India South Sudan Relations: Trade, Agreements, Recent Developments - UPSC Notes

Relations between India and South Sudan highlight their commitment to joint development and regional peace. At the heart of the East Africa / Africa, South Sudan remains central to discussions on international geopolitics and security. India’s diplomatic ties with South Sudan began in 2011 (Independence recognition, Consulate since 2007), opening doors to mutual growth and collaboration. India and South Sudan preserve a Resident Embassies in New Delhi and Juba, ensuring robust bilateral interaction through embassies in each others capitals. The Oil reserves, peacekeeping contribution, regional stability of India and South Sudan cooperation includes mutual defense interests, economic partnerships, cultural engagement, and joint actions on global security issues. 

• The partnership between India and South Sudan covers Capacity building (ITEC), humanitarian aid, oil sector, health like defense, nuclear energy, trade, space, oil and gas, cybersecurity, culture, and education. 
• To enhance mutual cooperation, India and South Sudan have formalized several agreements, particularly in the realm of MoU Foreign Office Consultation (2019), MoU e-VBAB (2022). 
• India and South Sudan have reported a total trade volume of USD 2814 million (2021-22), indicating a positive trend in their economic partnership. 
• Among India’s main exports to South Sudan are Consumer goods, food items, pharmaceuticals, motorcycles, three-wheelers, reflecting strong and balanced trade between the two countries. 
• As part of their trade relationship, India mainly sources Oil, timber from South Sudan. 

India and South Sudan collaborate in ITEC training (180 slots/year), e-VBAB, ICCR scholarships, focusing on research, student exchange, and innovation-driven partnerships. In this article, we have explored Defence Partnerships, Joint Commissions, and Bilateral Trade Flows for India South Sudan Relations, offering valuable insights for UPSC aspirants preparing for GS Paper 2 and PSIR Optional. 

India South Sudan Relations Establishment of Diplomatic Ties

Support for Comprehensive Peace Agreement (2005), Consulate (2007) reflect the longstanding nature of India’s association with South Sudan. Diplomatic ties between India and South Sudan were strengthened through historic visits like Indian VP (2011), MoS MEA (2021), SS President (2015). 

• Internal conflict in South Sudan impacts stability stand out as key moments of strain in India’s relations with South Sudan. 
• The trajectory of India–South Sudan relations includes critical stages such as Pre-independence engagement, post-independence partnership, development assistance.

India South Sudan Relations - Establishment of Diplomatic Ties
Initial Engagements	Support for Comprehensive Peace Agreement (2005), Consulate (2007)
High-Level Visits (Historic)	Indian VP (2011), MoS MEA (2021), SS President (2015)
Past Conflicts or Tensions	Internal conflict in South Sudan impacts stability
Phases of Engagement	Pre-independence engagement, post-independence partnership, development assistance

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Strategic & Political Cooperation of India South Sudan Relations

India and South Sudan have a Oil reserves, peacekeeping contribution, regional stability relationship, with defense ties, economic cooperation, cultural diplomacy, and joint security goals playing a central role. 

• India and South Sudan deepen their Indian peacekeepers in UNMISS, discussions on defense MoU by focusing on joint training, defense technology exchange, and security collaboration. 
• Through Cooperation in multilateral fora, shared concerns, India and South Sudan build trust and combat terrorism using shared knowledge and advanced technologies. 
• India’s strategic Pan Africa e-Network project, e-VBAB partnership with South Sudan advances innovation, digital infrastructure, and security coordination. 
• India and South Sudan collaborate through UN, NAM, G77, African Union to address global challenges and promote cooperation. 
• India and South Sudan enhance ONGC Videsh investment in oil sector, solar electrification projects through mutual investments in energy infrastructure, clean technologies, and green initiatives. 

Strategic & Political Cooperation of India South Sudan Relations
Strategic Importance	Oil reserves, peacekeeping contribution, regional stability
Defense Cooperation	Indian peacekeepers in UNMISS, discussions on defense MoU
Counter-terrorism / Intelligence	Cooperation in multilateral fora, shared concerns
Cyber-security & Tech Sharing	Pan Africa e-Network project, e-VBAB
Multilateral Groupings	UN, NAM, G77, African Union
Energy Cooperation	ONGC Videsh investment in oil sector, solar electrification projects
Space Cooperation	N/A
Tourism & Air-Services Agreements	N/A
Taxation Agreements	DTAA: N/A

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Trade and Economic Overview of India South Sudan Relations

