Archive · 9 Aug 2026
Kirti Vardhan Singh discusses growing India-Ivory Coast partnership
A minister from India went to a country in West Africa called Cote d'Ivoire, also known as the Ivory Coast.
The country was celebrating its 66th Independence Day, which is like celebrating its birthday as a free country.
The minister, Kirti Vardhan Singh, met the president of Cote d'Ivoire, Alassane Ouattara.
They talked about how India and Cote d'Ivoire are good friends and want to work together more.
The minister said India wants to have stronger and deeper friendship with countries in Africa.
Indian soldiers marched in the big Independence Day parade in Abidjan.
They came on an Indian Air Force plane and were led by Major Sandeep Dhillon.
Their presence in the parade shows the two countries are also becoming better friends in defence.
The minister sent warm wishes to the people of Cote d'Ivoire on their special day.
Kirti Vardhan Singh, India's Minister of State for External Affairs, called on Cote d'Ivoire President Alassane Ouattara on Saturday.
Singh was in Abidjan for Cote d'Ivoire's 66th Independence Day celebrations and discussed the growing India–Cote d'Ivoire partnership.
He reaffirmed India's commitment to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of stronger and deeper engagement with Africa.
An Indian Army marching contingent of 60 officers and other ranks, led by Major Sandeep Dhillon, participated in the Independence Day military parade.
India's embassy said the invitation to the contingent reflects growing defence cooperation between the two countries.
- Who
- Kirti Vardhan Singh, India's Minister of State for External Affairs, and Cote d'Ivoire President Alassane Ouattara
- What
- Discussed the growing India–Cote d'Ivoire partnership and reaffirmed India's commitment to deeper engagement with Africa
- When
- Saturday, during Cote d'Ivoire's 66th Independence Day celebrations
- Where
- Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire
- Why
- Singh travelled to Cote d'Ivoire to participate in its 66th Independence Day celebrations, where an Indian Army contingent marched in the parade
- Visiting official
- Kirti Vardhan Singh, Minister of State for External Affairs (India)
- Host
- Alassane Ouattara, President of Cote d'Ivoire
- Occasion
- 66th Independence Day of Cote d'Ivoire
- Location
- Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire
- Indian marching contingent
- 60 officers and other ranks, commanded by Major Sandeep Dhillon
- Transport aircraft
- Indian Air Force IL-76
- Key discussion
- Growing bilateral partnership and PM Modi's vision of deeper engagement with Africa