Indian community in Antananarivo, Madagascar celebrated Diwali with cultural programmes which included a fashion show, Indian dance performances among others. Madagascar has a strong Indian community numbering about 17,500, mainly from Gujarat. They are settled in different parts of Madagascar and play a key role in the society and economy of Madagascar.
President Ramnath Kovind had visited Madagascar in 2018 and since then India-Madagascar relations have strengthened greatly. Also, a grand Hindu temple is under construction in Madagascar’s capital, Antananarivo and is likely to be inaugurated in early 2022.
Notably, the Indian community in Madagascar speaks Gujarati fluently and celebrates all major Indian festivals.
Indian community in Madagascar has been providing a helping hand in the drought-affected South of Madagascar. Apart from this, India had sent 1000 tonnes of rice in March 2021 as humanitarian aid for the drought-affected south of Madagascar.
