New Delhi
28 April 2011
India has sought to balance its traditionally strong ties with Sudan by reaching
out to South Sudan, which is set to become the world's newest nation on July 9.
Over 98 per cent of the people of southern Sudan had voted for secession from the north
in the January 9 referendum.
This week India hosted foreign minister Ali Ahmed Karti of Sudan and Ms Pricilla Joseph
Kuch, minister in the office of president of South Sudan.
An Indian delegation comprising officials from various ministries was expected to soon
travel to Khartoum and Juba, the capitals of Sudan and South Sudan, respectively, to
explore possible areas of cooperation.
New Delhi assured Sudan that it will continue to partner it in its development, particularly
capacity-building and infrastructure.
For his part, Mr Karti sought India's help in lifting of economic sanctions which the US
had imposed on it in 1997.
"[I] requested support from India to our Sudanese situation," Mr Karti said, after his
meetings with Vice President Hamid Ansari and external affairs minister SM Krishna.
He spoke about attracting Indian investments in the oil, agriculture, mining,
manufacturing, food processing and livestock sectors of Sudan's economy.
"Country is open for you [and] hands are open to embrace you in Sudan," Mr Karti added.
In a separate meeting with Mr Krishna, Ms Kuch was understood to have assured him
that South Sudan would honour the oil contracts and agreements pertaining to India.
India is undivided Sudan's third largest partner in the oil sector.
India, which was one of the first countries in 2007 to open a consulate in Juba, was
expected to upgrade it to an embassy.
Sudan borders nine countries and therefore investing in Sudan would mean a gateway to
more markets around it. Sudan was also a member of the Common Market for Eastern
and Southern Africa or Comesa.
Mr Karti also pointed out that foreign investments were facilitated under the direct
supervision of President Umar Hassan Ahmad al-Bashir. The president chairs the
supreme council of investment of Sudan, which has ministers and governors of
provinces as its members.
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