India SouthSudan Partnership
Juba
India and South Sudan convened their first-ever Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in Juba on December 4, 2025, marking a significant step in strengthening diplomatic engagement between the two nations. Delegations from both sides reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations, including cooperation in capacity building, human resource development, health, technical and vocational training, trade and people-to-people exchanges.
According to a statement issued by India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday, the talks were held in a warm and friendly atmosphere, reflecting the cordial ties shared by the two countries. The Indian delegation was led by Dr. M Suresh Kumar, Joint Secretary (WANA), while South Sudan was represented by Ambassador Philip Jada Natana, Director General for Bilateral Relations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
Both sides expressed satisfaction with ongoing collaboration across multiple sectors and reiterated their commitment to maintaining high-level engagements and regular institutional mechanisms. They also exchanged views on regional developments and affirmed continued cooperation at the United Nations and other multilateral platforms.
During his visit, Dr. Suresh Kumar met several senior South Sudanese leaders, including Vice President and Chief of Economic Cluster James Wani Igga, Foreign Minister Monday Semaya Kenneth Kumba, Mining Minister Martin Abucha, Livestock and Fisheries Minister Onyoti Adigo Nyikec, and Deputy Foreign Minister Ambassador Akuei Bona Malwal. These meetings further strengthened the momentum toward deepening the wide-ranging partnership.
The MEA noted that discussions highlighted progress achieved since the establishment of diplomatic relations and underscored the need to explore new opportunities for cooperation. Both sides agreed that the next round of consultations would be held in New Delhi at a mutually convenient date.
India and South Sudan share long-standing friendly ties. South Sudan gained independence from Sudan on July 9, 2011, following a referendum earlier that year. India was among the first countries to recognise the newly formed nation, with then Vice President Hamid Ansari attending the independence celebrations in Juba.
