Mr. Avit A. Chami, India-Africa Security Fellow, spoke on “Tanzania’s Foreign Policy and India-Tanzania Relations” at a Roundtable held at the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, New Delhi on 4 October 2023. The Director General, Ambassador Sujan R. Chinoy chaired the meeting and scholars of the Institute attended the meeting.

Executive Summary

Mr. Avit A. Chami’s presentation highlighted the deep historical and cultural connections between India and Tanzania, showcasing Tanzania’s economic indicators, political landscape under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, and its reliance on agriculture and strategic trade networks. Chami outlined potential areas for collaboration, spanning healthcare, defence, education, and trade, while emphasising the thriving Indian community in Tanzania. The presentation underscored the bilateral commitment to strengthening ties, acknowledging challenges, and outlining government measures to fortify the relationship. Overall, it emerged that the India-Tanzania relationship is positioned for mutual growth, promising a bright future ahead as both nations are among the fastest-growing economies globally and in Africa.

Detailed Report

The Director General, Ambassador Sujan R. Chinoy introduced the Speaker and emphasised the critical role Tanzania plays in India’s diplomatic and economic engagement. Drawing attention to Tanzania’s political stability, demographic advantages, and its function as a gateway to landlocked African nations, he highlighted its potential as an economic powerhouse in Africa. The country’s abundant biodiversity and its status as an Indian Ocean littoral state add to its significance in India’s Indian Ocean strategy. He underscored that the visit by the Indian Chief of the Army Staff, along with prior high-level interactions, reflects a clear commitment to strengthening ties between the two nations.

Mr. Avit A. Chami’s presentation commenced with expressions of gratitude towards the Institute and the participants. In his presentation he delved into the deep historical and cultural connections between Tanzania and India. Mr. Chami highlighted Tanzania’s strategic position on the East African Coast, setting the foundation for a broader discussion on the relationship between the two nations. Transitioning into the economic and cultural aspects, Mr. Chami emphasised the democratic leadership under President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan. He also showcased key economic indicators, including a GDP of $85 billion and a 5.7% growth rate, attributed to sectors like agriculture, tourism, mining, manufacturing, trade, and transit. The cultural diversity of Tanzania, with 120 tribes practicing various religions, and the prominence of Kiswahili as the national language were also highlighted. Talking about notable attractions, such as UNESCO Heritage Sites, pristine beaches in Zanzibar, and wildlife safaris, the Speaker painted a vivid picture of Tanzania’s allure.

Shifting focus to Tanzania’s political landscape, Mr. Avit A. Chami delved into the democratic framework characterised by regular general elections occurring every five years. He explained the prevailing leadership structure, underscoring the central role played by the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi party. Mr. Chami elucidated on the prominent figures guiding the government, with President Hassan making history as the first female president. Assisting President Samia in steering the nation are Vice President Dr. Philip Isdor Mpango and Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa, collectively forming an effective leadership team.

In addition, Mr. Chami, highlighted agriculture as the backbone of Tanzania’s economy and emphasised the pivotal role of trade, notably through the Port of Dar es Salaam. India is a major trading partner, receiving 22 percent of Tanzanian exports, while China dominates as the leading source for imports, particularly agricultural products, and clothing. Mr. Chami underscored Tanzania’s limited industrial activities but noted its appeal for foreign direct investment (FDI), with China leading, followed by the USA, and India ranking as the third-largest source of FDI for the country. This succinct overview portrayed Tanzania’s economic reliance on agriculture, a robust trade network, and strategic foreign investments.

Building upon the foundational insights, Mr. Chami provided a more in-depth exploration of Tanzania’s foreign policy, emphasising the significant influence of President Julius Nyerere. The trajectory of this policy, which initially centered on open diplomacy and anti-colonialism post-independence in 1961, underwent a transformative shift in 2001, towards economic diplomacy, prioritising foreign direct investment and fostering global partnerships. Over the years, Tanzania actively participated in regional and international initiatives, contributing notably to anti-colonial struggles in Africa and cultivating diplomatic ties, notably with India. The ongoing phase involves a meticulous review process, addressing pressing issues such as climate change and maritime security. Tanzania’s commitment to global cooperation, technology, and investment, underscored by its dedication to human rights and equality, is evident. Actively engaging in diverse multilateral organisations, Tanzania positions itself as a significant player in the dynamic landscape of international relations.

In its global engagement, India holds a distinctive position for Tanzania, with a relationship dating back to the 1960s rooted in a historical connection spanning 2,000 years through the Indian diaspora. Originating from trade facilitated by monsoons, this enduring connection is exemplified by the harmoniously integrated Indian community, known as Wahindi, an integral part of Tanzanian society akin to a tribe. Centered around the Indian Ocean, the connection is characterised by shared cultures, histories, and culinary traditions. Established in 1961, official diplomatic ties have fostered development cooperation, defense collaboration, economic partnerships, and strong people-to-people relations. The educational exchange has seen Tanzanian students benefit from Indian institutions, with the notable milestone of an IIT Madras branch in Zanzibar poised to enhance technological and educational capacities in the region.

