Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan received a warm welcome upon her arrival in New Delhi on a Sunday.
Tanzania stands out as one of the prime beneficiaries of India’s recent heightened focus on Africa, characterized by the establishing of approximately 15 new missions in the region. President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India recently elevated their bilateral relations to a strategic partnership. During this significant development, both leaders expressed their commitment to broaden collaboration across various domains, encompassing trade, investment, defense, and counter-terrorism.
India’s concentrated efforts in Africa have particularly benefited Tanzania, as demonstrated by the recent inauguration of the country’s first overseas campus of the IIT. Additionally, the African Union’s elevation to full membership within the G20, hosted by India, further underscores the growing synergy between India and Tanzania.
Prime Minister Modi emphasized this transformation in their longstanding friendship into a strategic partnership, underscoring their commitment to exploring fresh initiatives to expand trade and investment, including a potential agreement to facilitate increased trade in local currencies.
Both nations have also formulated a comprehensive five-year roadmap for defense cooperation, covering areas such as military training, maritime collaboration, capacity building, and the defense industry. Modi lauded the decision by IIT-Madras to establish a campus in Zanzibar, highlighting its role as an educational hub not just for Tanzania but for students from neighboring regions.
Recognizing their shared connection to the Indian Ocean, both leaders stressed the need for enhanced coordination to address challenges like maritime security, piracy, and drug trafficking. Modi referred to Tanzania as India’s “largest and closest development partner in Africa” and acknowledged the country’s pivotal role in Indo-Pacific endeavors.
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On the security front, India and Tanzania are aligned in identifying terrorism as the most critical security threat to humanity, and they have resolved to strengthen their cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts.
President Hassan described India as “an extended family member” and expressed her commitment to reinforcing the bond of friendship and cooperation. She acknowledged India’s role as Tanzania’s third-largest trading partner. She expressed gratitude for India’s contributions, including securing African Union membership in the G20, debt relief initiatives for vulnerable nations, and support for clean energy development in developing states.
The visit culminated in the signing of six agreements, including a technical agreement between the Indian Navy and Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation to share white shipping information, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for digital public infrastructure collaboration, and an MoU between Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority and Tanzania Investment Centre for the establishment of an industrial park in Tanzania.
India remains the primary destination for Tanzania’s exports, with bilateral trade valued at $6.4 billion in 2022-23, including Indian exports worth $3.9 billion. India is also the fifth-largest investor in Tanzania, with investments totaling $3.7 billion, leading to the implementation of 630 projects and the creation of 60,000 jobs.
Dammu Ravi, Secretary (Economic Relations) of the External Affairs Ministry, shared insights into trade progress in local currencies, noting that both countries have opened Vostro accounts to facilitate this initiative, with initial transactions totaling around $50 million. Additionally, the MoU on digital public infrastructure will pave the way for Indian companies to offer services in fintech and digital payments.
In the security realm, Tanzania expressed interest in procuring Indian defense equipment, although the specifics, such as item details and payment schedules, will require further discussion and clarification.
News Source by ANI
