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Both the countries have a democratic form of governance and enjoy cordial and friendly relations. India opened its Embassy in Nouakchott on 21 June 2021 and the first Resident Ambassador of India to Mauritania assumed charge on 3 May and presented his credentials on 21 May 2024. Mauritania is expected to open its Mission in New Delhi later this year. India provides substantial developmental, human resource development and infrastructural aid to Mauritania. The Government of Mauritania looks forward to further multi-faceted strengthening of its relationship with India, especially in port/s development, oil exploration, mining, power, agricultural, pharmaceuticals, engineering and educational sectors. The country is developing its port city of Nouadhibou in a big way and is inviting investors with attractive incentives.
Bilateral Agreements:
2. Four bilateral agreements were signed on 16 October 2024 during the Hon’ble President of India’s visit to Nouakchott, Mauritania: (i) bilateral visa waiver agreement for holders of diplomatic and official passports; (ii) Protocol on Foreign Office Consultations; (ii) MoU between SSIFS and Diplomatic Academy of Mauritania; and (iv) Cultural Exchange Programme.
Bilateral Visits:
3. Hon’ble President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu paid the first-ever historic State to visit to Nouakchott, Mauritania on 16 October 2024 and held tete-e-tete with President of Mauritania followed by delegation level talks. The President of Mauritania hosted a banquet dinner in honour of the Hon’ble President. The Foreign Minister of Mauritania paid a courtesy call on the Hon’ble President. Hon’ble Rashtrapatiji addressed the Indian community. Four bilateral agreements listed above were signed during the visit.
4. A three-member delegation led by Secretary (ER) paid an official visit to Nouakchott on 21- 22 March, 2024. During the visit Secretary (ER) called on the President H.E. Mr. Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani; Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Mauritanians Abroad; Minister of Agriculture and jointly addressed the Inaugural session of the first bilateral Foreign Office Consultations (FOCs). This was the first ever visit by an Indian official at the Secretary level since independence of Mauritania in 1960. During the visit, issues of mutual interests, including close engagement in the fields of economic cooperation, trade & investment and capacity building were discussed.
5. The FOCs jointly led by AS (C&WA) and his counterpart Director General Mohamed El Hanchi Kettab in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relations, particularly in the areas of economic cooperation and exchanged views on multilateral issues and developments in the Sahel region.
6. The Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development of Mauritania joined the 1st virtual Voice of Global South Summit hosted by India on 13 January 2023. The then Mauritanian Minister of Health, Ms. Naha Mint Hamdi Ould Mouknass also participated in the 2nd Voice of Global South Summit hosted by India on 17 November 2023. Dr. Yacoub Moine, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research participated in the 3rd VOGSS 3.0 Education Session virtually. The Hon’ble Minister shared his video message for the Session on 17 August 2024.
7. On the invitation of our Hon’ble Defence Minister, the Defense Minister of Mauritania participated at the India-Africa Defence Dialogue (IADD) on the sidelines of Def Expo from 18-22 October 2022 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Both the Ministers held bilateral discussions.
8. At the invitation of the Prime Minister of India, the President of Mauritania, accompanied by a high level Ministerial/official delegation attended the 3rd India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-III) in New Delhi in October 2015.
Lines of Credit:
9. India has extended a Line of Credit (LOC) of value aggregating US$ 21.8 million to Mauritania towards agro-industries (milk processing plant) and drinking water projects.
ITEC/ICCR/PCFD Training Slots:
10. The number of ITEC slots offered to Mauritania for 2023-24 is 7, two for defence and five civilian slots. One ICCR scholarship is offered to Mauritania every year. During the FY 2023-2024, two Mauritanian candidates attended the ITEC courses. The language remains a barrier in availing the full ITEC quota by Mauritania. One candidate also attended the PCFD training course conducted by FSI in April, 2024.
Pan-African e-Network Project:
11. The Pan-African e-Network Project, set up by Telecommunications Consultants India Limited (TCIL), was operational in Mauritania. The next phase of programme in the form of e-VidyaBharati and e-AarogyaBharati (e-VBAB) Network Project has been offered to Mauritania.
Bilateral Trade and investment:
Bilateral Trade:
12. India’s main exports to Mauritania are cereals (and related products), pharma, plastic products, cotton, ceramic, Iron and steel articles, boilers and related mechanical appliances, electrical, chemical products, and non-railway vehicles etc. Mauritania’s main exports to India include iron and steel, copper, aluminum, electrical machinery etc.
