A warm ceremonial welcome greeted Indian Ambassador Swati Vijay Kulkarni during her visit to Laghuat, a town known as the ‘gateway to the desert’ located 400 kms from Algiers. The welcome featured the powerful ‘Baroud dance’, a celebratory display of rifles, rhythm, and cultural pride. The Baroud Dance holds significance in Algerian cultural heritage, resembling traditional Indian martial and sword dances like Chholiya, Getka, and Naga war dances.
The Indian Embassy in Algiers shared videos of the grand welcome, expressing gratitude to Dr. Mohamed Benmalek, the Hon’ble Wali (Governor) of Laghouat for the reception. India and Algeria enjoy friendly relations with collaboration in various sectors such as oil and gas, defense, and space cooperation. The bilateral trade between the two countries currently stands at USD 1.7 billion, with a focus on expanding cooperation in pharmaceuticals, higher education, energy, mining, fertilizer, and agriculture.
Algeria recently hosted the 7th Foreign Office Consultations between India and Algeria, highlighting the ongoing cooperation and the significance of high-level interactions. Both nations are keen on exploring new avenues to strengthen their partnership, building on the momentum from President Droupadi Murmu’s historic State Visit to Algeria in October 2024. The discussions encompassed political, trade, investment, capacity building, tourism, cultural cooperation, and people-to-people linkages.
The joint efforts against terrorism were emphasized, with a commitment to combat the menace together. India appreciated the warm reception of the All Party Parliamentary delegation following the Pahalgam terrorist attack. The growing trade and investment ties between India and Algeria were acknowledged with satisfaction. During the visit, MEA’s Secretary (South) engaged in discussions with Algerian Minister of Hydrocarbons and Mines, Mohamed Arkab, focusing on enhancing cooperation in hydrocarbon, phosphate, mining, and geology sectors. Meetings with the Wali (Governor) of Constantine also explored potential collaborations in pharmaceutical industries, higher education, and tourism.
