Tunisia
India has traditionally maintained cordial and friendly relations with Tunisia since establishment of diplomatic relations in 1958. The first resident Indian Mission at the level of Cd’A was established in Tunisia in 1963 and was raised to the Ambassadorial level in 1976 with the first Resident Ambassador in 1978. The Tunisian Embassy in New Delhi was set up in 1981. Bilateral relations of the two countries are built on shared values including secularism and rule of law. Both the countries cooperate extensively on the international fora including the UN and other multilateral agencies.
Capacity Building & Other Exchanges
- Under this initiative, Institute Pasteur of Tunis (IPT) is among the 3 institutes selected by the African Union Commission for support by the Indian scientific community to work on specific problems of the African continent and to find practical solutions for them.
- Accordingly, a close cooperation programme has been initiated between IPT and the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi. Tunisia avails of a number training programmes in different fields under IAFS.
- Pursuant to the agreement signed in October 2017, a Soil, Water and Tissue Testing Laboratory will be set up in Tunis by the Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal under IAFS-III progamme.
- Proposal for setting up a Next Generation Centre of Excellence by CDAC in the field of IT is under consideration.
- Proposal for setting up a Regional Civil Aviation Centre under IAFS is also under consideration of the Ministry.
- Even during the pandemic, the exchange remained unaffected through e-ITEC programme, wherein India provided training to 200 Tunisian nationals during the pandemic period.
- Over the past 7 years, more than 700 Tunisian nationals have availed this facility.
- Under this initiative, Institute Pasteur of Tunis (IPT) is among the 3 institutes selected by the African Union Commission for support by the Indian scientific community to work on specific problems of the African continent and to find practical solutions for them.
- Accordingly, a close cooperation programme has been initiated between IPT and the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi. Tunisia avails of a number training programmes in different fields under IAFS.
- Pursuant to the agreement signed in October 2017, a Soil, Water and Tissue Testing Laboratory will be set up in Tunis by the Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal under IAFS-III progamme.
- Proposal for setting up a Next Generation Centre of Excellence by CDAC in the field of IT is under consideration.
- Proposal for setting up a Regional Civil Aviation Centre under IAFS is also under consideration of the Ministry.
- Even during the pandemic, the exchange remained unaffected through e-ITEC programme, wherein India provided training to 200 Tunisian nationals during the pandemic period.
- Over the past 7 years, more than 700 Tunisian nationals have availed this facility.
Development Cooperation (Grants/ LoCs/ Assistance)
- India has completed two ‘Quick Impact Projects’ (QIPs) in Tunisia.
- The first QIP is for landscaping and beautification of a park in Jendouba University, at a cost of US $ 8100 and the second QIP is for creation of a play area in Mreghma School in Jendouba, Tunisia at a cost of US $ 6277.
- A third QIP under construction is that of a mini synthetic football ground for Raoued Municipality in Ariana at a cost of US $ 63,547. The total cost of the QIPs is US $ 77,924 USD.
- All three QIPs are located in remote/underprivileged areas in Tunisia, which goes in line with Tunisia’s policy of promoting development in those areas.
