India and Tanzania are witnessing stronger economic cooperation as bilateral trade between the two countries increased to nearly $9.02 billion during 2025-26, compared to approximately $8.64 billion in the previous financial year. The latest growth reflects the expanding commercial relationship and shared efforts to deepen investment and strategic partnerships across multiple sectors.
The developments were discussed during the fifth session of the India-Tanzania Joint Trade Committee (JTC) held in Dar es Salaam. The meeting brought together senior officials from both countries to review trade progress and identify new opportunities for economic collaboration.
The discussions were jointly led by Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal and Dr. Samwel William Shelukindo, Permanent Secretary in Tanzania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation. Both sides emphasized the importance of the Joint Trade Committee as a vital platform for resolving trade issues and promoting long-term economic engagement.
Several measures aimed at improving business operations and investment flows were reviewed during the meeting. These included encouraging trade settlements in local currencies, simplifying long-term business visa procedures for Indian entrepreneurs, and strengthening pharmaceutical regulations and healthcare cooperation.
Mining emerged as one of the major focus areas during the discussions. Both countries explored opportunities in geological exploration, mining development, and gemstone value addition. Regulatory improvements related to gemstone exports and skill development initiatives within the mining sector were also highlighted as areas of future cooperation.
Education and skills development continued to remain central to the bilateral partnership. The growing importance of IIT Madras Zanzibar as a regional center for science and technology education was acknowledged during the talks. Both nations also explored opportunities to strengthen vocational training, industrial innovation, research partnerships, and sustainable technology initiatives.
Digital collaboration formed another key pillar of the discussions. Officials reviewed ongoing cooperation under the existing memorandum of understanding related to digital infrastructure, including India Stack and digital public infrastructure systems. India also shared its expertise in shipbuilding, shipyard development, and port infrastructure modernization, while exploring partnerships with Tanzanian institutions.
India’s development assistance to Tanzania was also highlighted during the meeting. Through Lines of Credit exceeding approximately $1.1 billion, India is supporting major water infrastructure projects currently being implemented across Tanzania. These projects are expected to benefit more than 6 million residents across 24 towns by improving water access and supply networks.
The two countries additionally discussed collaboration in fisheries, marine resources, renewable energy, biofuels, natural gas, and power infrastructure. Healthcare cooperation also received significant attention, with both sides exploring partnerships in oncology, medical training, and specialist exchange programs for healthcare professionals.
An Indian business delegation led by the Confederation of Indian Industry participated alongside government officials during the visit. An India-Tanzania Joint Business Meet was also organized to encourage stronger private-sector engagement and deepen commercial ties between businesses from both countries.
