India and Sudan advance strategic healthcare partnership through India–Sudan Medicine Corridor
The India & Arab Countries Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture (IACCIA), in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Sudan in New Delhi, successfully convened the India–Sudan Medicine Corridor, a high-level roundtable dedicated to exploring business and investment opportunities in Sudan’s pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. The event brought together senior diplomats, leading Indian pharmaceutical companies, healthcare providers, medical device manufacturers, investors, regulatory experts, and representatives from both India and Sudan to discuss practical avenues for strengthening bilateral cooperation in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, medical technology, and healthcare investment.
A special highlight of the roundtable was a recorded keynote address by the Honourable Federal Minister of Health of the Republic of Sudan, H.E. Dr Heitham Mohamed Ibrahim, who underscored Sudan’s commitment to rebuilding and modernising its healthcare system. He highlighted the country’s strategic geopolitical position as a gateway to Africa and the Middle East and invited Indian pharmaceutical and healthcare companies to take full advantage of the investment incentives, business-friendly policies, and opportunities offered by the Government of Sudan. The Minister also welcomed the proposal to send a high-level Indian pharmaceutical and healthcare delegation to Sudan to explore long-term partnerships and investments.
The roundtable was inaugurated by H.E. Dr Mohammed Eltom, Ambassador of the Republic of Sudan to India, who outlined Sudan’s vision for rebuilding and modernising its healthcare sector through strategic international partnerships. He emphasised the significant opportunities available for Indian pharmaceutical manufacturers, healthcare institutions, medical technology companies, and investors to contribute to Sudan’s healthcare development while establishing mutually beneficial commercial partnerships.
Opening the session, Dr Waiel Awwad, Secretary General of the India & Arab Countries Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture (IACCIA), emphasized that the India–Sudan Medicine Corridor represents a strategic platform to deepen economic cooperation between the two countries by facilitating investment, technology transfer, pharmaceutical manufacturing, healthcare services, research collaboration, and capacity building.
The discussions focused on several priority areas, including: Establishment of pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities and joint ventures in Sudan. Export of affordable, high-quality Indian medicines, vaccines, and medical consumables. Technology transfer and local pharmaceutical production. Development of hospitals and healthcare infrastructure. Medical equipment, diagnostics, and digital healthcare solutions. Regulatory cooperation and harmonization of pharmaceutical standards. Health care workforce development, education, and professional training. Strengthening pharmaceutical supply chains and logistics. Investment opportunities across Sudan’s healthcare and life sciences sectors.
A major outcome of the roundtable was the strong interest expressed by leading Indian pharmaceutical companies in exploring investment and partnership opportunities in Sudan. Participants unanimously agreed that the next phase of cooperation should involve a high-level Indian pharmaceutical and healthcare business delegation to Sudan to assess investment opportunities, engage with Sudanese government agencies and private sector stakeholders, and identify projects for pharmaceutical manufacturing, distribution, hospital development, and healthcare services.
The participants also agreed to establish an India–Sudan Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Business Council under the framework of the India–Sudan Medicine Corridor. The proposed council will serve as a permanent platform for promoting business dialogue, facilitating B2B partnerships, encouraging joint ventures, supporting technology transfer, and advancing long-term cooperation in pharmaceuticals, healthcare services, medical technology, research, and investment. Representatives of India’s leading pharmaceutical companies welcomed Sudan’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for foreign investment and expressed readiness to participate in Sudan’s healthcare reconstruction, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and capacity-building initiatives.
The roundtable concluded with a shared commitment to transform the discussions into concrete projects through regular business engagements, investment missions, technical cooperation, and institutional partnerships. IACCIA will work closely with the Embassy of the Republic of Sudan and relevant stakeholders in both countries to implement the agreed roadmap and coordinate the proposed Indian business delegation to Sudan.
Speaking at the conclusion of the meeting, Dr Waiel Awwad stated, “The India–Sudan Medicine Corridor is far more than a trade initiative; it is a strategic partnership that brings together India’s globally recognized pharmaceutical and healthcare expertise with Sudan’s ambitious vision for rebuilding its healthcare system. Today’s roundtable has laid the foundation for a long-term partnership based on investment, innovation, local manufacturing, technology transfer, and improved access to quality healthcare. Together, India and Sudan can build a sustainable healthcare ecosystem that serves not only Sudan but also the wider African region.”
IACCIA extends its sincere appreciation to the Embassy of the Republic of Sudan in New Delhi, under the leadership of H.E. Dr Mohammed Eltom, for hosting this landmark initiative.
The Chamber also expresses its gratitude to the Honourable Federal Minister of Health of Sudan, H.E. Dr Heitham Mohamed Ibrahim, for his inspiring keynote message, and to all participating pharmaceutical companies, healthcare institutions, business leaders, investors, and experts whose valuable contributions helped shape a practical roadmap for future India–Sudan healthcare cooperation.
