Tanzania, India deepen defence industrial, technology cooperation
DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA is seeking to deepen defence industrial cooperation with India through technology transfer, local production, skills development and joint ventures as the two countries strengthen their capacity to address emerging security challenges.
Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Dr Ngwaru Maghembe, reaffirmed the commitment on Friday when he opened the 4th Bharat Tanzania Mini Defence Expo in Dar es Salaam.
Dr Maghembe represented the Minister for Defence and National Service, Dr Rhimo Nyansaho, at the event. He said the continued organisation of the expo demonstrated the growing strength and strategic importance of defence and security cooperation between Tanzania and India.
The deputy minister said the two countries had maintained longstanding relations founded on friendship, mutual respect and shared aspirations for peace and sustainable development.
He noted that bilateral cooperation had expanded beyond defence to include trade and investment, education, health, information and communication technology, maritime cooperation and human resource development.
Dr Maghembe said Tanzania appreciates India’s contribution to professional military training, capacity building, exchange programmes and institutional cooperation, which had strengthened the competence and readiness of the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF).
He said Tanzania is now seeking to take the partnership a step further by advancing cooperation in defence industrial development and technological innovation.
“Tanzania looks forward to learning from India’s experience and exploring mutually beneficial partnerships in defence manufacturing, maintenance and repair, research and development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies,” he said.
Dr Maghembe stressed that Tanzania’s interests go beyond purchasing finished defence products, saying the country seeks partnerships that promote technology transfer, skills development, local production and joint ventures.
He said such cooperation would strengthen national security while supporting industrialisation, job creation and development of technical expertise.
The expo, he added, provides a platform for government institutions, armed forces, research organisations and defence industries from both countries to exchange knowledge and identify practical areas of cooperation.
He urged participating companies to use the event to establish partnerships that deliver tangible results.
Dr Maghembe also said the changing global security environment requires stronger international cooperation as countries confront traditional and emerging threats, including terrorism, violent extremism, piracy, cybercrime, trafficking and attacks on critical infrastructure.
Earlier, India’s High Commissioner to Tanzania, Bishwadip Dey, said the expo had brought together policymakers, defence manufacturers, experts and industry leaders to explore opportunities in the defence industrial sector.
He said India’s defence industry had undergone significant transformation under the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) initiative, which promotes domestic manufacturing, innovation and exports.
Mr Dey said India had developed capabilities in producing defence systems covering land, air and naval platforms, electronics, drones, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
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He described Tanzania as a strategic partner in India’s engagement with East Africa, saying the two countries share interests in promoting regional peace and security.
“Our bilateral defence ties are on a robust trajectory. The goodwill and trust that define our relations form a strong foundation for expanding cooperation to industrial and technological domains,” he said.
