India Names VSDL Surendra as New High Commissioner to Gabon
New Delhi [India], November 29 : VSDL Surendra, a distinguished Indian Foreign Service Officer, has been appointed as the next High Commissioner of India to the Gabonese Republic. The announcement was made by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a press release on Thursday.
India and Gabon have historically shared warm and friendly relations, a partnership that dates back to the pre-independence era of Gabon. The Gabonese embassy in India was established in New Delhi in 2008, as highlighted in the MEA statement.
Over the years, Gabon has been a steadfast ally of India in international forums, consistently supporting India’s candidatures when required. Gabon was among the first countries to sign and ratify the International Solar Alliance (ISA) framework agreement. Both nations have also mutually backed each other’s bids for non-permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), with India securing the position for 2021-22 and Gabon for 2022-23.
Currently, approximately 1,000 to 1,200 Indians reside in Gabon, contributing to various sectors such as infrastructure development, trading, timber and metal scrap exports, manganese mining, travel, and tourism.
In line with India’s growing outreach under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third term, the government announced the establishment of new Indian missions in several countries, including Gabon. This initiative underscores India’s commitment to strengthening ties with nations across the globe.
Prime Minister Modi has emphasized the importance of collaboration among countries of the Global South. Speaking at the third edition of the ‘Voice of the Global South’ Summit, he highlighted the need for unity and mutual support. “Let’s learn from one another’s experiences, share our capabilities, and together transform our resolutions into success,” he stated.
The Prime Minister further reiterated, “I believe that our strength lies in our unity, and with the strength of this unity, we will move towards a new direction.”
The appointment of VSDL Surendra is expected to further enhance the strategic and diplomatic partnership between India and Gabon, fostering closer cooperation and shared growth.
