The United Diplomatic Council (UDC) hosted a high-level diplomatic and business meeting in Bengaluru, bringing together key stakeholders to strengthen bilateral engagement between India and Chad. The event was attended by Her Excellency Ildjima Badda Mallot, Ambassador of the Republic of Chad to India, marking an important milestone in further enhancing relations between the two countries.
The closed-door session saw participation from senior representatives of the Government of India, along with delegates from the SCO Trade Council, India Commonwealth Trade Council, India Africa Trade Council, and the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry. Business leaders, industry stakeholders, and members of the broader trade ecosystem were also present, creating a dynamic environment for meaningful exchange and collaboration.
A special highlight of the event was the recognition of Arjun Doss, a young changemaker from Bengaluru, who is redefining access to martial arts education through his initiative SHEild Taekwondo. At just 17, Arjun is a 3rd-degree Black Belt and one of the youngest to achieve this distinction, with over a decade of training and certification as a Level 3 coach.
Through SHEild, Arjun has trained over 100 students via free workshops, while also raising funds to support access to training, equipment, and certification. His initiative extends beyond physical training, integrating technology through TaekAI, an AI-powered platform designed to make structured Taekwondo learning more accessible and personalized.
Sharing his perspective during the event, Arjun noted:
“Empowering young people goes beyond physical training—it’s about building confidence, discipline, and a mindset that helps them navigate challenges. Through SHEild, my goal is to make these opportunities accessible to every student, regardless of their background.”
In recognition of his impactful work, Arjun was honoured by the Ambassador of Chad along with the delegation from the India Africa Trade Council, focusing on the importance of youth-led innovation in shaping future global collaborations.
As India continues to deepen its outreach across Africa, Chad is gaining recognition as a strategic partner in Central Africa. Discussions focused on strengthening trade linkages, encouraging cross-border investments, and exploring opportunities across sectors such as energy, agriculture and agro-processing, infrastructure, mining, pharmaceuticals, and capacity development.
The interaction served as an effective platform for policy exchange and business engagement, highlighting a shared commitment to expanding economic cooperation and building sustainable, long-term partnerships between the two nations.
The presence of diverse trade councils, government representatives, and business leaders reinforced the importance of multilateral cooperation and public-private partnerships in shaping global trade ecosystems. The Bengaluru engagement stood as a testament to UDC’s continued efforts in facilitating meaningful dialogue and building bridges between nations.
Reflecting on the significance of the engagement, Dr. Asif Iqbal, President of the United Diplomatic Council, stated:
“India and Chad share a natural synergy in their development journeys. When we witness young leaders like Arjun Doss driving meaningful impact through innovation and social responsibility, it reinforces how such potential can be harnessed to convert this synergy into tangible outcomes—driving investment, innovation, and long-term partnerships that benefit both nations.
As India continues to deepen its engagement with Africa, initiatives led by organizations like the United Diplomatic Council are playing a pivotal role in advancing economic diplomacy while fostering inclusive and sustainable global growth.
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