Embassy of India

Abidjan

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Brief on India-Côte d’Ivoire Relations

Côte d'Ivoire, being the 9th biggest economy of Africa, stands as a key economic powerhouse in Francophone West Africa, renowned for its rich mineral resources and deep-rooted agricultural heritage. As the largest economy within the eight-member West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU), it contributes an impressive 40% of the Union’s total GDP, underscoring its vital role in the region’s economic landscape. 

Political Developments in Côte d’Ivoire

2. The current President, Alassane Ouattara, has led Côte d’Ivoire since the post-election conflict of 2010–2011. His tenure has been marked by significant economic growth and extensive infrastructure development. He secured re-election in 2015 and won a third term in the 2020 elections.

3. In the presidential elections held in October 2025, President Ouattara won a fourth term decisively, securing more than 89% of the vote. In the parliamentary elections held in December 2025 for the National Assembly, his ruling party, Rassemblement des Houphouétistes pour la Démocratie et la Paix (RHDP), won 197 out of a total of 255 seats.

4. Under his leadership, the country has experienced stability and modernization, with notable progress in key sectors such as transportation, energy, and education. As Côte d’Ivoire continues on its development path, political attention is now turning to the next presidential elections, which will shape the country’s future leadership and policy direction.

Bilateral Relations

5. The diplomatic relationship between India and Côte d'Ivoire has long been characterised by cordiality and friendliness. India established its Embassy in Abidjan in 1979, and in September 2004, Côte d'Ivoire opened its Resident Mission in New Delhi.

6. India and Côte d'Ivoire share common values and collaborate on key global issues such as sustainable development, climate change, international terrorism, and disarmament. Since 2014, Côte d'Ivoire has designated India as its focal partner in ICT, agriculture, health, mining, and infrastructure, underscoring the importance of bilateral cooperation. In recent years, India's commitment to strengthening ties has been evident through high-level engagements.

7. India and Côte d'Ivoire support each other in the United Nations and other international organisations, particularly during elections. Côte d'Ivoire has consistently backed India’s positions on key issues such as terrorism, Jammu and Kashmir, and non-interference in internal affairs. In 2020, it also ratified the amended version of the International Solar Alliance.

8. The National Assembly of Côte d’Ivoire established the Côte d'Ivoire-India Parliamentary Friendship Group in July 2022. Members of the Friendship Group come from various political parties, and the group is led by Mr. Pascal Affi N'Guessen, former prime minister and current president of the Ivorian Popular Front (FPI), an opposition political party.

Trade and Commerce

9. India and Côte d’Ivoire have strong trade ties, with India importing cashew, natural rubber, cotton, and teak wood while exporting rice, vehicle parts, medicines, and jute bags. Bilateral trade figures during the last five years are as below:

Bilateral Trade                                                                         (in million US$)

Top Imports from Côte d’Ivoire to India (April 2025-January 2026)

1. Rubber and articles – $ 254.03M
2. Fruits and nuts – $243.97M
3. Cotton – $31.66M
4. Wood and articles – $20.14M
5. Copper and articles - $8.47M

Top Exports from India to Côte d’Ivoire (April 2025-January 2026)

1. Rice – $269.54M
2. Vehicles- $95.80M
3. Machinery - $55.84M
   4.Drugs formulations, biologicals - $47.53M 

5. Plastic and articles - $23.18M

Development Partnership

10. Bilateral relations between India and Côte d’Ivoire have strengthened through expanding South-South Cooperation. During the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2021, India gifted 50,000 doses of Made-in-India Covishield vaccines to the Ivorian government and people. Additionally, Indian-manufactured vaccines were supplied to Côte d’Ivoire under the COVAX initiative.

11. India has extended loans worth US$ 422 million to Côte d’Ivoire through direct Lines of Credit(LOC), Buyer’s Credit under the National Export Insurance Account(NEIA), and projects funded visa the ECOWAS Bank of Investment and Development(EBID)

Capacity Building and Human Resource Development

12. The Mission has developed strong people-to-people linkages through various initiatives of the Government of India. Each year, over 180 training slots are offered to Côte d’Ivoire under the ITEC Programme. In addition, the ICCR provides around 15 scholarships for undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD studies in India. Many Ivorians have also benefited from training under the IAFS mechanism, the CV Raman Fellowship, and the PAN African e-Network Project through distance learning programmes.

13. India has emerged as a preferred destination for higher education, particularly in ICT, as well as in Commerce and Management, attracting over 200 Ivorian students annually. India has also become a preferred destination for medical tourism among Ivorians, offering affordable and high-quality healthcare services, including surgeries, diagnostics, and wellness therapies.

Culture

14. Indian television serials and movies, dubbed in French, have been popular in Côte d’Ivoire since the 1950s. At present, Indian films are screened fortnightly in a rented cinema hall in Abidjan, mainly attended by members of the Indian diaspora. Yoga is also gaining popularity among Ivorians. With the support of ICCR, Mission has appointed a yoga teacher who conducts regular daily classes at the Embassy premises. These sessions are well attended by both local residents and the Indian community. In addition, yoga classes are organised at various locations across Abidjan, including at ECEME Ivorian School, where the Mission has also introduced beginner-level Hindi classes. The Mission is also in touch with local universities to introduce yoga as part of the curriculum.

Indian Community

15. There are around 6,000 Indian nationals residing in Côte d’Ivoire. Most are engaged in trading and general merchandise businesses, while some are involved in mining and manufacturing. A number of Indians are also working with the African Development Bank. Organisations such as ISKCON, Geeta Ashram, and Art of Living have a presence in Abidjan. The Indian community also frequents a temple in the city. There are a few Indian restaurants in Abidjan, and community members regularly organise gatherings to celebrate major Indian festivals.

(Last updated: April 2026)