Flood Relief Support: India Donates 1,000 MT of Rice and Medicines to Cameroon

India has extended a major helping hand to Cameroon by donating 1,000 metric tonnes of rice and essential medicines. This aid is part of India’s humanitarian effort to support communities affected by the severe floods that hit Cameroon’s Far North Region in 2024.

Aid Ceremony Held in Yaoundé

A formal ceremony to mark the donation was held in Yaoundé, Cameroon’s capital. Vijay Khanduja, India's High Commissioner to Cameroon, and Paul Atanga Nji, Cameroon's Minister of Territorial Administration, led the ceremony.  Both nations' officials emphasised the significance of this aid and the development of their bilateral relations.

India’s Commitment to the Global South and Cameroon

According to a statement by the Indian High Commission in Cameroon, this donation is a symbol of India’s continued support for its partners in the Global South during difficult times. India emphasised that it stands in solidarity with the people of Cameroon, reaffirming its role as a dependable partner.

Earlier in April, a similar shipment of 1,000 metric tonnes of rice had already been dispatched from India’s Nhava Sheva Port. India's Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, described the support as a reflection of India’s ongoing commitment to South-South cooperation.

Long-Standing India-Cameroon Relations

India and Cameroon share a friendly and cooperative relationship that goes back to Cameroon’s independence in 1960. India established a resident High Commission in Yaoundé in 2019. Over the years, India has contributed to various development projects in Cameroon, including a $37.65 million line of credit used for rice and maize farming.

India has also played a major role in skill development and education through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme, offering more than 180 training slots each year to Cameroon. In addition, scholarships are provided under the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) initiative. This latest donation of rice and medicines showcases India’s active role in humanitarian efforts and its deep-rooted friendship with Cameroon, further strengthening ties between the two nations.