At a time when India is recalibrating its foreign policy to forge stronger economic linkages with emerging markets, a diplomatic forum organized by the Indian Economic Trade Organization (IETO) in Chennai has become a crucial node in that engagement. On July 21, 2025, Her Excellency Mrs. Ildjima Badda Mallot, Ambassador of the Republic of Chad to India, participated in a focused discussion on “Chad Vision 2030” — the Central African nation’s blueprint for sustainable growth and governance reform.

The event, held at Hotel Ramada, reflected growing momentum in India–Africa economic diplomacy, moving beyond traditional aid frameworks to foster long-term trade and investment partnerships. With participation from Indian business leaders, government representatives, and think tank experts, the forum explored tangible areas of bilateral collaboration, placing emphasis on infrastructure, energy, education, and healthcare.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador Badda Mallot outlined the goals of Chad Vision 2030 — a strategic national agenda that seeks to reposition the country through institutional reform, infrastructure development, social inclusion, and regional integration. She emphasized Chad’s readiness to embrace global partnerships and identified India as a natural ally in the transformation process.

“Chad’s Vision 2030 rests on three pillars — peace, inclusive development, and economic resilience,” the ambassador noted. “We are engaging international stakeholders not just as financiers, but as long-term partners in our developmental journey. India, with its experience in institution-building and South–South cooperation, holds unique relevance for us.”

The diplomat’s address was both strategic and candid — highlighting Chad’s need for reliable infrastructure, increased electricity access, agricultural technology, and vocational education, while calling upon Indian entrepreneurs to explore opportunities through joint ventures, knowledge transfer, and on-ground execution.

Chad, which is rich in natural resources including oil and uranium, remains underdeveloped in many sectors due to historic instability and infrastructural challenges. However, its leadership today is pushing for a diversified economic base, especially through agribusiness, telecom expansion, and renewable energy adoption. India, which has already made inroads through telecom exports and pharmaceutical supply chains in Africa, is well-positioned to expand its footprint.

Dr. Asif Iqbal, President of the Indian Economic Trade Organization, attended the event as Guest of Honour and echoed the ambassador’s sentiments. “India’s engagement with Africa must now evolve into multi-dimensional partnerships. It is not enough to trade goods; we must co-create value systems, support capacity building, and enable entrepreneurship across borders,” he said.

Dr. Iqbal also emphasized the strategic fit between Chad’s development goals and India’s core competencies. “From frugal innovation to infrastructure financing, India has much to offer Chad, and forums like these help catalyze trust and clarity,” he added.

One of the notable proposals that emerged from the discussions was the creation of a Chad–India Economic Forum — a dedicated bilateral platform aimed at enabling structured economic dialogue, policy consultation, and business facilitation. According to IETO, this mechanism would help Indian investors better understand Chad’s legal, regulatory, and financial ecosystems, while offering Chadian counterparts access to Indian technologies and technical expertise.

There are also plans underway to organize an Indian business delegation visit to N’Djamena later this year, aimed at conducting feasibility assessments and initiating joint venture talks in sectors such as solar electrification, digital education, and rural healthcare.

In line with India’s broader African engagement policy — which includes extending lines of credit, offering capacity-building programs under ITEC, and supporting African Union developmental priorities — the Chennai dialogue reinforces the need for deeper sub-national and sectoral partnerships.

Chad, for its part, is increasingly seeking diversified investors and technical collaborators beyond its traditional European allies. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), of which Chad is a signatory, also presents an opportunity for Indian businesses to establish regional hubs and re-export capacities within Central and West Africa.

Education emerged as a key area of interest. Ambassador Mallot praised the Indian higher education system and suggested increased scholarships and institutional tie-ups to help Chadian students and professionals gain access to skill-building opportunities. She also expressed interest in collaborative programs in medical education, nursing, and IT training.

Telecommunications and agriculture also found mention during the dialogue, with participants discussing the need for mobile connectivity in rural Chad and the potential for Indian agri-tech startups to offer scalable solutions.

As the forum concluded, participants agreed on the need for regular follow-ups, digital connectivity between trade bodies, and more visibility for Chad within India’s investment narrative. While the bilateral trade volumes remain modest, forums like this serve as a pivot for building trust, identifying entry points, and shaping a new model of South–South engagement.

With India’s Africa strategy gradually shifting from aid to investment, and with African nations like Chad actively seeking diversified partnerships for nation-building, the stage appears set for a more dynamic, forward-looking Indo-Chadian partnership. And for institutions like IETO, the role of enabler and bridge-builder is only growing more vital.