President Droupadi Murmu is on a three-nation tour to Algeria, Mauritania, and Malawi
In a significant diplomatic event, President Droupadi Murmu made a historic visit to Mauritania on October 16, 2024. This marked the first-ever visit by an Indian President to the West African nation, a testament to the growing relationship between India and Mauritania. The visit is part of President Murmu’s broader three-nation tour, which includes stops in Algeria, Mauritania, and Malawi.

Upon her arrival at Nouakchott-Oumtounsy Airport, President Murmu was warmly welcomed by the President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, Mohamed Ould Ghazouani. A ceremonial reception was held in her honor, symbolizing the importance of the visit in enhancing bilateral ties.

Strengthening Diplomatic Relations: Key Talks and MoUs

The highlight of President Murmu’s visit was her meeting with President Ghazouani at the Presidential Palace in Nouakchott. During the delegation-level talks, both leaders engaged in wide-ranging discussions aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two nations. The talks focused on key areas such as economic collaboration, human resource development, and cultural exchange.

A significant outcome of the visit was the signing and exchange of four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between India and Mauritania. These MoUs aim to foster cooperation in the following areas:
Training of Diplomats: Strengthening the professional capabilities of diplomats from both nations.
Cultural Exchange: Promoting cultural understanding and collaboration through bilateral initiatives.
Visa Exemption: Facilitating ease of travel for diplomatic and official passport holders between India and Mauritania.
Foreign Office Consultations: Enhancing dialogue between the foreign ministries of the two countries to ensure smooth diplomatic communication.

President Murmu also took the opportunity to engage with the Indian community in Mauritania, recognizing their vital contributions to both Mauritania’s and India’s socio-economic development. In a special reception hosted by the Indian Ambassador to Mauritania, the President praised the small but vibrant Indian diaspora for their skills, expertise, and hard work, which she noted are critical not only to the development of Mauritania but also to India’s progress.

“We are rapidly moving toward our goal of making India a developed nation by 2047,” President Murmu said, addressing the diaspora. “And our diaspora family is a very important factor in this process.”

The President expressed her gratitude to the government and people of Mauritania for their support of the Indian community, highlighting the friendly and inclusive spirit that has allowed the Indian diaspora to prosper in the country.

Shared Values and Future Collaboration

During her address, President Murmu also underscored the cultural similarities between India and Mauritania, citing the strong family ties, respect for elders, and the value placed on social traditions in both countries. “There are many similarities between the cultures of Mauritania and India, from clothing styles to the values passed on to children,” she observed.

She further pointed out the immense potential for cooperation between India and Mauritania in sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, health, education, skill development, and digital innovation. The President noted that India could contribute significantly to Mauritania’s development in these areas, further strengthening the bilateral relationship.

Mauritania, with its vast natural resources, including significant deposits of iron ore, copper, and other minerals, holds strategic importance for India’s growing industries. India, in turn, is one of Mauritania’s key trading partners, with exports to Mauritania including pharmaceuticals, electrical machinery, and iron and steel products.
In addition to her meeting with President Ghazouani, President Murmu also met with the Mauritanian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, and Mauritanians Abroad, Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug. 

“The President said that this first-ever State Visit from India to Mauritania will help lay the foundation for closer bilateral cooperation across various sectors,” read a statement from the Indian President’s office.

India’s relationship with Mauritania has been steadily growing, with Indian expatriates playing a key role in sectors such as mining, power, pharmaceuticals, and construction in the country. 

President Murmu’s visit to Mauritania is seen as a landmark moment in India-Mauritania relations. It opens up new avenues for collaboration and sets the stage for deeper cooperation in areas of mutual interest. As India looks toward its goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047, partnerships with countries like Mauritania will be instrumental in realizing that vision.

The President’s visit not only celebrates the historical connection between India and Mauritania but also reaffirms India’s commitment to engaging with African nations on a deeper, more meaningful level. As President Murmu continues her journey to Malawi, the final leg of her three-nation African tour (Algeria was the first leg), the foundation has been laid for a brighter, more collaborative future between India and Mauritania.