India and Sudan recently conducted the ninth round of Foreign Office Consultations in Port Sudan, focusing on enhancing bilateral relations across various sectors. The discussions involved reviewing progress since the last consultation, emphasizing cooperation in trade, capacity building, and human resource development, particularly in areas like health, education, mining, agriculture, and SMEs. Additionally, both nations exchanged views on regional matters of common interest.
During a meeting in New Delhi earlier this year, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Sudanese counterpart Mohieldin Salim Ahmed Ibrahim discussed the importance of ending violence in Sudan and promoting dialogue. They also highlighted the ongoing humanitarian support, educational exchanges, and capacity-building initiatives between the two countries, expressing commitment to further collaborations in these areas.
The historical ties between India and Sudan trace back to ancient times, with evidence suggesting interactions and potential trade links between the Nilotic and Indus Valley civilizations around 5,000 years ago through Mesopotamia. Notably, the first Sudanese Parliamentary elections in 1953 were overseen by Sukumar Sen, who was then India’s Chief Election Commissioner. Furthermore, Indian election norms and laws significantly influenced the Sudanese Election Commission in 1957, and India established diplomatic representation in Khartoum in 1955.
