Djibouti a key Indian Ocean partner country for India: President Kovind

President Kovind, who is the first Indian head of state to visit Djibouti, said that historical links and people-to-people contacts have existed between the two countries since times immemorial.

Addressing the Indian community, he said, "We must now try to rediscover this shared history and identity. Much effort is required to resurrect our common heritage, not just for old times’ sake but to build a contemporary partnership."

He said prospects of the blue economy and the connect of the Indian Ocean provide immense possibilities for the two countries to build a sustainable future.

"Ocean that connects us may be Indian in name, but belongs to all of us. Let it bind us together, as it had centuries ago," he said.

The president said that Djibouti is a strategically located country, just off the Gulf of Aden.

"It is an important Indian Ocean partner country for India. During the Yemeni crisis of 2015, Djibouti was supportive of Indian efforts to evacuate Indian citizens, and those of other countries, as part of Operation Rahat, and offered use of an air strip," he said.

Kovind's visit to the African nation assumes significance as China has opened its first overseas military base in Djibouti.

China began construction of a logistics base in Djibouti last year. It will be used to resupply navy ships taking part in peacekeeping and humanitarian missions off the coasts of Yemen and Somalia, in particular.

It is China’s first overseas naval base, though Beijing officially describes it as a logistics facility.

Operation Rahat, the name given to the evacuation process in Yemen, was orchestrated from the African nation of Djibouti, which lies on the other side of the Gulf of Aden from Yemen.

Kovind, who arrived on the first leg of his four-day visit to Djibouti and Ethiopia, his maiden trip abroad since taking office, said its a great honour for him to be the first Indian president to visit the African country.

The President said that it was his first visit outside India after being elected president.

"That it was to Africa is no coincidence but a conscious decision on our part. Our relations with this beautiful continent have a special place in our hearts, and we remain ever committed to deepening our fraternal bonds with the African people," he said.

Speaking at the reception, he said rise of India is opening new opportunities for collaborations and the Indian diaspora has an important role in building bridges between India and the world.

"India is on a high growth trajectory. There is optimism and excitement in our country. We have undertaken to transform the lives of ordinary people by 2022 when we celebrate 75 years of our Independence. We want to embrace and connect with our diaspora abroad," the president said.

He invited the Indian diaspora to partner in the rise of "New India".

"While we have an Ambassador to represent our government, every member of the Indian community present here is a representative of our nation," he said.

"In whatever capacity they have made Djibouti their home – be it as traders, as professionals, or as skilled workers, they have shown a spirit of selfless and dedicated service to the people around them.

"They have, while preserving their traditions, family values and strong work ethic, adapted very well in their adopted home, becoming pillars of support for the local community and a source of pride for India," he said.

The reception was attended by about 200 people, roughly half the Indian-origin population in Djibouti, some of them descendants of Indian traders who migrated from Jamnagar and Rajkot over 100 years ago.

More recently, Indian blue-collar and white-collar workers, employed in the port in Djibouti or in IT companies, have added to the diaspora.

India's bilateral trade with Djibouti stands at USD 284 million in 2016-17.

India has extended a line of credit of USD 49 million to Djibouti, mainly for constructing a cement plant.