By Ebi Kesiena
As a result of their historic bilateral relations, Tanzania and India have agreed to raise their relationship to the level of a strategic partnership.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan made the announcement on Monday during her three-day state visit to New Delhi, India saying that her visit underscores the government’s commitment to enhance and deepen the long-time friendship between the two counties.
Addressing various media at a press conference in New Delhi, President Samia said candid and amicable discussions with her host, the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has highlighted a mutual passion and commitment from both countries to solidify and scale their bilateral relations to greater heights.
She added that the trade and investment volumes between Tanzania and India were on an upward trajectory where in 2022 trade between the two sides was 3.1 US billion dollars, making India the third largest trading partner in Tanzania and the firth-largest investor.
Also, she disclosed as a welcomed development India’s decision to open its first ever overseas campus in Tanzania, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT).
India operates in several areas in the country including, clean and safe water, defence and security.
Tanzania and India enjoy long-standing historical friendship and brotherhood, built upon a solid bond of cooperation. With President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s State visit to India from 9-11 October 2023, growing ties will be elevated to greater heights, linking both countries historical past, geographical positions as well as the strategic direction of our current foreign policies.
By agreement, both countries are interested in capitalising on and stepping up its shared vision for development, tackling everyday challenges to economic growth and identifying innovative opportunities for both countries to prosper.
