High Commissioner’s message for India Independence Day
High Commissioner of India to Tanzania Mr. Binaya Srikanta Pradhan.
On the joyous occasion of the 77th Independence Day, I extend my heartfelt greetings to the esteemed Indian community, well-wishers, and Friends of India in Tanzania.
I also wish to express my sincere gratitude to the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania and its people for their unwavering support and enduring friendship. Over the past year, the robust bond between India and Tanzania has thrived, manifesting in collaborative efforts across diverse sectors.
This year has witnessed significant political cooperation, underscored by high-level exchanges from both sides. Notably, H.E. Dr. S. Jaishankar, India’s External Affairs Minister, visited Tanzania in July 2023, attending the Tanzania-India Joint Commission Meeting in Dar es Salaam, where a wide spectrum of bilateral matters was deliberated upon.
Equally noteworthy, in January 2023, a distinguished Indian parliamentary delegation, led by Lok Sabha Speaker H.E. Mr. Om Birla, paid a visit to Tanzania.
Throughout the past year, several esteemed Tanzanian ministers, including Minister of Defence and National Service, H.E. Innocent Bashungwa, Minister of Minerals, H.E. Dr. Doto Mashaka Biteko, Minister for Energy H.E. January Yusuf Makamba, Minister of Works and Transport H.E. Prof. Makame Mbarawa and Minister of Health H.E. Ummy Mwalimu made visits to India, enriching our bilateral engagement.
The growth in our bilateral trade has been remarkable, surging beyond $6.4 billion in the last fiscal year. India’s position as the top destination for Tanzanian exports has been fortified by the Duty-Free Tariff scheme, further propelling economic cooperation. Similarly, Indian investments in Tanzania have exceeded an impressive $3.74 billion.
The establishment of the first overseas campus of the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology in Zanzibar, marked by MoUs inked in July 2023, represents a pivotal advancement in our knowledge partnership. With ongoing admissions for cutting-edge programs in Data Science & Artificial Intelligence, IITM Zanzibar is poised to emerge as a dynamic hub for advanced technology and innovation across Africa.
Tanzania continues to be a paramount development partner for India in Africa, with projects surpassing US$1.1 billion under the Indian Line of Credit. This year alone, we’ve extended over 746 scholarships and capacity-building opportunities to Tanzania, a remarkable feat in the region. The execution of water supply projects worth US$500 million commenced in April 2023, benefiting 24 Tanzanian towns.
Cultural exchange and people-to-people interactions have thrived, exemplifying the depth of our ties. Noteworthy events include the 9th International Day of Yoga, with nearly 2000 participants spanning eight Tanzanian cities. Additionally, ‘Dar Creators,’ a 12-member Tanzanian artist troupe, showcased their talents at India’s 36th Surajkund Mela in February 2023.
The unveiling of a Vivekananda bust at the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre and the “India-Tanzania Relations” International Conference in Dar es Salaam have celebrated our historic connections.
In closing, I extend warm greetings to the Indian community and commend their pivotal role in nurturing India-Tanzania relations. With optimism, I envision our partnership scaling even greater heights in the times ahead.
