India and Benin Hold Talks to Expand Bilateral Cooperation

India and Benin discuss stronger cooperation in defence, healthcare, agriculture and economic development, while reaffirming commitments to capacity building and people-to-people exchanges.

India and Benin have held high-level discussions in Porto-Novo to strengthen bilateral cooperation across defence, healthcare, agriculture and economic development. The talks took place between Indian Ambassador to Benin Abhishek Singh and Benin’s Vice President Mariam Chabi Talata. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening diplomatic relations, expanding development partnerships and promoting people-to-people exchanges.

During the meeting, Ambassador Singh conveyed greetings from Indian Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan. The discussions focused on expanding economic cooperation, strengthening development partnerships, promoting capacity-building initiatives and identifying additional areas for collaboration.

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Defence cooperation was another key area of engagement. In a separate meeting, Singh met Benin’s Minister Delegate for National Defence, Gildas Agonkan, to discuss security collaboration, training assistance and institutional partnerships. The discussions highlighted opportunities to strengthen the capabilities of Benin’s armed forces through continued cooperation with India.

Beninese armed forces personnel regularly participate in training programmes at Indian defence institutions under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme. Benin has also participated in military exercises and other defence-related events hosted by India.

Earlier in 2026, a Beninese naval delegation took part in the International Fleet Review and MILAN maritime exercises held in Visakhapatnam from February 15 to 20. These engagements provided opportunities for professional interaction and closer cooperation between the two countries’ armed forces.

India and Benin have maintained diplomatic relations since 1962, with cooperation spanning trade, development assistance, education, healthcare and capacity building. India is a major trading partner for Benin, with bilateral trade reaching approximately $1.33 billion in the 2024-25 financial year, according to India’s Ministry of External Affairs.

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The latest discussions reflect both countries’ efforts to expand their partnership beyond traditional areas of engagement. By strengthening cooperation in defence, health, agriculture and development, India and Benin aim to identify opportunities that support economic growth, institutional capacity and shared development priorities.