India and Algeria share excellent relations which are deeply rooted in their joint historical struggle against colonialism

Minister of State for External Affairs V. Muraleedharan will undertake three-day visit from September 15 to 17 to Algeria and hold talks with the North African leaders with issues of mutual interest, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement on Tuesday.

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

Muraleedharan will also interact with the Indian community in Algeria during the visit, it stated.

Diplomatic relations between the countries were established in July 1962, the year Algeria gained independence, it added.

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, it said.

The Minister’s visit is expected to provide fresh impetus to the bilateral ties, the MEA added.