Benin–India relations

Benin–India relations

India	Benin

Benin–India relations refers to the bilateral ties between the Republic of India and the Republic of Benin.

Both nations are part of the Non-Aligned Movement. Benin supports India's candidature for a permanent seat in a reformed Security Council. The Ministry of External Affairs of the Government of India has said that India's ties with Benin were characterized by "democracy" and "secularism".

The Indian Minister of State for External affairs recently visited Benin, where he said that,"We in India greatly admire Republic of Benin as a shining example of a tolerant, progressive multi-ethnic and multi-religious society with a multi-party democracy. India, being the world's largest democracy, rejoices at Benin's various achievements and wishes to contribute to its further success."

Economic ties

Trade between India and Benin has been growing consistently and had reached nearly 310 million dollars by 2009. India is one of Benin's largest trading partners and is the third largest export market for Benin, with exports being primarily in agro-products such as cashew nuts and cotton. India recently launched a Duty Free Tariff Preferences regime to promote trade with Benin.

Diplomatic representation

On October 18, 2010, Andre Sandra became the Beninese Ambassador to India. Benin has a resident embassy in New Delhi. India does not have a resident mission in Benin. The Indian High Commissioner in Lagos is concurrently accredited to Benin.