India, Madagascar shake hands by signing MoU in various field

Antananarivo, March 14: For improving bilateral ties, India and Madagascar have signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) in the field of defense, air connectivity, and agriculture. Both the countries will explore various ways of co-operation in the respective fields, this was announced by President Ram Nath Kovind after delegation-level talks with his Madagascar counterpart.

President Kovind while on the last leg of his visit to the nation, exchanged views with his Malagasy counterpart on Indian ocean region and they acknowledged the need for maintenance and stability in the area. He also said, they agreed that terrorism poses a grave threat to humanity and the two countries should work together to develop a strong global response to this menace and both the countries will have a co-sharing agreement with Air Seychelles through Air India and Air Madagascar.

The President said, “India has offered a Line of Credit worth 80.7 million dollars for agriculture development and farm mechanization”. He also expressed happiness that India is offering more favorable category one terms and conditions for this concessional loan to Madagascar.

He Further said, India recognizes the importance of agriculture in Madagascar's national development of the plan and is ready to assist in this key sector and announced a donation of 1000 tonnes of rice and a cash grant of 2 million dollars towards multiple calamities relief in Madagascar. He also said education and training are other important areas of cooperation with Madagascar.

Notably, Madagascar President thanked India for its continued support and he also adorned President Ram Nath Kovind with second highest civilian honour Grand Cross.