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India-Mozambique Bilateral Relations

India enjoys warm, friendly and substantive ties with Mozambique. Trade links between Mozambique and the western states of India go back to several centuries, and pre-date the colonial era. These ancient people-to-people links have been built upon in modern times to forge a strong bilateral relationship based on regular political contacts, ever-deepening economic engagement, and a well-integrated Indian community in Mozambique.

Political Relations

After 1947, independent India’s support for the Mozambican freedom struggle established the basis for warm political ties between the leaderships of both countries. Diplomatic relations between India and Mozambique were established as soon as Mozambique became independent in 1975, and India was among the first countries to set up a diplomatic mission in Mozambique. Mozambique opened its Mission in New Delhi in 2001.

Visit of Mozambique’s President (9-11 Jan 2024) 

  • President Filipe Nyusi visited India for the Vibrant Gujarat Summit and met PM Narendra Modi. They discussed bilateral relations as also cooperation in multilateral fora, including the UN. Both leaders agreed to remain in touch and maintain the pace of high-level political contacts between the two countries. President Nyusi also addressed Mozambique India Business Forun and invited Indian investors to invest in Mozambique. 
  • President Nyusi had paid State Visit to India (4-8 Aug 2015). Also, he met PM Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg (24 Aug 2023).  PM Modi and President Nyusi participated in the High-level Event on Green Credits Programme at COP28 Summit in Dubai (1 Dec 2023). President Nyusi and PM Modi had telephone conversation where they discussed about the Covid pandemic and its impact on global economies (3 June 2020). 

Voice of the Global South Summit (Jan & Nov 2023) 

  • President Filipe Nyusi participated in the first summit of the Voice of the Global South (12 Jan 2023) and the second summit of the Voice of the Global South (17 Nov 2023). 

  • Mozambique’s Minister of Economy & Finance and Minister of Mineral Resources & Energy participated in the ministerial sessions of the 2nd Voice of the Global South Summit (17 Nov 2023). 

Visit of External Affairs Minister (13-15 April 2023) 

  • Hon’ble EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar called on the President of Mozambique and the President of the National Assembly. EAM held talks with Foreign Minister (6th Joint Commission meeting) and met Minister of Health and Transport Minister. 
  • During the visit, EAM took a short side on Made in India train from Maputo to Machava along with the Mozambican Transport Minister. Then, EAM virtually inaugurated the Buzi bridge constructed under concessional line of credit.  Also, EAM addressed the Indian community in Maputo. 

Visit of Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas; Housing and Urban Affairs (28-31 Oct 2023) 

  • Hon’ble Minister Shri Hardeep S. Puri called on President of Mozambique; held talks with Minister for Mineral Resources & Energy and Minister of Economy & Finance.
  • Also, Hon’ble Minister met Governor of Cabo Delgado and visited the site of the LNG plant in Cabo Delgado.

JWG on Defence (25 April 2023)

  • The 4th Meeting of Joint Defence Working of India-Mozambique was held in New Delhi. The two sides discussed wide ranging issues including military training & courses, exercises, medicine and capacity building with a view to deepen defence engagements.
  • Permanent Secretary of Ministry of National Defense led the Mozambican delegation. 

High level visits

  • Since the independence of Mozambique, there have been frequent contacts between the leaderships of both countries. All four Mozambican Presidents have visited India: President Samora Machel in April 1982, President Joaquim Chissano in May 1988 and again in May 2003, President Armando Guebuza September-October 2010, Prime Minister Aires Ali in March 2011, President Filipe Nyusi in August 2015 and Prime Minister Carlos Rosario for the 3rd India Africa Forum Summit in New Delhi in October 2015.
  • From the Indian side, then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi visited Mozambique in August 1982 and Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Mozambique in July 2016. 

Ministerial visits from India 

  • Ministerial visits from India included those by Raksha Mantri (July 2019), Minister of Commerce & Industry (Sept 2013 & Sept 2022), External Affairs Minister (July 2010), Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs (Nov 2007), Minister of Labour (April 2003) and External Affairs Minister (March 1999). 
  • Also, visits were made by MOS for External Affairs (Jan 2020, Feb 2018, July 2015, July 2013, Jan 2011, Jan 2010, July 2007, Dec 2022 and Jan 1994), MOS for Coal (Oct 2012 & Jan 2011), MOS for Home Affairs (July 2012) and MOS for Agriculture & Food Processing (May 2011). 