Mr. Chami also delved into potential areas for collaboration between India and Tanzania, emphasising the robust partnership already established across diverse sectors. In healthcare, Indian hospitals collaborate with Tanzanian counterparts in joint programs, specifically addressing critical issues such as health and sanitation. The pharmaceutical industry plays a significant role, contributing vaccines and medicines to bolster Tanzania’s healthcare. Over two decades of support, including the Lines of Credit program, has seen India enhance water infrastructure in more than fifty Tanzanian cities. The longstanding defence and security cooperation, spanning six decades, encompasses joint exercises, maritime collaboration, and the exchange of military ties. This collaboration extends to personnel exchanges, with defence colleges facilitating knowledge sharing and training. Overall, the multifaceted collaboration exemplifies a comprehensive and mutually beneficial relationship between India and Tanzania.

Furthermore, the collaboration between India and Tanzania has yielded notable achievements, particularly in defence and security. The Indian Navy’s support along the eastern coast has been crucial, with recent joint defence cooperation meetings paving the way for a strategic five-year development roadmap. While current defence trade appears modest, the intent is to deepen cooperation in this sector. In terms of economic and trade ties, both nations share a healthy relationship. India continues to be a prominent market for Tanzanian agricultural products such as cashew nuts, pigeon peas, spices, avocados, and other commodities, constituting 22 per cent  of Tanzanian exports. The introduction of direct flights between Dar es Salaam and Mumbai further facilitates business and people-to-people connections. In the midst of tough competition, India engages in trade amounting to $6.5 billion, navigating the challenges posed by the formidable market presence of China. Cultural integration is evident in shared activities like International Yoga Day, Kabaddi Day, and the blending of Bollywood and Bongowood in film industries. The Indian diaspora of over 60,000 in Tanzania actively contributes to business and cultural exchanges, while Tanzanians in India, primarily students, add to the dynamic intercultural landscape. The collaborative spirit is fostering a deepening bond between the two nations.

Finally, Mr. Chami painted a vibrant picture of the thriving Indian community in Tanzania. Over the years, it has flourished, enjoying robust support from both the government and the local community. What sets the Indians apart is their reputation for reliability, distinguishing them from other foreign groups. Unlike some, they steer clear of selling counterfeit products, establishing a strong bond with consumers. Indian-owned hospitals play a crucial role in providing affordable and dependable healthcare, further strengthening community ties. Despite amicable relations, challenges persist, including limited awareness and competition from China, affecting the trade balance.

The government has implemented measures to fortify ties with India, facilitating direct flights and introducing visa-on-arrival for Indians. The initiative to conduct trade in local currencies aims to streamline business even further. Future prospects extend across diverse sectors such as agriculture, extractives, tourism, and infrastructure. The overarching objective is to expand Indian influence beyond existing domains. In conclusion, India and Tanzania, both among the fastest-growing economies globally and in Africa respectively, are poised to reap the rewards of mutual growth, promising a bright future ahead.

The Q/A Session

Ms. Ruchita Beri, consultant at MP-IDSA’s Africa, Latin America, Caribbean & UN (ALACUN) Centre, contributed valuable insights by posing questions and making remarks that delved into crucial aspects of Tanzanian foreign policy and the India-Tanzania relationship. Her inquiries explored the ongoing foreign policy review, the significance of core issues like blue economy and the Tanzanian diaspora, and India’s broader relevance in Africa. Ms. Beri’s remarks highlighted the depth of the India-Tanzania relationship, particularly in water management, and acknowledged the remarkable 84% implementation rate of India’s development assistance.

Dr. Abhishek Mishra, Associate Fellow at the ALACUN Centre, joined the discussion, expressing appreciation and raising pertinent questions and remarks. Dr. Mishra emphasised the strategic ties between India and Tanzania, recognising their significance due to proximity, religious ties, and evolving defence relations. He commended the recent Mini Defence Expo, suggesting its replication in other African countries. Dr. Mishra’s inquiries into challenges faced by Indian companies in Tanzania, including land leasing issues, and the competitive dynamics with China winning tenders, highlighted key areas for exploration and improvement.

In response Mr. Avit A. Chami said that he valued the informative discussion and addressed a few of the crucial issues brought up during the discussion. According to him, the ongoing review of Tanzanian foreign policy addresses critical issues, including climate change, negotiations, and dual citizenship, which has sparked significant debate. The concern is centered around potential security risks associated with offering citizenship to the diaspora. The President’s recent acknowledgment of this issue and the consideration of adopting a special status for diaspora members reflect the complexity of this debate. Regarding India-Tanzania trade relations amidst Chinese competition, the Speaker highlighted untapped sectors like agriculture and tourism as significant opportunities for Indian companies. The comparison with Chinese influence underscores the need for a strategic and hybrid approach in sectors where India has a competitive advantage, such as defence and security. He acknowledged India’s success in these sectors due to stability and well-organised exchanges but emphasised the importance of addressing concerns in other sectors for effective collaboration.

The Director General, Ambassador Sujan R. Chinoy expressed appreciation to the Speaker for sharing valuable insights, particularly those related to Tanzania’s perspective. He said that these insights have significantly enriched the Institute’s understanding of Africa. Ambassador Chinoy extended best wishes to Mr. Avit A. Chami and expressed anticipation for future interactions with him.

The report has been prepared by Mohanasakthivel J., Research Analyst, MP-IDSA.