Undersecretary for Political Planning Receives New Ambassador of India to Iraq

The Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry for Political Planning Ambassador Dr. Hisham Al Alawi, received in his office the new Ambassador of the Republic of India to Iraq Mr. Soumen Bagchi, on January 20, 2025. The two sides exchanged welcoming remarks, and highlighted the profound historical bilateral relations between the two countries and the importance of strengthening them through joint work to build productive partnerships. The Indian Ambassador outlined his country’s willingness to open a consulate general in Basra due to its economic importance, or in Najaf, which has religious importance, especially in light of the large numbers of visitors to the holy shrines from the Republic of India to Iraq. On his part, Dr. Al Alawi proposed opening consulates general for India in both governorates, given the economic and religious justifications that distinguish both locations.

Undersecretary Al Alawi referred to the economic growth in Iraq, especially under the current government, highlighting the recovery of the private sector and the entry of a large number of major foreign companies into the Iraqi market. As well Ambassador Al Alawi discussed the imminent completion of vital projects such as Al Faw Grand Port and the Strategic Development Road Project, stressing the importance of encouraging major Indian companies to invest in Iraq, given their extensive experience in vital sectors such as health, energy, technology, and transportation.

The meeting also touched on the need of enhancing collaboration between the Iraqi Foreign Service Institute and the Indian Ministry of external Affairs to organize training courses for new diplomats, especially graduates of the last diplomatic course (28). Dr. Al Alawi affirmed the possibility of organizing visits for diplomats to India to learn about its institutions and expand their cultural horizons, in addition to increasing the number of scholarships granted to Iraq and organizing workshops and training courses for Iraqi employees in government institutions to enhance their capabilities.

At the end of the meeting, the two sides discussed regional situations, especially the situation in Syria, and the vital role played by Iraq in enhancing regional stability.