Sevala Naik Mude, additional secretary of the West and Central Africa Division of the Indian Foreign Ministry led the talks held with Wabenga Kaleo Theo, permanent secretary of the Congolese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Francophonie, head of its delegation, in which they mulled over strengthening cooperation in trade and economic relations.

Delegations of the two countries explored growing collaboration in the sectors of mining, agriculture, partnership for development, defense, science and technology, digital public infrastructure, green energy, culture and links between their peoples.

In a friendly and cordial atmosphere, the sides also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest, including cooperation in the UN and other multilateral fora.

According to New Delhi, India and the DRC have traditionally enjoyed warm and cordial relations and bilateral trade is ramping up at a healthy pace.

From 2019 to 2023, trade between the two countries skyrocketed from USD$321 million to USD$845 million, according to official figures.

The Indian Foreign Ministry assured that both New Delhi and Kinshasa are keen on exploring new routes of cooperation.

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