Dr. Neena Malhotra, Secretary (South), visited Algeria from 29-31 March 2026. On 29 March 2026, she co-chaired the 7th Foreign Office Consultations between India and Algeria with Secretary General Mr. Lounes Magramane in Algiers. They discussed the entire gamut of bilateral ties between the two countries and ways to further enhance partnership across domains, including energy, higher education, trade and people-to-people ties.

On 30 March, 2026, she met Mr. Abdelkhalek Sayouda, Wali (Governor) of Constantine, an Algerian cultural, educational and pharmaceutical hub. The exchanges included exploring the potential collaboration in the field of Pharma, Higher Education & Tourism.

On 31 March, she had a fruitful meeting with the Minister of State, Minister of Hydrocarbons and Mines of Algeria Mr. Mohamed Arkab, in Algiers. They discussed ways to further enhance cooperation in hydrocarbon, phosphate, mining & geology sectors and diversifying India’s energy sources.

Later in the day, she inaugurated the India pavilion of Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA), at the 20th 'Equip Auto' Algeria, being held from March 30 to April 2, 2026. Participation of ten Indian auto component manufacturers in this trade show reflected  India’s commitment to strengthen India-Algeria bilateral ties to the mutual benefit.

In the evening, Ambassador Dr. Swati Vijay Kulkarni hosted a dinner reception in honour of the Indian delegation led by Dr. Neena Malhotra, Secretary (South), Ministry of External Affairs. The event saw a distinguished presence of Mr. Yacine Abib, Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, and the National Community Abroad at the People's National Assembly (APN) and Mr. Abdelouhab Yaagoubi, Member of the Committee;  H.E. Mr. Abdenor Khelifi, Ambassador of Algeria to India and Mr. Hichem Attar, Vice President of the National Federation of Hotels and Tourism (FNHT). Representatives of Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and corporate leaders from pharma, fertilisers, auto and multimedia sectors were also present along with mediapersons.