New Delhi, Sep 14 (UNI) Days after the navies of India and Algeria carried out their maiden naval exercise off the Algerian coast, Minister of State for External Affairs V. Muraleedharan is to pay a three-day official visit to the north African country beginning September 15, in a visit expected to provide fresh impetus to the bilateral ties.

During the visit, his first visit to the country, the MoS will call on the Prime Minister of Algeria Aimene Benabderrahmane and hold talks with Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra and other dignitaries on bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest.

He will also interact with the Indian community in Algeria during the visit, said an official statement.

India and Algeria share excellent relations which are deeply rooted in their joint historical struggle against colonialism. Diplomatic relations between the countries were established in July 1962, the year Algeria gained independence.

Bilateral trade between India and Algeria was valued at US$ 1.39 billion in 2020-21. A number of Indian companies are operational in different sectors in Algeria, the statement said.

Indian Naval Ship (INS) Tabar took part in a maritime partnership exercise with Algerian Navy ship ‘Ezzadjer’ on August 29.

INS Tabar was on a goodwill visit to Europe and Africa.

As part of the exercise, diverse activities, including co-ordinated manoeuvring, communication procedures and steam past, were undertaken between the Indian and Algerian warships.
UNI/RN