Priya Aditi
On Monday, Tanzania and India formalized their relations into a strategic partnership, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan committing to expand cooperation in various domains including defence, counter-terrorism, investment, and trade.
Among the nations that have benefited the most from India’s recent emphasis on Africa, where New Delhi has established approximately 15 new missions, Tanzania is one. Following the summit hosted by India last month, an agreement was reached to establish the inaugural campus of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) overseas in Tanzania. Additionally, the African Union became a complete member of the G20. Hassan’s visit coincides with these developments.
“Today, we are converting our longstanding friendship into a strategic alliance,” Modi and Hassan announced in Hindi during a joint media interaction. He stated that the two nations have identified new initiatives to expand trade and investment cooperation, one of which is a proposed agreement to increase trade in domestic currencies.
In addition, a five-year defense cooperation road map has been reached between the two parties. This roadmap incorporates novel domains including maritime cooperation, military training, capacity development, and the defense industry.
“The establishment of an IIT-Madras campus in Zanzibar signifies a significant turning point in our bilateral relations.” “Not only for Tanzanian students, but also for students from neighboring countries, it will emerge as a center for exceptional academic instruction,” said Modi, adding that Tanzania is “the most significant and intimate development ally of India in Africa.”
“We, as nations with ties to the Indian Ocean, underscored the importance of enhancing our collaborative efforts in order to confront obstacles such as piracy, drug trafficking, and maritime security.” “We consider Tanzania a valuable partner in all Indo-Pacific endeavors,” Modi stated.
He added that Tanzania and India are in agreement that terrorism is the gravest threat to global security and have reached a mutual agreement to enhance their counter-terrorism collaboration.
Hassan referred to India as “an extended family member” and stated that the purpose of her visit is to reassert Tanzania’s dedication to fostering greater cooperation and friendship. She conveyed Tanzania’s appreciation for India’s support in securing funds for the development of renewable energy in developing states, ensuring the African Union’s membership in the G20, and facilitating debt relief initiatives for vulnerable nations. India is Tanzania’s third largest trading partner, she added.
Six agreements were signed between the two parties: a memorandum of understanding (MoU) regarding the sharing of digital public infrastructure, a technical agreement between Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation and the Indian Navy regarding the sharing of white shipping information, and an agreement between Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority and Tanzania Investment Centre regarding the establishment of an industrial park in Tanzania.
Tanzania’s exports find the most substantial reception in India, with bilateral commerce reaching $6.4 billion in 2022-23, of which Indian exports constituted $3.9 billion. India, with $3.7 billion in investments, ranks fifth in Tanzania. Indian corporations have undertaken 630 initiatives and generated 60,000 employment opportunities in the country.
Secretary (economic relations) of the Ministry of External Affairs Dammu Ravi stated at a media briefing that India instigated the transition to domestic currency commerce a year ago, and that in order to facilitate this, both parties have opened vostro accounts. “A few transactions have already taken place, albeit for a negligible sum of money—approximately $50 million,” he explained, characterizing the endeavor as one that is still evolving.
He stated that the MOU regarding digital public infrastructure will enable Indian firms to provide services in areas including fintech and digital payments.
Ravi stated that Tanzania has a substantial interest in safeguarding shipping lines against piracy and interference in the realm of security. He added that Modi and Hassan deliberated on maritime security cooperation, with a particular focus on combating terrorism, drug trafficking, and piracy.
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Tanzania has also demonstrated a desire to procure defence equipment from India. “We must determine how to proceed, as that will necessitate item specifications and a payment schedule,” Ravi stated.
