Page 42 - Diplomatists Nov

SP E CIAL REPOR T

“INDIA STANDS IN
“INDIA ST ANDS IN
SOLIDARITY WITH ITS
SOLID ARITY WITH ITS
FRIENDS IN AFRICA
FRIENDS IN AFRIC A
DURING THE PRESENT
DURING THE PRESENT
HEALTH CRISIS”
HEALTH CRISIS”

Diplomatist Business Editor, Kanchi Batra
interviewed Shri A. Ajay Kumar, High Commissioner
of India to Uganda, regarding the India-Uganda
relation and cooperation amid the COVID-19 period.

For an astute diplomat like you, having a discussed the health and economic challenges arising out of
distinguished career spanning two decades, the COVID-19 pandemic. Prime Minister assured President
serving India in various capacities, tell us about Museveni that India stands in solidarity with its friends in
your journey so far and what it means for you to Africa during the present health crisis, and would extend
serve your country? all possible support to the Ugandan Government’s eff orts to
During the two-decade-long career in Foreign Service, control the spread of the virus in its territory. The Government
I have been able to serve the country in various capacities of India gifted a consignment of medicines to the Government

in various countries while enriching myself with rich and of Uganda to help in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.
varied experience. I have been fortunate to spend a signifi cant In addition, the Indian community in Uganda was also in
portion of my career in West Asian countries, an area having the forefront to fight the pandemic and rendered immense

vibrant and enduring links with India since ancient times. contribution to the Government of Uganda.
I have served in various capacities in Iran and Bahrain for
about 9 years and as Ambassador of India to Iraq during 2014- What is the volume of Indian Investments
15. Evacuation of Indians from Iraq in 2014 in the wake of in Uganda? What are the possibilities of
terrorists take over large swathes of that country was very increasing this?
challenging and at the same time fulfi lling. With a market economy, ideal climate, ample arable
land, young and largely English-speaking population,
India and Uganda share historical relations Uganda offers numerous opportunities for investors. Uganda

spanning over a century. How is it evolving maintains a liberal trade and foreign exchange regime.
in recent years? How do you see India- During the last 5 years approximately US$ 547 million FDI
Uganda ties, going forward in the wake of the came from India. Airtel, Tata, Cipla are some of the Indian
coronavirus pandemic? What type of initiatives Companies having a major presence in Uganda. Uganda

are you planning to build with Uganda when this offers numerous opportunities for investors, hence there
crisis is over? are possibilities for India to make its investments stronger
India and Uganda share historical relations spanning over in Uganda in the field of power, agriculture, construction,

a century. Indians first came to Uganda at the beginning of infrastructure, technology and healthcare sectors.
the 20th century. Relations between India and Uganda, over
the years, have considerably broadened and deepened in areas Cooperation between India and Uganda spans
such as political, defence, economic, commercial, cultural, a range of areas like agriculture, infrastructure,
education, health and tourism. As the world was bracing technology, healthcare, education, tourism,

to face the pandemic, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi etc. Are you satisfied with the way things are
had a telephone conversation with President Yoweri Kaguta shaping? What more, according to you, needs
Museveni of the Republic of Uganda on April 9 where they to be done.

42 • Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Diplomatist • Vol 8 • Issue 9 • November 2020, Noida