DILI, 12 March 2026 (TATOLI) — Timor-Leste and India have reaffirmed the importance of sustained collaboration across several sectors during a meeting between senior officials from both countries.
The Ambassador of India to Timor-Leste, Madan Kumar Ghildiyal, paid a courtesy visit to Acting Minister and Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Jesuína Maria Ferreira Gomes, to discuss ways to further strengthen bilateral relations.
According to information published on the portal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Timor-Leste, the meeting was held at the ministry’s office in Dili on Wednesday.
During the talks, Ambassador Ghildiyal and Minister Gomes exchanged views on issues of mutual interest and explored avenues to deepen cooperation between the two countries. Discussions included progress related to the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism, Quick Impact Projects, and other areas of partnership.
Both sides also emphasized the importance of continued collaboration in sectors such as development cooperation, capacity building, education, and people-to-people exchanges.
Minister Gomes expressed appreciation for India’s continued support for Timor-Leste’s development efforts. In response, Ambassador Ghildiyal reaffirmed India’s commitment to further enhancing cooperation and partnership between the two nations.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for both sides to reaffirm the long-standing friendship and cooperation between the Republic of India and the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste.
As he prepares to conclude his diplomatic mission later this month, Ambassador Ghildiyal expressed his deep gratitude to Minister Gomes for the support extended to him and the Indian Embassy during his tenure.
Ambassador Ghildiyal arrived in Dili on March 28, 2025, to begin his duties as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of India to Timor-Leste. He presented his credentials to President José Ramos-Horta on April 8, 2025, during an official ceremony held at the Presidential Palace in Dili.
A career diplomat, Ambassador Ghildiyal joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1990 and has the distinction of serving as the first resident ambassador of India to Timor-Leste.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
