally enjoyed warm and friendly relations, with diplomatic engagement dating back to the period before the African country’s independence in 1968.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Equatorial Guinea established its resident diplomatic mission in New Delhi in October 2016. India subsequently opened its diplomatic mission in Malabo in March 2019, strengthening the institutional framework for bilateral engagement.
| Also Read: US Vice President Vance Links Iran Conflict to Republican Election Losses |
The presentation of credentials is an important formal diplomatic procedure through which newly appointed ambassadors officially begin their responsibilities in the host country. It also provides an opportunity to reaffirm diplomatic ties and explore avenues for stronger cooperation.
The ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan highlighted India’s continuing engagement with African nations and Southeast Asian neighbours. Through diplomatic partnerships, development assistance, regional connectivity and cultural exchanges, India continues to strengthen its international relationships and cooperation with countries across different regions.
