India-CAR bilateral talks: Ambassador Venkataraman meets PM Moloua in Bangui
Synopsis
India's newly accredited Ambassador to the Central African Republic, Vajapayajula Venkataraman, held back-to-back diplomatic meetings in Bangui on 16 July — presenting credentials to President Touadera and holding bilateral talks with PM Moloua. The flurry of engagements signals a deliberate push to deepen India-CAR ties as New Delhi expands its diplomatic footprint across Africa.
Key Takeaways
India's Ambassador Vajapayajula Venkataraman met CAR Prime Minister Felix Moloua in Bangui on 16 July to discuss enhancing bilateral relations.
Ambassador Venkataraman presented his Credentials Letters to CAR President Faustin-Archange Touadera on the same day, formally establishing his diplomatic accreditation.
He is accredited to CAR with residence in Kinshasa, DRC .
On Tuesday , he also presented copies of his credentials to Economy Minister Marc Mandaba , signalling interest in trade and development ties.
India has contributed troops to MINUSCA — the UN stabilisation mission in CAR — since 2014 , deploying Formed Police Units and military observers.
According to the MEA , CAR generally supports India's candidature at international forums, and both nations are keen to strengthen existing relations.
India's Ambassador to the Central African Republic (CAR), Vajapayajula Venkataraman, on Thursday, 16 July held talks with Felix Moloua, Prime Minister and Head of Government of CAR, at the latter's office in Bangui, in a bid to strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations. The meeting marks a significant step in India's diplomatic engagement with the landlocked Central African nation.
Credentials Presented to President Touadera
Earlier the same day, Ambassador Venkataraman formally presented his Credentials Letters to Faustin-Archange Touadera, President of the Central African Republic, accrediting him as India's envoy to CAR with his official residence in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Indian Embassy in the DRC confirmed the development, noting that the credentials formally establish Venkataraman's diplomatic standing in Bangui.
Earlier Outreach to Economy Minister
On Tuesday, ahead of the formal credential presentation, Ambassador Venkataraman had also presented copies of his credentials to Marc Mandaba, CAR's Minister of Economy, Planning and International Cooperation. The outreach to the economy ministry signals India's interest in exploring potential cooperation in trade and development alongside the broader diplomatic relationship.
State of India-CAR Relations
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India and the Central African Republic enjoy friendly relations, with CAR generally supporting India's candidature at various international forums. Both governments have expressed keenness to deepen existing ties. Notably, India has contributed troops to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) since 2014, deploying Formed Police Units (FPUs) and military observers — a commitment that underscores New Delhi's long-standing stake in the country's stability.
CAR's Strategic Context
The Central African Republic is a landlocked nation at the heart of Central Africa, sharing borders with Cameroon, Chad, Sudan, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Republic of the Congo. Despite its rich natural resources, the country has faced prolonged political instability, making sustained international partnerships — including India's peacekeeping presence — particularly consequential. As India expands its diplomatic footprint across Africa, the renewed engagement with Bangui fits a broader pattern of New Delhi strengthening ties with resource-rich and strategically positioned African states.
Point of View
India's re-engagement is timely but will need to move beyond courtesy calls to structured cooperation frameworks. The outreach to the Economy Minister alongside the President and Prime Minister suggests New Delhi is at least signalling that intent.
NationPress
16 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did India's Ambassador visit the Central African Republic?
India's Ambassador Vajapayajula Venkataraman visited Bangui to formally present his credentials to CAR President Faustin-Archange Touadera and to hold bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Felix Moloua on strengthening India-CAR relations. The visits mark the formal commencement of his diplomatic tenure accredited to CAR.
What is the current state of India-CAR relations?
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, India and the Central African Republic enjoy friendly relations. CAR generally supports India's candidature at international forums, and both countries have expressed a desire to deepen existing ties.
How has India contributed to peace in the Central African Republic?
India has deployed troops to MINUSCA, the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in the Central African Republic, since 2014. The contribution includes Formed Police Units (FPUs) and military observers.
Where is India's Ambassador to CAR based?
India's Ambassador to the Central African Republic, Vajapayajula Venkataraman, is accredited to CAR with his official residence in Kinshasa, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Which CAR officials did the Indian Ambassador meet?
Ambassador Venkataraman met three senior CAR officials: President Faustin-Archange Touadera, to whom he presented his credentials; Prime Minister Felix Moloua, with whom he discussed bilateral ties; and Economy Minister Marc Mandaba, to whom he presented copies of his credentials on Tuesday.
