India and Côte d'Ivoire Expand Defence and Trade Ties

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, on October 7 and 8, 2026, to advance bilateral relations and engage with the local Indian community. During the visit, Jaishankar met with Vice Prime Minister and Defence Minister Téné Birahima Ouattara to discuss expanding cooperation in anti-terrorism and defence through institutional exchanges and training.

Jaishankar also held talks with Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Nialé Kaba. The discussions focused on increasing partnerships across healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, trade, and investment.

While meeting with ITEC alumni and the Indian diaspora, Jaishankar described the community as a "living bridge" between the two nations. He highlighted India's broader global strategy under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, specifically noting the diversification of fertilizer and energy supplies and India's efforts to secure permanent G20 membership for the African Union.