In a tweet, EAM Jaishankar called the project “a practical example of our solidarity and friendship.”…reports Asian Lite News
When India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar took a ride on a ‘Made in India’ train from Maputo to Machava in Mozambique on April 13, 2023, he was showcasing India’s commitment to supporting infrastructure development in Africa. In fact, India’s partnership with Mozambique is a shining example of South-South cooperation and a model for development partnerships.
He called on President Filipe Nyusi and said that India was committed to work for advancements in trade and investments, defence, development cooperation, health and people-to-people ties. Here are some key takeaways from EAM Jaishankar’s visit to Mozambique from April 13-15, 2023.
The ‘Made in India’ train ride: The train was built with Indian assistance and is part of India’s ongoing efforts to support infrastructure development in Africa. EAM Jaishankar was accompanied by Mozambican Transport Minister Mateus Magala on the journey, highlighting the importance of the collaboration between the two countries. The ride was a symbolic gesture of India’s commitment to supporting Mozambique’s development journey.
Earlier, during a meeting, the two ministers discussed the challenges and opportunities in the transport sector and explored ways to expand collaboration.
“A great green transport conversation with Mozambican Minister of Transport &Communication and Chairman, Mozambican Port & Rail Authority Mateus Magala. Talked about expanding train networks, electric mobility & waterways connectivity. India is a reliable partner in this regard,” EAM Jaishankar tweeted.
Inauguration of Buzi Bridge: The Buzi Bridge, virtually inaugurated by EAM Jaishankar on April 13, 2023, has been constructed as part of the 132-km Tica-Buzi-Nova-Sofala Road Rehabilitation Project. Built with the help of an Indian Line of Credit, the bridge will improve connectivity and provide better transportation facilities to the people of Mozambique. It is being described as a testament to the strong development partnership between the two countries.
In a tweet, EAM Jaishankar called the project “a practical example of our solidarity and friendship.”
Practical example of South-South cooperation: India has been a crucial partner of Mozambique in its developmental journey. It has provided significant financial assistance to Mozambique to support its infrastructure development and has been a key partner in several areas such as trade and investment, agriculture, health, education, and defence.
Speaking at the 5th India-Mozambique Joint Commission Meeting on April 14, 2023 which he xo-chaired with his counterpart Veronica Macamo, EAM Jaishankar said the large Indian investment in the country was estimated at about USD 11 billion, largely in the domain of energy and mining. “And our development partnership which extends to 14 Lines of Credit, to the value of more than USD 770 million, is another example, a very practical example of South-South cooperation,” he pointed out.
What’s more, the two countries have a robust bilateral trade of about USD 4 billion. “There are new demands and new opportunities on both sides and surely the Joint Commission should explore that very actively,” EAM Jaishankar said.
Jaishankar paid an official visit to the Republic of Uganda and the Republic of Mozambique from 10 to 15 April 2023. He also made a brief stopover in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on 13 April 2023.
EAM visited Uganda from 10 to 12 April 2023. In Kampala, EAM called on President Yoweri Museveni and had comprehensive discussions with his counterpart, the Foreign Minister of Uganda, General Jeje Odongo covering a wide range of issues. EAM along with the minister of Water and Environment of Uganda formally launched the EXIM Bank-funded project that will supply drinking water to half a million people in 20 districts of Uganda.
He also had a meeting with the 25-member Parliamentary Forum on Indian Affairs to exchange views on parliamentary cooperation and India’s development partnership with Uganda.
In a landmark event, attended by Uganda Deputy Prime Minister Lukia Nakadama, Minister of Defence Vincent Ssempijja, and Foreign Minister General Jeje Odongo, EAM inaugurated the first overseas campus of the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) in Jinja, Uganda. The campus, presently located in a transit building, will start classes immediately.
EAM also signed an MoU between the Indian government and the Government of Uganda for setting up a permanent campus of NFSU in Jinja.
While in Jinja, he also paid homage to the bust of Mahatma Gandhi. The spot marks the place where the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi were immersed in the River Nile in 1948.
EAM also interacted with the Indian community of Uganda and addressed the Indian Business Forum, which was attended by Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives Mwebesa Francis.
EAM also formally launched a project funded by the Indian community of Uganda for the restoration of the Tulsi Ghat in Varanasi.
EAM also visited the Swaminarayan temple in Kampala.
While in transit through Ethiopia, EAM met with Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen in his office. Bilateral, regional and multilateral issues including UN-related issues were discussed.
“A good meeting with DPM and FM @DemekeHasen during a short Addis Ababa transit. Welcomed his perspective on developments in the region. Also shared views on our strong multilateral cooperation, including in the AU and United Nations,” Jaishankar tweeted.
EAM visited Mozambique from 13 to 15 April 2023. This was the first visit by an External Affairs Minister of India to Mozambique since 2010.
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