Gurjit Singh

Former Ambassador of India to Ethiopia

Long-serving diplomat Gurjit Singh distinguished himself as one of the most activist ambassadors in Addis Ababa and personally raised the substance and profile of Ethiopia-India relations. Singh has just ended a four-year stint that saw Delhi's presence in Ethiopia grow dramatically with 439 investment projects that will bring in US$4.2 billion. Singh reckons that investment will soon grow to $8-10 bn.

Singh joined the Ministry of External Affairs in 1980. He has served in Japan, Sri Lanka, Kenya and Italy. As a writer, he has published on Japan-India commercial relations and India's engagement with the African Union. In 2005, he moved to the Addis embassy, India's first in Africa, while he was also Ambassador to Djibouti and the AU. His appointment ended 9 August; following his success, the government is likely to use Singh's experience elsewhere in its plans to boost relations with Africa.

Agriculture dominates India's interest in Addis as the sector has already attracted $2.5 bn. in investments. Trade, while still small, has grown strongly. Bilateral trade increased from $83.3 mn. in 2006 to $211.4 mn. in 2008. Trade with Djibouti has seen similar growth, from $233.7 mn. in 2006 to $462.5 mn. in 2008. India's Export-Import Bank, which will set up an office in Addis this year, has committed $640 mn. for Ethiopia's sugar industry.

Foreign agricultural investment worries more nationalist elements in the Ethiopian government, but has been welcomed by Premier Meles Zenawi. China and South Korea follow India's lead, planning projects to bolster their food security.