Algiers, October 14, 2024: President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to Algeria marked a historic milestone, as she became the first Indian President to set foot in the North African nation. Her arrival was met with a warm ceremonial welcome from Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, who personally received her at the airport, underscoring the significance of the bilateral relationship. During her address to the Indian community in Algiers, President Murmu lauded their role as ambassadors of Indian culture and values. She praised their contributions to the local economy and highlighted how they have helped enhance India’s global standing. “The Indian community in Algeria is a bridge taking forward India’s interests and soft power,” she said. She expressed confidence that the community would continue to strengthen India-Algeria relations and bring pride to their home country. On the morning of October 14, President Murmu began her day by paying tribute at the Maqam Echahid Memorial, honoring the martyrs of the Algerian War of Independence. She then visited the National Museum of the Moudjahid, which commemorates Algeria’s struggle for freedom. These gestures underscored India’s respect for Algeria’s rich history of resilience and its fight against colonialism, a cause India supported at international forums during Algeria’s quest for independence. The core of President Murmu’s visit was her meeting with President Tebboune at the El Mouradia Palace. The discussions were focused on elevating the economic and strategic partnership between the two countries. Despite the current trade volume standing at $1.7 billion, both leaders acknowledged that there is ample scope for expansion, particularly in sectors like energy, construction, pharmaceuticals, and automobiles. President Murmu emphasized India’s commitment to strengthening cooperation, highlighting that mutual interests can be best served by deepening trade and investment ties. During delegation-level talks, both sides explored opportunities for collaboration in new sectors, including IT, fintech, and renewable energy. President Murmu invited Algerian companies to invest in India’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Make for the World’ initiatives, showcasing India as a hub for innovation and manufacturing. She underscored the ease of doing business in India, pointing to recent reforms that make it attractive for foreign investors.
The discussions were followed by the Algerian-Indian Economic Forum, jointly organized by the Algerian Economic Renewal Council and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). Addressing the forum, President Murmu highlighted that while bilateral trade has shown progress, it has not yet reached its full potential. She urged Indian companies to engage more actively in the Algerian market, emphasizing the opportunities offered by Algeria’s expanding economy. Her speech also covered India’s achievements in various sectors, including technology, pharmaceuticals, and space, inviting Algeria to learn from India’s experiences and collaborate on future projects. Another highlight of President Murmu’s visit was her address at Sidi Abdellah Science and Technology Pole University, where she was conferred an honorary doctorate in political science. The recognition was a testament to India’s efforts to promote education and knowledge sharing across Africa. President Murmu emphasized that India provides quality education at a fraction of the cost of Western institutions, making it accessible to students from Africa, including Algeria. She encouraged Algerian youth to take advantage of various scholarships and educational initiatives offered by India, such as the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program. Additionally, the President inaugurated the India Corner at the Hamma Botanical Garden, marking another step in cultural exchange. She planted a sapling, symbolizing the growth of India-Algeria relations. This gesture, while symbolic, reflects India’s commitment to fostering goodwill and long-term engagement with Algeria. President Murmu’s visit also carried strategic undertones, particularly in countering China’s growing influence in Algeria. India’s focus on holistic engagement, from education and culture to trade and technology, offers Algeria a broader partnership model compared to China’s infrastructure-heavy investments. By reinforcing ties in diverse sectors, India is positioning itself as a reliable and multifaceted partner for Algeria, which could help balance the competitive dynamics in the region. President Droupadi Murmu’s historic visit to Algeria has laid a robust foundation for future cooperation between the two nations. Through her engagements, she emphasized shared values, mutual respect, and the potential for economic growth. As India seeks to expand its footprint in North Africa, this visit underscores a strategic shift towards deeper, more comprehensive partnerships, moving beyond traditional trade routes and into education, technology, and culture. By nurturing these ties, India is not only enhancing its influence in Algeria but also positioning itself as a key player in the broader African region.
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