Indian VP?s visit to Senegal

News: Recently, the Indian Vice President visited Senegal and three MoUs were signed in subjects ranging from cultural exchange, cooperation in youth matters and visa free regime. 

Key Highlights: 

•  Visa-Free Regime 
•  The first MoU pertains to visa free regime  for diplomatic and official passport holders  which would facilitate seamless travel of  officials and diplomats. 

•  Bilateral Cooperation in Youth matters
•  As both nations have relatively younger population, a MoU in such matters is likely to increase sharing of information, knowledge and good practices. 

•  Diversification of Trade Basket 
• Indo-Senegalese trade saw a 37% increase to  USD 1.5 billion during last one year despite  Covid-19 pandemic. India called for diversifying trade basket, particularly in the  sectors of Agriculture, Oil & Gas, Health, Railways, Mining, Defence, green energy etc.
• In view of the large number of phosphates imported by India from Senegal, Indian companies, especially those producing heavy earth moving equipment, can offer their expertise in this area.

• E-Vidya Bharati and E-Aarogya Bharati Initiative
•  Recognizing that many African students come to India for higher studies, India called for enhanced cooperation with Senegal in implementing the E-Vidya Bharati and E-Aarogya Bharati (E-VBAB) initiative (tele-education and tele-medicine) for the larger benefit of Senegalese students.

•  UNSC membership 
• Appreciating Senegal’s support for India's permanent UNSC membership, India reiterated its  unwavering support to the Common African Position, enshrined in the Ezulwini Consensus and the  Sirte Declaration and underscored the need to rectify the historical injustice done to the African continent.
• The Ezulwini Consensus (2005) is a position on international relations and reform of the United Nations, agreed by the African Union.

• Trivia – Senegal recently won its First African Cup of Nations Title. It is a football tournament wherein  African Nations participate and compete against each other.