Minister of State for External Affairs of India Visits Timor-Leste to Discuss Bilateral Cooperation and Opening of the Indian Embassy
Timor-Leste welcomed a visit from India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, from September 30th to October 3rd, 2023. 
During the visit, Rajkumar Ranjan Singh was welcomed by the President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta, the Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão and other members of the Government to discuss the opening of an Indian Embassy in Dili and the strengthening of cooperation in various areas between the two countries. 
The decision to establish a permanent mission in Timor-Leste was announced by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the ASEAN-India Summit in September 2023. 
Rajkumar Ranjan Singh reiterated India’s commitment to supporting Timorese development in various sectors, such as agriculture, oil and gas, health, and human resources training. He also highlighted the offer of scholarships in India and support for Timor-Leste’s accession process to ASEAN. 
The official visit to Timor-Leste culminated in an event to thank Minister of State Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, hosted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito Freitas, and attended by members of the Government, diplomatic corps, and representatives of international agencies.