Ministerial visits from Mozambique  

  • Ministerial visits from Mozambique included those by Defence Minister (Oct 2022), President of the National Assembly (July 2022), Defence Minister (Nov 2019), Minister of Industry and Commerce (March 2019), Foreign Minister (Nov/Dec 2018), Minister for Transport and Communication (Jan 2017), Health Minister (Sept 2016), Foreign Minister (Nov 2014), Minister of Public Works & Housing (April 2013), Agriculture Minister, Ministers of Energy, Health and Industry & Trade and Governors of three Provinces (March 2013), Minister of Health (Jan 2013), Minister of Agriculture (June & Sept 2012), Minister of Health (March 2012), Minister for Science & Technology (March 2012), Defence Minister (July 2011), Education Minister (July 2011), Minister of Planning & Development (Jan 2011), Minister for Science & Technology (Jan 2011), Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (Feb 2009), Environment Minister (Feb 2009), Energy Minister (Jan 2009), Interior Minister (July 2008), Defence Minister (Feb 2008), Agriculture Minister (Nov 2006), Mineral Resources Minister (Oct 2006), Minister for Science & Technology (July 2006), Defence Minister (March 2006), Health Minister (Feb 2004), Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy (Dec 2003), Interior Minister (Sept 1997), Defence Minister (Nov 1995), Foreign Minister (Aug 1992), Defence Minister (May 1989) and Minister of Foreign Trade (1980).
  • Other visits were made by Deputy Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy (Feb 2023), Vice Minister of Finance (Dec 2013), Vice Minister of Interior (Sept 2013), Vice Minister of Transport & Communications (May 2013), Vice Minister of Education (Nov 2012), Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs & Cooperation (Oct/Nov 2012), Vice Minister for Mineral Resources (Oct 2012), Vice Minister of Energy (Oct 2012), Vice Minister of National Defence (March 2012), Vice Minister of Industry & Trade (March 2012), Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (Feb 2011), Vice Minister of Agriculture (March 2009), and Vice Minister for Mineral Resources (Nov 2007). 

Development Partnership 

  • In recent years, India’s support for Mozambique’s development agenda has become an important priority under a vibrant, robust and versatile bilateral relationship between both countries. Most of this assistance has been provided through concessional Lines of Credit (LOC) implemented through EXIM Bank of India. Until 2010, India had carried out LOC-funded projects worth about USD 140 million in Mozambique. During President Guebuza’s visit to India in 2010, further LOC support of USD 500 million was announced. By implementing projects under its concessional LoCs, India has extended support to Mozambique in diverse areas - provision of drinking water, improving power generation and distribution, improving agricultural productivity, rehabilitation of irrigation infrastructure, creation of an Information Technology Park, construction of an assembly plant for solar cells, rehabilitation of road networks, construction of housing units, railway equipment etc.
  • The most visible and appreciated form of development partnership extended by India to Mozambique is in the form of scholarships and training opportunities in India. The number of Indian scholarships available for Mozambican students to pursue Undergraduate and Postgraduate studies in India has been steadily increased in recent years. In addition, Government of India sponsors a large number of short-term training courses, particularly for public functionaries working in the Mozambique Government. These educational and training scholarships have not only helped improve human resources within Mozambique but have also helped to strengthen people-to-people linkages between both countries.
  • In the aftermath of Cyclone IDAI in March 2019, Government of India had deployed three Indian Naval Ships to provide Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) to the affected people in the Beira province of Mozambique. Raksha Mantri during his visit to Mozambique in March 2019, had handed over two fast interceptor boats to Mozambican Navy to boost maritime security of a friendly country and strengthen the existing bonds of friendship between two countries. GOI also subsequently donated 30 communication sets to the Mozambican Government.  INS Kesari visited Maputo in December 2021 and delivered consignment of Government of India’s assistance package to Mozambique comprising of 500 MT of rice, two fast speed interceptor boats, military equipment and accessories.  
  • Some recent examples of Indian development and humanitarian assistance to Mozambique include USD 250 million LoC which was re-offered to Mozambique in 2019 for improving the quality of electricity in Maputo and adjoining areas for which the LOC agreement was signed in August 2020. In September 2020, India handed over 13 essential medicines worth 22 million Meticais to Mozambique to combat and prevent COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2021, India donated 100,000 doses and supplied over 1 million doses of Covishield vaccine under COVAX programme to Mozambique.
  • In February 2022, India and Mozambique signed a MoU for implementation of a Drinking Water Project at the Mueda District under Government of India’s grant assistance of USD 10 million. In June 2022, India donated a consignment of Covid-19 related assistance package comprising of PPE kits and face masks to Mozambique besides 2 Mahindra SUVs to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mozambique. 

Visits of Indian Naval Ships

  • The second India-Mozambique-Tanzania Trilateral Naval Exercise was held at Nacala in northern Mozambique (March 2024). INS Sujata, INS Tir and Indian Coast Guard Ship Sarathi along with Mozambican and Tanzanian Navy Ships participated in the exercise. During 2024, Indian Naval Ship Sujata (March) and ICGS Varaha (Feb) have made Ports of Call at Maputo. A 14-member group of Mozambican cadets including 2 officers participated in the Republic Day parade in New Delhi (Jan 2024). 
  • During 2023, two Indian Naval Ships visited Mozambique - INS Sunayna (June) and INS Sujata (March). During the port of call by INS Sunayna at Beira, a medical camp was held and donation was made to Provincial Orphanage of Beira. Also, a yoga session was held on board the ship and a friendly football match was held with Mozambican Navy. INS Sujata made port of call at Maputo where the naval ship was opened to public visit and a friendly football match was organised with Mozambican Defence forces. 
  • Indian Naval Ships that visited Mozambique included INS Kesari (Dec 2021), INS Tarkash (Sept 2019), INS Magar (April 2019), Three Indian Navy Ships INS Sujata, Shardul and INCG Sharthi (March 2019), INS Kolkata and INS Tarkash (Sept 2018), INS Trikand (Sept 2016), INS Teg (Nov 2014), INS Delhi and INS Deepak (Nov 2012), INS Darshak (March-April 2012), Four Indian Navy Ships from the Western Fleet (Sept 2010), INS Mumbai and INS Karmuk (May 2008), INS Sujata and INS Savitri (May-June 2004) and INS Ranjit and INS Suvarna (June-July 2003).   

