V-P Radhakrishnan, Zanzibar President Mwinyi discuss ways to strengthen cooperation
New Delhi, July 19
Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan and Zanzibar President Hussein Ali Mwinyi held a meeting at the Uprashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi on Sunday, discussing ways to further strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, development partnership, tourism, the blue economy, education, technology and multilateral engagement.
During the meeting, Vice President Radhakrishnan reiterated India's commitment to partnering with Tanzania and Zanzibar in advancing shared development aspirations through enhanced cooperation across priority sectors.
"Hon'ble Vice-President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan today held wide-ranging and productive discussions with H.E. Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, at the Uprashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi. The meeting reaffirmed the enduring India-Tanzania partnership and the special relationship India shares with Zanzibar, rooted in centuries-old maritime, cultural and people-to-people ties. The two leaders discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, development partnership, tourism, the blue economy, education, technology and multilateral engagement," the Vice President's Office posted on X following the meeting.
Hussein Ali Mwinyi expressed appreciation for India's support in establishing the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras' Zanzibar Campus.
Sudhakar Dalela, Secretary for Economic Relations at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), and other officials were present during the meeting.
"H.E. Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi expressed his delight at visiting the IIT Madras campus in Chennai and appreciated India's support in establishing the IIT Madras Zanzibar Campus, a landmark initiative in bilateral educational cooperation, as well as India's assistance for water projects, ICCR scholarships and ITEC training programmes. The Vice-President reiterated India's commitment to partnering with Tanzania and Zanzibar in advancing shared development aspirations through enhanced cooperation across priority sectors," it added.
Earlier in the day, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Sunday met Hussein Ali Mwinyi in New Delhi and discussed ways to further expand bilateral cooperation across a range of priority sectors, including higher education, capacity building, healthcare, artificial intelligence, digital technology and water supply.
Sharing details of the meeting on X, EAM Jaishankar described the interaction as productive and reaffirmed India's commitment to strengthening its development partnership with Zanzibar and Tanzania.
He wrote, "A pleasure to meet Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, President of Zanzibar, United Republic of Tanzania and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, today in Delhi. We discussed expanding our cooperation in higher education, capacity building, water supply, health, AI, digital and other priority sectors."
Highlighting the growing collaboration in the education sector, EAM Jaishankar said, "@IITMZanzibar stands as a shining example of our close partnership and India's enduring commitment to Africa's education and development priorities."
President Mwinyi is currently on an official visit to India at the invitation of Vice President Radhakrishnan. On Saturday, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal welcomed the visiting leader upon his arrival in New Delhi. He landed in Delhi after attending the 63rd Convocation Ceremony of IIT Madras as the Chief Guest.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is exactly the kind of soft power diplomacy India needs - investing in education and technology rather than just signing MoUs that gather dust. But I wish our government would focus equally on fixing domestic education before exporting it abroad.
Impressive to see India's growing footprint in Africa. The IIT Madras Zanzibar campus is a game-changer for education ties. Africa needs more STEM focus, and India is well-positioned to help.
Always heartening to see India's centuries-old ties with East Africa being renewed. My grandfather used to trade with Zanzibar spices merchants! These people-to-people links are our real strength. Hope the water projects help their drought-prone regions too.
Love the focus on blue economy and AI - these are the future sectors. But I hope discussions also included climate resilience, as both India and Zanzibar face coastal vulnerabilities. Good to see Dr Mwinyi visiting IIT Chennai too.
Proud moment for India! But I wonder how much of these development partnerships translate to actual on-ground benefits for common people in Zanzibar. The ICCR scholarships and ITEC training are definitely steps in the right direction though.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.