Gabon
India and Gabon have enjoyed warm and friendly relations dating back to pre-independence era of Gabon. Gabon has supported India’s candidature at various international forums. Like most countries of Africa, Gabon also sees South-South Cooperation is increasingly seen as mutually beneficial, devoid of interference in internal affairs and non-prescriptive. And this is where, Gabon’s push for greater engagement and partnership with India, comes in; the India-Africa Forum Summit providing the necessary framework for fostering greater understanding and trust. Moreover, India and Gabon have traditionally enjoyed warm and friendly relations dating back to the pre-independence era of Gabon. Gabonese embassy in India was established in New Delhi on 4th April 2008.
Cooperation to tackle the challenge of COVID-19 Pandemic
- With regards to the mutual recognition of vaccine certificates, Gabonese Foreign Ministry in April 2022, recognized the Indian vaccines in Gabon.
Capacity Building & Other Exchanges
- Citizens of Gabon are eligible for scholarships under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations.Several officials from Gabon have also received training programs under the AIFS.
- Gabon was allocated 25 slots under ITEC, out of which 4 were utilized in 2012-13. 3 officials received training under AIFS in 2012-13. 7 slots under ITEC were utilized till August 2017. 5 slots under ICCR Scholarships were allotted for the year 2017-18. To date, 23 ITEC slots have been utilized by Gabon.
- With respect to ICCR scholarships, in last 5 years, 13 slots have been offered to Gabon. However, none have been utilized. No ICCR troupes have visited Gabon so far.
Development Cooperation (Grants/ LoCs/ Assistance)
- India provided Gabon with a Line of Credit (LoC) worth $14.5 million. This project was installed and Gabonese sent loan repaid the amount. in March 2007 to build 300 houses and amenities in Bikele near Libreville. Another LoC worth $67.19 million was provided to upgrade Gabon's broadcasting facilities.
- Gabon was among the first 15 African countries in which India implemented the Pan African e-network project. Tele-education, Tele-medicine and VVIP connectivity were established in Libreville under the project.
- At the first India Africa Forum Summit in New Delhi in April 2008, India agreed to establish a vocational training centre in Gabon as part of a "Plan of Action" with the African Union.
- GOI had extended a Line of Credit worth US$14.5 million in March, 2007 and made effective in January, 2008 for a housing project in Bikele near Libreville. The project consisted of construction of 300 houses and 4 amenities.
- In May 2019, assistance of US$ 1 million was given from I-UNDP fund for the Project- Strengthening climate information and early warning systems in vulnerable communities