Culture 

  • Republic Day (26 Jan 2024) and Independence Day (15 Aug 2024) were celebrated by Indian community in Maputo, Matola, Beira, Tete, Milange, Nampula, Nacala and Pemba. In 2024, High Commission in collaboration with various Indian community organizations organised World Hindi Day (Jan), Swachhata Pakhwada (Jan), Chalo India - Global Diaspora Campaign (March) and International Women's Day (March). Our outreach to Indian community included interactions in Nacala (Feb), Xai Xai (March), Pemba (April) and Beira (April). Mission has been associated with Indian cultural associations for various festivals including Pongal in Maputo (Feb), Indian Cultural Association evening in Maputo (Feb), Holi in Maputo (March), Holi in Xai Xai (March), Chess and Carom afternoon in Maputo with Indian Association of Mozambique (April), Gudi Padwa festival by Marathi Mandal Mozambique (April), Umang Fair by Maitri Club (April), Brahmakumaris @20inMozambique and @50inAfrica celebrations in Maputo (April), Malayalee Association of Mozambique’s festivals of Easter and Vishu in Maputo (April), Indian Cultural Association’s  India Mozambique Cultural Evening in Maputo (June), screening of Indian film in Maputo (July), Cycle rally in Maputo - Save Water, Save Life (Aug), National Day Reception (Aug), Raksha Bandhan (Aug), Hindi Diwas celebrations in Maputo (Sept), tree plantation campaign in Mozambique (Sept), Garba night in Maputo (Sept), Onam celebrations in Maputo and Beira (Sept), ITEC Day in Maputo (Sept), Coastal cleanup campaign in Maputo (Sept), Know India, Know Tamil Nadu Exhibition by Tamil Sangam at High Commission (Aug/Sept), ICCR sponsored PANGHAT cultural group from Gujarat performed in Maputo, Matola and Xai Xai (Sept/Oct), Gandhi Jayanti in Maputo (Oct), Navaratri celebrations by Indian community organizations in Maputo, Xai Xai, Inhambane, Maxixe, Homoine, Beira, Tete, Quelimane, Nampula, and Nacala (Oct), Durga Puja celebrations in Maputo (Oct), screening of an Indian film in Maputo (Oct), Navarasa – Kerala Fusion by Mozambique Malayalee Association (Oct),  Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (Oct) and Ayurveda Day (29 Oct). High Commission of India in collaboration with Maputo Municipal Council organised IDY celebrations at the Independence Square in Maputo (June). More than 800 yoga enthusiasts participated in the yoga session. As part of IDY celebrations in Mozambique, more than 125 yoga sessions were held in Maputo, Matola, Xai Xai, Beira, Tete, Nampula, Nacala and Pemba. 
  • During 2023, High Commission organised a number of cultural programmes. Our active partners were Indian Cultural Association and Hindu Community of Maputo. A cultural programme was organised on the occasion of India’s Republic Day (Jan), World Hindi Day was observed at High Commission (Jan) and Mann Ki Baat – 100th episode was screened at the High Commission (April).  The Annual football tournament was organised by Hindu Community of Maputo (May) and a colourful Garba evening was organised in Maputo (May). International Day Yoga Day was enthusiastically celebrated in Maputo (June) and the Indo Mozambique Cultural Night was successfully held by Indian Cultural Association (July). On the occasion of National Sports Day, yoga, fast walking and bicycle rally were organised (Aug). During the month of September, Hindi Diwas celebrations, Millet food delicacies by Maitri, Onam festival by Malayalee Association of Mozambique, Raksha Bandhan and Ganesh Chaturthi were held. Also, Swacchata Hi Sewa campaign (Sept/Oct), Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (Oct) and Ayurveda Day (Nov) were observed. 

Community and Cultural Relations

  • Almost 20,000 Mozambican nationals trace their ancestry to India. Most of them are from Gujarat, Goa, Daman & Diu. The Indian diaspora is mostly engaged in wholesale and retail trade in Mozambique, where it has made a strong and dominant mark. The Indian community of Mozambique is well integrated into the local economy and society and is contributing to the creation of wealth and employment in Mozambique. It has also preserved its cultural roots from India. 
  • In addition, there are around 3000 Indian nationals in the country engaged in various Indian companies or working as professionals in Mozambican companies. There are several community associations of the Indian community, which regularly organize charitable and cultural events. 

October 2024 

Bilateral Relations