Jaishankar Extends Independence Day Greetings to DRC
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Tuesday extended greetings to the government and people of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on their Independence Day, which is celebrated annually on June 30. In a post on X, Jaishankar addressed DRC Foreign Minister Thérèse Wagner, expressing hopes for stronger bilateral ties and development partnership. He wrote: "Felicitations to FM Thérèse Wagner, the Government and people of Democratic Republic of Congo on their Independence Day. Look forward to deepening our bilateral ties and development partnership."
Kakobola Hydroelectric Project: A Symbol of Cooperation
Jaishankar specifically highlighted the Kakobola Hydroelectric Power Project in the DRC, which was inaugurated in March 2026. This 9.3 MW run-of-the-river hydroelectric power station, built on the Kakobola River in Kwilu province, was constructed with financial support from India's Line of Credit. The project underscores India's commitment to infrastructure development in the DRC.
India's Medical Aid Amid Ebola Outbreak
In May 2026, India dispatched its first tranche of emergency medical supplies to Africa to assist in combating the worsening Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in the DRC. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed the delivery during a weekly press briefing, stating: "On the question about medical support, we have sent supplies to CDC Africa. This was handed over by our High Commissioner in Uganda." He added: "We look forward to further helping in whatever manner we can with the public health emergency on the continent." The shipment was received by the Africa CDC's Eastern Africa Regional Collaborating Centre (RCC) in Uganda for rapid deployment to affected communities in eastern DRC. The Africa CDC publicly thanked the Indian government and citizens for the aid.
Defence Cooperation: First Secretary-Level Meeting
In July 2024, India and the DRC held their first Secretary-level defence meeting in New Delhi. The Indian delegation was led by Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane, with senior officers from the Ministry of Defence, MEA, and the Armed Forces. The Congolese side was headed by Major General Lukuikila Metikwiza Marcel, Permanent Secretary of Defence, along with senior ministry officials and the DRC Embassy representative. The meeting aimed to identify collaboration areas, focusing on training and the defence industry. India highlighted its progress in defence manufacturing, while the DRC expressed interest in modernising its armed forces through co-production and co-development with Indian industry.
Historical Ties and Future Outlook
India established diplomatic relations with the DRC in 1962, being among the first countries to open a mission in Kinshasa. The recent engagements, including the defence meeting and development projects, signal a deepening partnership between the two nations.
