Your Excellency President Samia Hassanji,
Delegates from both countries,
Friends from the media,
Namaskar!
Firstly, I extend a warm welcome to the President and her delegation to India. This marks her first visit to India in her capacity as the President of Tanzania. But she has been associated with India and its people for a long time.
The President's deep affection and dedication to India serve as a source of inspiration for us to bolster our ties across various domains. Following the African Union's inclusion as a permanent member of the G20, this is the first time we have got the opportunity to host an African Head of State in India. Therefore, the significance of this visit increases manifold for us.
Friends,
Today is a momentous occasion in the India-Tanzania relations. Today we are elevating our centuries old friendship to the status of a Strategic Partnership.
In today's meeting we identified several new initiatives, laying the foundation for this future strategic partnership.
India and Tanzania are important partners in terms of bilateral trade and investment.
Both parties are working on an agreement to expand trade in local currencies. We will continue to explore new opportunities to realise the full potential of our economic cooperation.
Tanzania is India's largest and closest development partner in Africa.
India has made significant contributions to Tanzania's skill development and capacity building through ICT centres, vocational training, defense training, ITEC and ICCR scholarships. By collaborating in vital sectors like water supply, agriculture, health, and education, we've strived to bring positive change to the lives of Tanzanian people. With this commitment, we will continue our efforts in future also.
The decision of IIT Madras to establish a campus in Zanzibar represents a significant milestone in our relationship. It is poised to become a hub of high-quality education, benefiting not only Tanzania but also students from regional countries.
Technology forms an important base for the development journey of both nations. The agreement on digital public goods sharing will bolster our partnership. I'm pleased to see steps taken in adopting the success story of UPI in Tanzania.
Friends,
In the defense sector, we've agreed on a five-year roadmap. It will add new dimensions to areas like military training, maritime cooperation, capacity building and defense industry.
India and Tanzania have close cooperation in the energy sector too. Given India's evolving clean energy landscape, we've concurred to collaborate in this crucial field. I am pleased to know that Tanzania has decided to join the Global Biofuels Alliance launced by India at the G20 Summit.
Furthermore, Tanzania's decision to join the International Big Cat Alliance, will enhance global efforts to conserve big cats.
Today we emphasized on using space and nuclear technology for public welfare. We have decided to move forward by identifying concrete initiatives in these important areas.
Friends,
Today we discussed many global and regional issues. As nations connected through the Indian Ocean, we underscored the need for increased mutual coordination to face the challenges of maritime security, piracy, and drug trafficking. We see Tanzania as a valued partner in all efforts in the Indo-Pacific region.
Both India and Tanzania share the unanimous view that terrorism represents the gravest security threat to humanity. Accordingly, we have resolved to bolster mutual cooperation in the realm of counter-terrorism.
Friends,
The most important link of our relationship remains our enduring and robust people-to-people ties. Over two thousand years ago, trade thrived between Mandvi Port in Gujarat and Zanzibar. The Sidi tribe of India traces its origins to the Zanzi coast of East Africa.
To this day, a substantial number of Indians consider Tanzania as their second home. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to President Hassan for her support in their welfare.
Along with yoga, the popularity of Kabaddi and cricket is also increasing in Tanzania.
We will continue efforts to increase mutual closeness between the people of the two countries.
Excellency,
Once again we welcome you and your delegation to India.
Thank you very much.
DISCLAIMER - This is the approximate translation of Prime Minister's Press Statement. Original Press Statement were delivered in Hindi.