<\/p>\n
By -Pa Modou Cham<\/p>\n
Sitting in his modest office in Banjul, Hon. Ram Mohan exudes both humility and pride. The Indian-born businessman, who came to The Gambia in 1998, now serves as the Honorary Consul General of India, a role that bridges the decades-old friendship between the two nations.<\/p>\n
What began as a business venture in the Sesame sector and pioneering the development of the cashew industry has since evolved into a diplomatic mission grounded in trade, education, and cultural exchange.<\/p>\n
“We were among the first to introduce cashew nuts and sesame to The Gambia on a large scale,” Mohan recalls. “Today, cashew has become a key crop, helping diversify the economy beyond peanuts.”<\/p>\n
Appointed in 2003, Mohan\u2019s Honorary Consulship was serendipitous, a result of a visit with an Indian ambassador and a former Gambian president. Since then, he has become a central figure in strengthening ties between New Delhi and Banjul.<\/p>\n
A Bond Beyond Borders<\/p>\n
The India-Gambia relationship dates back more than half a century, nurtured by shared values, education, and people-to-people connections. Indian teachers once filled Gambian classrooms, and today, education remains a pillar of bilateral cooperation.<\/p>\n
“When I first came here, only 12 ITEC scholarships were available annually,” Mohan explains. “Now, 60 to 70 Gambians go to India each year on fully funded government training programs, along with around 20 students on degree scholarships.”<\/p>\n
These training opportunities span civil service, ICT, and public administration, empowering Gambians with vital skills.<\/p>\n
Diplomatic Passports, Open Doors<\/p>\n
In 2019, a major diplomatic milestone was achieved: a visa waiver agreement for holders of diplomatic and service passports from both nations.<\/p>\n
“Ministers and officials can now travel freely between the two countries without visa requirements,” he says. “It\u2019s a testament to the strength of our bilateral relations.”<\/p>\n
But challenges remain. One of Mohan\u2019s long-standing frustrations is The Gambia\u2019s one-year limit on residence permits and driving licenses, even for investors with decades of business contributions.<\/p>\n
“I\u2019ve been here nearly 27 years and still apply for a one-year permit,” he laments. “A five-year system for serious, contributing investors would go a long way.”<\/p>\n
The AKI Tragedy and Maiden Pharmaceuticals<\/p>\n
When over 70 children in The Gambia tragically died in 2022 from Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), linked to contaminated medicine from India, eyes turned to the Indian government for accountability.<\/p>\n
Asked about India\u2019s response, Mohan was cautious:
\n“I\u2019m aware arrests were made and an investigation launched by the Indian authorities,” he says. “But beyond that, most actions were handled through the Gambian High Commission in Delhi.”<\/p>\n
While some hoped for financial or legal support for victims, Mohan says no direct compensation was provided, though legal and diplomatic channels remained open.<\/p>\n
Interestingly, he clarified that the 40 dialysis machines recently installed across Gambian hospitals were not a response to the tragedy.<\/p>\n
“That grant was agreed before the AKI crisis, during the Indian President\u2019s 2019 visit. But it came at a critical time and has become a lifeline for patients.”<\/p>\n
Soft Power Through Culture and Film<\/p>\n
India\u2019s influence in The Gambia stretches far beyond politics and trade\u2014it\u2019s also in the music, movies, and food.<\/p>\n
“Almost every Gambian I meet loves Bollywood,” Mohan laughs. “Some can even speak Hindi!”
\nIndian food also blends well with local cuisine. “Your Jollof rice is like our biryani,” he quips. “And Gambia\u2019s love for chili matches India\u2019s taste perfectly.”<\/p>\n
Cultural exchanges have flourished, with Gambian artists participating in India\u2019s Surajkund Mela and other festivals, supported by the Indian government.<\/p>\n
Development Aid: Quiet but Substantial<\/p>\n
India has quietly provided soft loans and grants for essential development projects in The Gambia. These include:<\/p>\n
\u2022 A $20 million loan to overhaul NAWEC\u2019s water pipelines
\n\u2022 Support for solar energy expansion
\n\u2022 Construction of key government facilities, including the National Assembly<\/p>\n
“We\u2019re not very good at beating our own drums,” Mohan admits. “Many Gambians don\u2019t know the extent of support India provides, but it\u2019s there, in water, power, education, and health.”<\/p>\n
Looking Ahead: Tourism and Infrastructure<\/p>\n
Mohan envisions a future where The Gambia emerges as a premier eco-tourism destination, drawing inspiration from his home state of Kerala, India.<\/p>\n
\u201cImagine Indian-style houseboats gliding along the River Gambia. With the right investment in infrastructure, it could be a game-changer for tourism,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He also highlighted India\u2019s contribution to sports in The Gambia, noting that while Indians have long promoted the sport of cricket, several Gambian footballers are now playing in the Indian Football League \u2014 and are increasingly in demand.<\/p>\n
He also praises The Gambia\u2019s recent improvements in road infrastructure while calling for enhanced drainage systems to combat seasonal flooding.<\/p>\n
A Friendship Worth Building<\/p>\n
As the interview winds down, Mohan reflects on the human side of diplomacy.<\/p>\n
“When a Gambian tells me they studied in India, or received treatment there, it creates a bond stronger than any agreement.”<\/p>\n
In his words and actions, Hon. Ram Mohan represents more than a diplomat; he is a living bridge between two nations striving to lift each other higher.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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