The Indian State Minister of External and Parliamentary Affairs Vellamvelly Muraleedharan is expected to visit Juba today for a state visit.

Muraleedharan is to visit the country for two days to discuss the bilateral relationship and development between India and South Sudan with different government officials.

He is also expected to address the Indian community in the country and interact with the Indian entrepreneurs in Juba.

India was among the first countries to recognize South Sudan’s independence in 2011. Over the years, India has been playing an active role in building the capacity among the South Sudanese youth and some government officials.

The Indian Embassy in Juba, through the ITEC, has always provided more than 200 scholarships programs every year to young South Sudanese and government officials from different institutions.

In August 2021, the government of India through its embassy in Juba pledged to support South Sudan’s transition to sustainable peace and good governance.

The Asian country is one of the countries with the largest number of troops serving in the UN peacekeeping operations in the country. Currently, there are 2,342 Indian troops and 25 police personnel deployed with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan.

About 850 Indian peacekeepers serving in the country have been awarded the prestigious UN medals for their service and contribution to building peace in the strife-torn nation and supporting the local communities.