Africa’s Diplomatic Dance: India’s Dammu Ravi Elevates Ties

Amidst diplomatic endeavors, Dammu Ravi, Secretary (Economic Relations) within the Ministry of External Affairs, is slated to embark on a journey to Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya spanning from April 7th to April 12th. This endeavor will be accompanied by AS (E&SA), Puneet R. Kundal, as communicated by the Ministry of External Affairs on the weekend.

The forthcoming visit by the Secretary (ER) serves as a testament to India’s steadfast dedication towards fortifying its bonds of camaraderie with Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya, thereby perpetuating the upward trajectory of high-level engagements between India and African nations, particularly after the incorporation of the African Union (AU) as a permanent constituent of the G-20 during India’s term of presidency.

The geographical expanse of India’s outreach towards Africa has witnessed a palpable surge in recent times. The endeavored elevation of the African Union to a permanent position within the G20 framework underscores the significance India accords to nations of modest proportions.

During his time in Rwanda, the Secretary (ER) will act as a representative of the Government of India during the solemn commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the 1994 Rwanda Genocide (Kwibuka 30) on April 7th, 2024. Concurrently, anticipations are rife regarding his scheduled engagements with Rwandan governmental dignitaries and senior officials.

As delineated by the Ministry of External Affairs, subsequent to his sojourn in Rwanda, the Secretary (ER) will proceed to Uganda from April 8th to April 9th, leading a multifaceted delegation of 35 members hailing from various sectors with the objective of augmenting bilateral trade and commercial relations between the two nations.

In addition to convening with ministers and governmental functionaries of Uganda, he is slated to preside over a business conclave encompassing stalwarts from the Indian and Ugandan industrial spheres. Moreover, an interaction with the Indian diaspora in Uganda is also on the agenda.

Thereafter, the eminent diplomat will journey to Kenya accompanied by a sizable entourage comprising officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Indian agricultural enterprises, and business consortia from April 10th to April 12th.

This excursion is a fulfillment of agreements made during discussions between Prime Minister Modi and the President of Kenya, stemming from the latter’s visit to India in December 2023.

Among the myriad objectives of the delegation is an exploration of prospects pertaining to agricultural ventures in Kenya. Additionally, the Secretary (ER) will chair a corporate symposium involving representatives from Indian and Kenyan enterprises, alongside holding discussions with Kenyan governmental officials. Furthermore, engagements with members of the Indian community residing in Kenya are also on the agenda.