Diplomatist Magazine conducted an interview with Vishal Mehta, Honorary Consul of Djibouti and CEO, Pankaj Transport & Rushabh Sealink Logistic Pvt. Ltd. Mr. Mehta shared insights into his vision for strengthening India-Djibouti relations, leveraging his extensive expertise in logistics and trade to foster economic and diplomatic partnerships. In his new role, he emphasised the potential for India to access East African markets through Djibouti’s strategic port. Additionally, he discussed sustainability measures in logistics and offered advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, underscoring his commitment to resilient, forward-thinking business practices.
This year, you were appointed as the Honorary Consul of Djibouti in Mumbai. Can you share the significance of this role and your vision for fostering India-Djibouti relations?
As the newly appointed Honorary Consul of Djibouti in Mumbai, my role is a significant bridge between India and Djibouti, aimed at fostering and deepening the economic, cultural, and diplomatic ties between our two nations. Maharashtra, especially with major ports like the Mumbai Port and Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT), plays a crucial role in India’s export activities, accounting for a substantial share of the country’s international trade. Djibouti, with its strategic position as Africa’s second-busiest port, is a gateway to the continent, facilitating extensive trade flows across Africa.
However, what has been missing is a dedicated representative of Djibouti to connect with India’s vibrant business community, government officials, and the shipping and logistics sector. My appointment fills this gap, allowing me to act as an advocate for Djibouti across these platforms, promoting opportunities and fostering collaborations.
With over 20 years of experience in the shipping and logistics industries, I bring a deep understanding of trade dynamics, which will enable me to facilitate stronger partnerships and seamless trade between India and Djibouti. My commitment is to work diligently towards enhancing both diplomatic and business relationships, ensuring mutually beneficial growth for both countries.
Given the strategic location of Djibouti, what potential opportunities do you see for Indian businesses looking to expand into East Africa through Djibouti?
Djibouti’s strategic location offers Indian businesses an exceptional gateway into East Africa and beyond, providing direct access to a growing market that includes Ethiopia, Rwanda, South Sudan, and neighbouring countries. As East Africa’s second-largest and busiest port, Djibouti serves as the main maritime hub for landlocked countries like Ethiopia, which relies on it for around 90% of its imports. This makes Djibouti an ideal starting point for Indian companies looking to establish or expand their presence in the region.
There are promising opportunities in sectors such as low-cost housing, pharmaceuticals, solar energy, and infrastructure development, particularly in port and road construction. With Djibouti’s demand for affordable housing and healthcare on the rise, Indian companies in these sectors can leverage their expertise to meet the needs of this growing market. The development of renewable energy infrastructure also presents significant potential, as Djibouti aims to increase energy security and sustainability.
As a member of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), Djibouti offers access to a market of over 500 million people, enabling Indian businesses to tap into high-demand areas across the region. By capitalizing on Djibouti’s well-established port facilities and strategic location, Indian companies can expand their influence and market reach throughout East Africa.
In my role, I am committed to promoting and facilitating Indian investments in Djibouti, ensuring that businesses have the guidance and resources they need to successfully establish a strong presence in this strategically important and opportunity-rich region.
What are some of the key milestones and achievements of your company in the logistics and shipping industry?
Starting as an Indian logistics company, we have expanded our operations across India, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Mombasa (Kenya), Djibouti, UAE, and France. With a substantial inland transport fleet, our multi-modal solutions span road, rail, coastal shipping, and advanced warehousing, establishing us as a key player in global logistics.
Key Milestones and Achievements:
Sustainability and green initiatives are becoming increasingly important. How are you integrating these principles into your business operations at Rushabh Sealink?
At Rushabh Sealink, sustainability is at the core of our operations as we work to integrate green initiatives that contribute positively to the environment. To celebrate our 20th anniversary, we planted 2,024 trees, which will produce an estimated 44,000 kg of oxygen annually, directly contributing to cleaner air and a healthier ecosystem.
In line with our commitment to reducing emissions, we are upgrading our transport fleet to Euro 6 standards, the highest level of fuel efficiency and emissions control currently available. Additionally, we’ve established our own AdBlue fueling station to further minimize emissions across our fleet. These steps not only support environmental goals but also reflect our dedication to sustainable, responsible logistics solutions for our clients.
As a successful business leader, what advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?
My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple: give 100% to your work, and it will reward you in ways beyond measure. Success requires unwavering dedication, especially when the journey gets tough. When you feel exhausted or feel like giving up, take a moment to remember why you started. Stay focused on your vision, and let that drive push you forward. Resilience, commitment, and passion are the keys to turning challenges into achievements.
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