As part of the 4th Africa-India Forum Summit scheduled for May 31, 2026, in New Delhi, the Ambassador of India to Benin arrived in Cotonou last Saturday to deliver India’s official invitation to His Excellency the President of the Republic of Benin. Upon landing at the Bernardin Gantin Airport in Cotonou, Abhishek Singhaddressed the media in an interview. The diplomat noted, among other things, that although Benin is far from India, the two nations have maintained excellent bilateral and diplomatic relations for many years.
(Below is the full text of the interview with the Ambassador of India to Benin)
What are your first impressions upon stepping onto Beninese soil ?
I am very excited to return to Benin, a country with which we share excellent relations. I have arrived with a very specific objective.
What is that objective ?
As you likely know, India will host the 4th Africa-India Forum Summit (IAFS IV) on May 31, 2026, at the iconic Bharat Mandapam Convention Center. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited the Beninese President, and we would be sincerely honored to have him alongside India for this major event. I am aware that the newly elected president will be sworn in on May 24, and I am eager to make this trip with His Excellency Romuald Wadagni, who will by then be installed in his duties as President of the Republic.
What are the promises of this IAFS IV summit ?
This 4th summit is very significant because it comes after a 10-year hiatus. IAFS IV will be a high-level forum where several African Heads of State and Government will travel to New Delhi to engage in leadership discussions regarding security, political, and economic issues. They will also discuss the development of partnerships, particularly regarding bilateral relations between Benin and India.
At the end of the IAFS IV summit, will there be a roadmap ?
Certainly. When leaders meet, they discuss the Africa-India vision and make commitments. Within the context of West Africa and ECOWAS countries, Benin is a very important nation for us, and we are very happy to be able to invite your new president to this summit.
Why is Benin so important to you ?
Although Benin is far from India, if you look from independence to the present day, our two states have enjoyed excellent bilateral and diplomatic relations. We are particularly proud of Benin, which recently held democratic and peaceful elections. As you know, I represent the world’s largest democracy, and seeing that democracy in West Africa is so deeply rooted in Benin is truly a pleasure.
Is this forum also aimed at businesspeople and educational entities, or does it focus solely on Heads of State ?
There will be several meetings during this historic gathering. On the sidelines of the summit, we will have an economic dialogue. Several Beninese businesspeople have been invited to participate thanks to the efforts of the Honorary Consul of India in Cotonou, Mr. Gobind B. Manglani. He is a successful Indian businessman who has lived in Benin for about 30 years. There are many other Indians who have made Benin their home and affectionately call it their native land. They contribute to the development of the national economy, and of course, Benin has offered them legendary hospitality.
With the summit just a few days away, do you have an important message for the stakeholders ?
In this period of great global upheaval, we must have a pragmatic and cooperative approach with all countries on the African continent. It is a significant opening when the world’s largest democracy engages with a continent full of great promise—perhaps the greatest of all—to build a bright future together.
✍️ Interview by GKF
