Ivorian Air Force chief meets IAF chief AP Singh, Defence Secy; holds talks on bilateral defence ties
New Delhi, July 28
Chief of Air Staff of the Cote d'Ivoire Air Force, Air Major General Koffi N'Guessan Alfred, on Monday called on Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, during his official visit to New Delhi.
In a post on X, the Indian Air Force stated that Major General Alfred was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour upon his arrival at the Air Headquarters in the national capital.
During his visit, he held discussions on bilateral defence ties and enhancing military-to-military engagement with the Ivory Coast.
"Maj Gen KOFFI N'guessan Alfred, Chief of Staff, Ivorian Air Force called on Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, during his official visit to India. He was presented a ceremonial Guard of Honour at Air Headquarters, New Delhi. The visit featured discussions on issues of mutual interest and, avenues to further strengthen bilateral defence cooperation and enhance military-to-military engagement," the post read.
Additionally, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh also held discussions with the Chief of Air Staff of the Cote d'Ivoire Air Force, Air Major General Koffi N'Guessan Alfred, regarding defence cooperation and bilateral ties.
In a post on X, the Ministry of Defence reflected on their meeting and noted that the duo deliberated on boosting collaboration to enhance the capabilities of the Ivory Coast Air Force.
"Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh met Chief of Air Staff of the Cote d'Ivoire Air Force, Air Maj Gen Koffi N'Guessan Alfred in New Delhi on July 27, 2026. The two sides discussed ongoing and potential avenues for defence cooperation and exchanged views on strengthening collaboration to enhance the capabilities of the Ivory Coast Air Force, reaffirming the shared commitment to deepening bilateral defence ties," the Ministry wrote.
According to the Embassy of India in Abidjan, the diplomatic relationship between India and Cote d'Ivoire has long been characterised by cordiality and friendliness. India established its Embassy in Abidjan in 1979, and in September 2004, Cote d'Ivoire opened its Resident Mission in New Delhi.
India and Cote d'Ivoire support each other in the United Nations and other international organisations, particularly during elections. Cote d'Ivoire has consistently backed India's positions on key issues such as terrorism, Jammu and Kashmir, and non-interference in internal affairs. In 2020, it also ratified the amended version of the International Solar Alliance.
— ANI
Reader Comments
While diplomatic visits are fine, I hope we are getting concrete benefits too. Ivory Coast has rich natural resources like cocoa and rubber. Should be a two-way street - we give military training, they give us trade access. Otherwise it's just photo-ops.
As an Indian living abroad, I love seeing our country becoming a trusted partner for African nations. Guard of Honour for them is a sign of respect. And the fact that even Defence Secretary met them shows high-level commitment. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
This is smart diplomacy. West Africa is strategically important for sea lanes and counter-piracy efforts. India should leverage these ties to get more access to Ivorian ports for our Navy too. Defence cooperation is not just about buying and selling jets.
Nice to see India and Ivory Coast working together. But I hope our government is also focusing on domestic defence manufacturing rather than just exporting training. Make in India should be the priority for our armed forces first.
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