This article covers India's development partnership with Tunisia, cooperation in training and science, cultural exchanges, and the Indian community and students in Tunisia. It draws on the MEA brief of April 2026, and describes activities and figures up to that date.

Projects under the India-Africa Forum Summit

Under the India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) framework, the Institute Pasteur of Tunis collaborates with Indian institutions, including the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), on joint research, training and capacity-building initiatives. According to the MEA brief of April 2026, key projects include the planned establishment of a Soil, Water, and Tissue Testing Laboratory in Tunis and an India-Africa Civil Aviation Academy.

A Centre of Excellence in El Ghazala Technopark was proposed under a January 2020 MoU to enhance Tunisia's technological capabilities. The brief states that progress was initially delayed due to site allocation, and that the Tunisian side has now proposed to align the project with current technological developments.

Quick Impact Projects

The Indian Mission has implemented two Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) in Tunisia and is executing a third. All are aimed at improving community infrastructure in remote and underprivileged areas.

  • The first project involved the landscaping and beautification of a park at the University of Jendouba, at a cost of US$8,100. It features a bust of Mahatma Gandhi as a symbol of peace and friendship.
  • The second project, at Mreghma School in Jendouba City, created a dedicated play area for students at a cost of US$6,277.
  • The third QIP, under progress in Raoued Municipality, Ariana, involves the construction of a mini synthetic football ground for local youth.

Training and scholarships

According to the brief, around 1000 Tunisian nationals have received training across various sectors under India's ITEC program since 2014. In addition, 4 Tunisians have received ICCR scholarships and 26 have benefited from the CV Raman Scholarship.

Specialised programmes listed in the brief include:

  • training for 50 young diplomats at India's Foreign Service Institute (2018)
  • training for Tunisian security officers in tactical driving and bomb disposal with NSG (2018)
  • training for 22 senior administrators in e-governance and cyber security (2019)

An agreement on mutual recognition of educational qualifications is among the MoUs listed in the brief as in process.

Science and space

The Joint Working Group on Scientific & Technological Cooperation held its 5th meeting in Tunis on 6 January 2025. The Joint Working Group on Space Cooperation held its 2nd virtual meeting on 15 February 2024.

Cultural Exchange Program

The cultural relationship is supported by the Cultural Exchange Program (2023-2026). Since 2014, activities have included ICCR-sponsored music, dance and theatre performances, yoga sessions, exhibitions and participation in film festivals. Key activities named in the brief include:

  • the Festival of India (2018)
  • the establishment of Gandhi Udyan (2019)
  • Tunisian participation in the Surajkund Mela, since 2016 and continuing till 2026
  • the formation of the Tunisia-India Friendship Association (2024)

Events organised by the Mission

The first International Day of Yoga in Tunis was held in 2015 and has been celebrated annually since. In 2018, the Mission held a symposium on Gandhian philosophy to mark Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary, alongside a commemorative postage stamp issued by Tunis Post. The Indian Food Festival (2025) presented Indian cuisine.

In November 2018, India participated as Guest of Honour and Focus International partner at the Carthage Film Festival. Two Tunisian films were featured at the International Film Festival of India, and Tunisia served as a partner country at the Kolkata Film Festival.

Activities in 2025 listed in the brief include:

  • a Rajasthani folk performance at the Carthage International Festival (August 2025)
  • the hybrid "India Ayurveda and Tourism Day" webinar (September 2025), promoting wellness and medical tourism
  • the Viksit Bharat Run (November 2025), which included community tree planting, pledges for sustainability and the participation of a Member of the Tunisian Parliament

The Indian community and students

The permanent Indian community in Tunisia consists of a couple of families who have lived there for several decades. As per records available in the Mission, the strength of the Indian community is around 300, including Indian professionals working on various projects and Indian businessmen.

There are around 25 Indian students in Tunisia, according to the brief, and a majority of them are undertaking pilot training courses.