DAKSHIN

Democratic Republic of Congo

India always had a cordial and friendly relationship with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). India was among the first countries to establish a diplomatic mission in Kinshasa. India sent its Gurkha troops to DRC during 1960-62, under ONUC, for countering the rebellion in Katanga. Around 2000 peacekeepers are presently deployed under MONUSCO.

India gifted medical supplies to Democratic Republic of Congo

Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Day 2022 was celebrated

Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Day 2023 was celebrated

Cooperation to tackle the challenge of COVID-19 pandemic

India has extended humanitarian assistance of 50,000 doses of Covid-19 vaccine to the Government and people of DR Congo and 1.71 million doses under Covax scheme.

Capacity Building & Other Exchanges

The Government of India under the aegis of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) is offering three scholarship slots for the Democratic Republic of Congo nationals, one slot for Gabonese nationals, and one slot for nationals of Central African Republic under the Atal Bihari Vajpayee General Scholarship Scheme (A1201) (formerly General Scholarship Scheme) for the academic year 2023-24.
666 ITEC slots were utilized during 2007 to March 2018. 78 slots were utilized in 2019-19 and 80 slots were utilized in 2019-20
9 DRC officials benefited from various training courses offered under IAFS-I during 2010-11. 8, 5 and 2 officials attended training under IAFS-II during 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14 respectively. 14 officials attended training under IAFS-III in 2019-20
7 Congolese women (‘Solar Mamas’) were trained in solar electrification and rooftop water harvesting course at Barefoot College, Rajasthan under ITEC Programme during 2010-11, 2013-14 and 2014-15.
13 ICCR scholarships were utilized during 2012-13, 14 during 2013-14, 7 during 2016-17 and 6 during 2017-18, 15 during 2018-19.
Two DRC scholars availed of the prestigious CV Raman International Fellowship for African Researchers in 2014 and 2017.
e-VBAB project related to tele-education and tele-medicine has become operational in 2020 and many applicants are taking benefit. Till July 2021 Mission has approved 47 applications of candidates for various courses.
In October 2022 one Congolese diplomat participated in three weeks long PCFD course for foreign diplomats at SSIFS, New Delhi.
In January 2023 one Congolese participant attended 3rd Annual disarmament and International Security Affairs Fellowship Programme at SSIFS, New Delhi.

Development Cooperation (Grants/ LoCs/ Assistance)

The following GOI Grants and LoCs have been extended to the DRC:
60 “Sonalika” tractors with accessories & spares worth US$ 0.66 million [2006- 07];
US$ 1 million for supply of medicines [2008-09];
A MoU for setting up an IT Centre of Excellence in Kinshasa is under consideration;
Tele-education and Tele-medicine projects have been implemented under the Pan African e-network project.
MoU on the e-Vidya Bharti and e-Arogya Bharti (e-VBAB) was signed with the DRC Government in August 2019.
In March 2021, India donated 50,000 made in India Covid vaccines to DRC.
US$ 33.5 million for setting up a cement plant and acquisition of buses for the urban transport sector (2005-06). The supply of buses and spares have been completed
US$ 25 million Rural Water Supply Project was completed in 2011
US$ 42 million Kakobola 9.3 MW Hydropower Project, Bandundu Province (2010). The Project has been completed and handed over to the Government of DR Congo.
LoCs of US$ 34.50 million for the Development of Transmission and Distribution Line Project for evacuation of power from Kakobola Hydropower Project was signed on 28th May, 2015. The project is expected to begin in early February 2019.
LoCs of US$ 168 million for the Katende Hydropower Project (64 MW), in the Kasai Occidental Province, was signed in July 2011 and the contract awarded to a consortium, however, selection of a new contractor is under process. Addition LoC of US$ 82 Million in 2014 and US $ 180 Million in 2023 were also provided to this project. A grant of US $ 20 Million was given this year.
Agreement for a LoCs of US$ 109.942 million for Transmission and Distribution Line Project for the evacuation of power from the Katende Hydropower Project was signed on 28th May, 2015. 6 Solar photo voltaic power projects:
- In December 2018, GoI approved an LoC of US$ 33.29 million for installation of 15 MW Solar Photovoltaic Power Project at Karawa, Province North Ubangi. Process to implement the LoC is underway;
- In December 2018, GoI approved an LoC of US$ 25.27 million for installation of 10 MW Solar Photovoltaic Power Project at Lusambo, Province Sankuru. Process to implement the LoC is underway;
- In December 2018, GoI approved an LoC of US$ 24.55 million for installation of 10 MW Solar Photovoltaic Power Project at Mbandaka, Province Equator.
- In July 2019, Government of India approved an LoC of USD 56.824 million for 15 MW Photovoltaic Power Plant and Electrical Network Solar Project at Tshilenge (to be installed at Mbuji-Mayi),
- In July 2019, Government of India approved an LoC of USD 56.824 million for 15 MW Photovoltaic Power Plant and Electrical Network Solar Project at Gemena and,
- In July 2019, Government of India approved an LoC of USD 26.68 million for 10 MW Photovoltaic Power Plant and Electrical Network Solar Project at Manono.