This article covers the diplomatic relationship between India and Côte d'Ivoire: political developments in Côte d'Ivoire as the brief records them, the character of bilateral relations, cooperation in international forums, parliamentary links and development assistance. It is based on the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) bilateral brief last updated in April 2026.

Political developments in Côte d'Ivoire

According to the MEA brief of April 2026, President Alassane Ouattara has led Côte d'Ivoire since the post-election conflict of 2010-2011. The brief states that his tenure has been marked by significant economic growth and extensive infrastructure development. He was re-elected in 2015 and won a third term in the 2020 elections.

In the presidential elections of October 2025, President Ouattara won a fourth term with more than 89% of the vote. In the National Assembly elections of December 2025, his ruling party, the Rassemblement des Houphouétistes pour la Démocratie et la Paix (RHDP), won 197 of the 255 seats. The brief states that under his leadership the country has experienced stability and modernisation, with progress in transportation, energy and education, and notes that political attention is now turning to the next presidential elections.

Character of the relationship

The brief states that the diplomatic relationship between India and Côte d'Ivoire has long been characterised by cordiality and friendliness. Both countries have resident missions; the dates on which they were opened are given in this guide's practical article.

According to the brief, the two countries share common values and work together on global issues such as sustainable development, climate change, international terrorism and disarmament. The sectors in which Côte d'Ivoire has named India its focal partner since 2014 are listed in the trade article.

The brief also states that in recent years India's commitment to strengthening ties has been evident through high-level engagements.

Cooperation in international forums

The brief records that India and Côte d'Ivoire support each other in the United Nations and other international organisations, particularly during elections. Côte d'Ivoire has consistently backed India's positions on terrorism, Jammu and Kashmir, and non-interference in internal affairs. In 2020, it ratified the amended version of the International Solar Alliance agreement.

The National Assembly of Côte d'Ivoire established the Côte d'Ivoire-India Parliamentary Friendship Group in July 2022. Its members come from various political parties. It is led by Mr. Pascal Affi N'Guessen, a former prime minister and president of the Ivorian Popular Front (FPI), an opposition party.

Development partnership

The brief states that bilateral relations have been strengthened through expanding South-South cooperation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, in March 2021, India gifted 50,000 doses of Made-in-India Covishield vaccines to the Ivorian government and people. Indian-manufactured vaccines were also supplied to Côte d'Ivoire under the COVAX initiative.

Loans extended by India for projects in Côte d'Ivoire are covered in the trade and investment article, and training and scholarships in the culture and education article.