• India and South Sudan have forged important partnerships through agreements in MoU Foreign Office Consultation (2019), MoU e-VBAB (2022) to foster greater cooperation. 
• India and South Sudan report a trade volume of USD 2814 million (2021-22), signaling further growth in their economic engagement. 
• Investment flows involve India (ONGC Videsh): ~USD 25 billion (Sudan & South Sudan), as well as shared projects aimed at enhancing mutual investment ties. 
• Formal platforms such as MoU on Foreign Office Consultations (FOC), often held annually or biennially, promote and review bilateral trade and investment cooperation between India and its partner country. 
• With a focus on economic collaboration, India and South Sudan have offered various Past grants for infrastructure, social projects (shared with Sudan) to improve bilateral financial ties. 
• The export component from South Sudan to India was valued at Data for direct exports often through third countries. 
• India’s trade with South Sudan includes key exports like Consumer goods, food items, pharmaceuticals, motorcycles, three-wheelers, which form a large share of trade flows. 

The total value of goods imported by South Sudan from India stood at Data for direct imports often through third countries. ONGC Videsh, hotels, construction, trading firms represent the Indian private sector’s presence in South Sudan.

Trade and Economic Overview of India South Sudan Relations
Bilateral Trade Volume (Latest FY)	USD 2814 million (2021-22)
Top Indian Exports to Partner	Consumer goods, food items, pharmaceuticals, motorcycles, three-wheelers
Top Indian Imports from Partner	Oil, timber
Key Bilateral Agreements	MoU Foreign Office Consultation (2019), MoU e-VBAB (2022)
Investment Flows (FDI both ways)	India (ONGC Videsh): ~USD 25 billion (Sudan & South Sudan)
Joint Economic Commissions / Dialogues	MoU on Foreign Office Consultations (FOC)
Lines of Credit	Past grants for infrastructure, social projects (shared with Sudan)
Export to India (In $)	Data for direct exports often through third countries
Import from India (In $)	Data for direct imports often through third countries
Indian Companies Operating There	ONGC Videsh, hotels, construction, trading firms

Socio-Cultural & Diaspora Engagement

The diaspora of India and South Sudan is a driving force behind the improvement of Businesses, professionals, humanitarian work, UN agencies, fostering closer relations. India promotes friendship with other countries by encouraging ICCR troupes, Surajkund Mela participation, Yoga Day and cultural visits. India and its partner country support each other in education through programs like ITEC, ICCR scholarships, e-VBAB, support for institutions. 

• The cultural and economic bond between India and South Sudan is reinforced by the significant presence of the Indian-origin community. 
• By harnessing Soft: ITEC, aid, culture Hard: UNMISS peacekeepers, India and South Sudan seek to reinforce their strategic strength and broaden their global influence.

Socio-Cultural & Diaspora Engagement
Indian Diaspora	Approximately 700, professionals, businesses, UN personnel
Diaspora Remittances	N/A / Limited data
Role of Diaspora	Businesses, professionals, humanitarian work, UN agencies
Cultural Exchanges	ICCR troupes, Surajkund Mela participation, Yoga Day
Education Cooperation	ITEC, ICCR scholarships, e-VBAB, support for institutions
Hard Power & Soft Power Instruments	Soft: ITEC, aid, culture Hard: UNMISS peacekeepers

India South Sudan Relations Recent Developments

The diplomatic relationship between India and South Sudan is reinforced by South Sudanese Defence Minister (Feb 2025 for Aero India) aimed at expanding mutual cooperation.  

• A range of developmental activities fall under ITEC training, Quick Impact Projects (handpumps, Jaipur Foot), highlighting shared goals. 
• Despite strong ties, India and South Sudan face challenges such as Internal conflict, political instability, infrastructure deficit, security. 
• The relationship between the two countries is poised for growth, given the Peacekeeping support, capacity building, energy sector, development aid.

India South Sudan Relations Recent Developments & Future Outlook
Recent High-Level Visits	South Sudanese Defence Minister (Feb 2025 for Aero India)
Recent Agreements Signed	N/A recently, ongoing discussions for defense MoU
Ongoing Projects	ITEC training, Quick Impact Projects (handpumps, Jaipur Foot)
Challenges / Issues	Internal conflict, political instability, infrastructure deficit, security
Future Prospects	Peacekeeping support, capacity building, energy sector, development aid

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UPSC Relevance of India South Sudan Relations

• Key agreements, high-level visits, and organizations like SCO, BRICS, or UN involving South Sudan are often tested in the prelims.
• Economic cooperation and trade agreements with South Sudan support GS3 answers related to India’s external sector and economic diplomacy.
• Examples from the relationship highlight themes like ethical leadership, peaceful conflict resolution, or value-based foreign policy.
• History optional students may refer to ancient or colonial connections between India and South Sudan.

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