Total bilateral Trade : US$ 115.54 million (2023-24)
India’s Import from Mauritania : US$ 19.16 million (2023-24)
India’s Export to Mauritania : US$ 96.38 million (2023-24)
13. There is vast potential for Indian investors in Mauritania, especially in the fields of hydrogen, solar and wind energy, hydrocarbons, oil exploration, fishing, mining, phosphate, gold, iron ore, lithium, uranium, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, machinery, human resource development and power generation.
14. In mining, Mauritania has potential with more than 900 mining and mineral indices listed, particularly for iron, copper, gold, phosphate, quartz, diamond, chromium, gypsum, manganese, lithium, lead, zinc, uranium, platinum group elements, rare earths, black sands, salts and peats.
15. The Mauritanian Government’s investment and development strategy emphasizes private sector development, which is seen as the main engine of economic growth. Privatization, liberalization, and investment incentives figure prominently in Mauritania’s World Bank and IMF structural reform programmes. Foreign investment is welcome in most sectors. The Investment Code uses privatization and liberalization to encourage foreign investors and guarantees companies the freedom to transfer most capital and wages abroad. The volume and value of bilateral trade between the two countries is insignificant. However, there is potential for growth, especially when Mauritania is a resource-rich country, especially the extractive natural resources, including oil that await exploration, production and value addition. The Government of Mauritania has embarked on a programme for the large-scale integrated development of Nouadhibou Free Zone for development of Nouadhibou Bay and offers many incentives
Indian Investments in Mauritania:
16. Indian companies have presence in mining, power, vehicles, fishing, iron and steel in the country. Some Indian companies are also involved in projects executions under LoC/Buyer’s Credit schemes extended to Mauritania by India and other international organizations. Indian origin commodities are commonly seen at market places. Indian fabric is particularly used for a popular traditional dress worn by Mauritanian women.
Mauritanian Investments in India:
17. Mauritania has no known investment enterprises in India. It is a least developed country (LDC) heavily reliant on foreign aid.
Mauritania’s Primary Exports/Imports:
18. Major exports are Iron ore, fish & fish products, gold and copper. Its major imports are machinery and equipment, petroleum products, capital goods, foodstuffs, consumer goods, etc.
Culture
19. The culture of Mauritania is a confluence of many influences, both indigenous (the ancient Berber people, the Moors) and external (the French), especially visible in music and cuisine. Mauritanian music is a tradition carried down by the Moors. In the earlier times, musicians formed the lowest rung of society and performed for anyone who paid them. Today, the music arena is more refined, but the use of Moor instruments such as the four-stringed lute and the kettle drum continue.
20. While French is commonly spoken and understood by all, Arabic is the official language of Mauritania. Also Fula, Soninke, and Wolof are recognized as national languages. The Moors speak Hassniyyah Arabic, a dialect that draws most of its grammar from Arabic and uses a vocabulary of both Arabic and Arabized Amazigh words.
21. The composition and recitation of poetry, both in classical forms and in the Hassaniyyah dialect, have traditionally been amongst the distinguishing marks of high culture in Saharan desert society.
22. One strong feature of Mauritanian society is that it is composed of a community of diverse ethnic groups that are hierarchical in social structure and strongly differentiated. Islam as a religion is shared by all ethnic groups in the country and has served as a centripetal force in creating a national culture.
23. Similarly, Mauritanian cuisine is an amalgamation of several influences. While many dishes and ingredients like dried meats, grilled goat, sheep and couscous clearly point at Berber and Moorish origins, there are also more modern formulations like baked goods and French pastries.
24. Indian Films/TV serials and Indian dresses are popular in Mauritania. Some Indophiles from Mauritania follow Bollywood stars and their films. There are many similarities between Mauritanian and Indian culture. Like women’s dress ‘Malafa’ is very similar to saree; ancestors are honored; cemeteries are respected and feared; strong family ties; Joint families; institution of marriage is strong; the entire community engages in teaching social values to children as they grow up. Respect for the elders, maintenance of the family honor, good hospitality, patience, virtue, belief in God, are some of the values taught to the children.
Indian Community in Mauritania:
25. While the registered Indians with the Embassy is less than 100 and local government has not shared any data in this regard, unconfirmed sources indicate that currently, the number of Indians in Mauritania is estimated to be around 150 (mostly expatriates). Indian presence is evident in the mining, power, pharmaceuticals, oil and gas exploration, construction and agro industrial sectors. Majority are expats working in Indian and foreign companies in Mauritania. Some Indians are also working in UN and other multilateral bodies.
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1 November 2024
