By Lamin Kujabi
In a bid to strengthen the bilateral cooperation between The Gambia and India, the Indian Ambassador to The Gambia based in Senegal, His Excellency Dinkar Asthana recently paid a courtesy call on His Excellency President Adama Barrow at State House.
Having met with The Gambian leader, H.E Dinkar told the press that their meeting covered discussions on The Gambia-India bilateral and multilateral relations, capacity building, trade and economic relationships, and several other significant initiatives of great interest to both countries.
He said The Gambia is a valued partner of India in West Africa. “We partner with The Gambia in many fields; we are both developing countries” He said India’s development cooperation with The Gambia included capacity buildings offers to The Gambia, according to the principle of south-south cooperation.
The Ambassador added that they had also discussed how Indian and Gambian companies and businesses could work together and how they can further the trade and economic relationship between the two countries, as well as the cultural relationship.
He diplomat said he looks forward to working with the President and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other line ministries to further strengthen and deepen the bilateral ties, and to continue the good work of his predecessor.
The Gambia has been a recipient of India’s development assistance aimed at building productive capacities, institutional strength, infrastructure development and technical expertise to create long-term sustainability. The assistance has been extended for developmental projects in the fields of construction, agriculture, water and power.
The Gambia and India are both members of the Commonwealth and share longstanding warm and friendly relations, underscoring their commitment to mutual development and cooperation.
The meeting marked a significant step towards enhancing The Gambia-India bilateral relations, with both sides optimistic about future collaboration.
