India, Sudan bilateral trade to reach USD 1 billion: Khurshid

India is the second largest exporter for Sudan. During the year 2012-13, the bilateral trade between the two countries stood at USD 888.28 million with Indian exports of USD 754.94 million and this year it was likely to cross USD 1 billion mark.

The two sides discussed cooperation in manufacturing and agriculture, Khurshid said.

“The minister reminded me that it is important that India should assist... with alternative energy, solar energy” to allow ground water to be used for agriculture in areas where water is scarce, he said.

“We would certainly look at applications of sprinkler irrigation, applications of drip irrigation, that India has improved and perfected,” Khurshid said.  India along with China are major investors in the Sudan-South Sudan oil sector.

Several Indian companies like ONGC-Videsh Ltd (OVL), BHEL, TCIL, Progressive Construction Ltd and Tata Motors are active in the violence hit North African country.