The 54th National Unity Day of the Republic of Cameroon was commemorated in New Delhi on 21st May 2026 at Le Méridien, with a strong reaffirmation of the growing partnership between India and Cameroon, as senior Indian diplomat Shri Sevala Naik Mude, Additional Secretary (Central & West Africa), Ministry of External Affairs, highlighted the expanding scope of bilateral cooperation across trade, development, education, and multilateral engagement.
Addressing diplomats, parliamentarians, business leaders, and members of the media at the official reception hosted by H.E. Ms. Sylvie Michele Mpon, Chargé d’Affaires of the Republic of Cameroon to India, Shri Mude described India–Cameroon relations as a partnership “built on friendship, trust, and mutual respect.”
“India and Cameroon share a relationship built on friendship, trust, and mutual respect. Our ties date back to Cameroon’s independence in 1960,” he stated, noting that the opening of India’s resident Mission in Yaoundé in 2019 and Cameroon’s Embassy in New Delhi reflected the shared commitment of both nations to strengthening engagement.
Drawing historical parallels between the two countries, Shri Mude underlined their shared anti-colonial legacy and commitment to the Global South.
“Our nations are united by a common historical experience, the struggle against colonialism and the pursuit of freedom and self-determination,” he remarked. “Today, we continue to work closely together in several international forums, including the United Nations, where we advocate for the interests and aspirations of the Global South.”
The senior MEA official also congratulated Cameroon for successfully hosting the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference earlier this year in Yaoundé, describing it as a significant achievement for the African continent.
“Hosting such a major international event on African soil is a significant achievement, and I congratulate Cameroon for the excellent organisation of the conference,” he said.
Highlighting the growing economic dimension of bilateral ties, Shri Mude noted that India–Cameroon trade had steadily expanded and was now approaching the milestone of nearly US$1 billion.
“India and Cameroon enjoy warm and friendly relations, reflected in every dimension of our partnership, including trade and economic cooperation,” he said. “I firmly believe the potential for growth is far greater, and together we can take this partnership to even greater heights.”
He further emphasised India’s development partnership with Cameroon, revealing that India had extended concessional Lines of Credit worth over US$200 million, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy, power transmission, and rural development.
“I would especially like to mention the successful Cassava Plantation Project, which stands today as a tangible symbol of our development cooperation,” he added.
Shri Mude also highlighted the growing importance of education, skills development, and cultural exchanges in strengthening people-to-people ties between the two nations. India annually provides around 200 training slots for Cameroonian professionals under various capacity-building programmes, alongside scholarships for higher education in India.
The Additional Secretary described Cameroon as “Africa in miniature” and drew an interesting comparison with India’s own diversity.
“It is often said that Cameroon is ‘Africa in miniature,’ while India is described as a subcontinent. This comparison is deeply meaningful,” he observed. “Both our countries embody extraordinary diversity in geography, climate, language, culture, and traditions within a single national identity.”
Reflecting on his own visit to Cameroon in 2023, Shri Mude spoke warmly about the country and its people.
“I experienced firsthand the warmth of the Cameroonian people, the gracious hospitality extended to visitors, and the beauty of the country itself. Cameroon is truly a remarkable nation blessed with natural beauty, vibrant culture, and warm-hearted people,” he said.
Concluding his remarks, Shri Mude reaffirmed India’s long-term commitment to both Cameroon and the African continent.
“I am confident that our cooperation will continue to grow from strength to strength, guided by shared priorities, mutual trust, and a clear focus on delivering tangible outcomes for our peoples,” he stated.
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