In a visit that came within eight months of India hosting heads of state and governments of 41 African countries, and representatives of all 54 African states in the Indian Capital, Prime Minister Narendra Modi set off on a 4-nation tour of the African continent on July 7th. His first visit to the mainland as the Indian Prime Minister, Modi stopped over at Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, and Kenya.
Mozambique
With energy, food, security, trade, maritime cooperation, and diaspora interactions on his agenda, the PM touched down at Maputo International Airport, becoming the first Indian head of government to visit Mozambique in 34 years. "My Africa tour, aimed at enhancing ties between India and Africa will begin from Mozambique in a brief but key visit," Modi tweeted. He was given a ceremonial welcome at the Presidential Office, after which he held a restricted meeting with Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi.
Talking to the media after, he said both the countries were stepping up their partnership in food security as India signed a long-term pact for the purchase of pulses from Mozambique. "In Mozambique's march towards economic prosperity, India will walk every step of the way. We will be a trusted friend in your development," Modi said. Other programmes on his agenda included a meeting with Veronica Macamo, President of the National Assembly, and a visit to the S&T Parkm where he interacted with students. He also addressed the Indian community in the country.
South Africa
Modi arrived in South African capital Pretoria, on July 8th and met with President Jacob Zuma to discuss ways to boost investment and trade. The country holds significant importance to India, with a historical connect, and Asian rival of China's growing foothold with SA. "Indian companies hold strong business interests in South Africa. About one fourth of our investment in Africa are in this country and there is potential to expand our business ties," Modi said at a press briefing before he attended a business summit held between both the countries.
Unfailingly talking to over 11,000 people of the Indian community in an address to the diaspora in Johannesburg, Modi thanked them for their support and mentioned Mahatma Gandhi. "It was in South Africa that Mahatma Gandhi conceptualised his politics. This is the birthplace of Satyagraha. South Africa transformed Mohandas into Mahatma." Modi also took a train journey in Pietermaritzburg to commemorate Gandhi, who was thrown out of train compartment.
Tanzania
Received at the airport by Tanzanian Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa and Foreign Affairs Minister Bernard Membe, Modi later met with President John Pombe Joseph Mgufuli, and both the sides signed a total of five agreements, including one for providing a line of credit of $92 million in the water resources sector.
"Our in-depth discussions on global and regional issues reflected our considerable convergence on issues of common interest and concerns," Modi said at a joint press conference. Other agreements included an MoU on water resource management and development, an MoU for establishment of vocational training centre at Zanzibar, an MoU on visa waiver for diplomatic/official passport holders and an agreement between the National Small Industries Corporation of India and the Small Industries Development Organisation, Tanzania.
He also met with a group of 30 'Solar Mamas' from Tanzania and other African countries, who demonstrated their skills in fabrication, repair, and maintenance of solar lanterns and household lighting systems.
Kenya
After his talks with Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, NaMo announced extension of a concessional Line of Credit of $44.95 million to the country. India will also build a cancer hospital in Kenya to provide quality and affordable healthcare.
"The multifaceted development partnership is a key pillar of our bilateral relationship," Modi said at a joint media interaction after the talks. The Prime Minister Kenyatta and he "agreed that terrorism and radicalisation are common challenges for our two countries, the region and the whole world. We have agreed to deepen our security partnership including in fields of cyber security, combating drugs and narcotics and human trafficking." The MoU on Defence Cooperation signed will see staff exchanges, expertise sharing, training, cooperation in hydrography and equipment supply.
Modi also said the two countries shared common interest in the security, including in maritime security, since they were connected by the Indian Ocean. He noted that both India and Kenya had young populations and both cultures value education. "Now is the time for skill development," he said, quoting a Swahili proverb "Elimubilaamali, kamantabilaasali," which means "knowledge without practice is like wax without honey."
NaMo paid homage to first president Jomo Kenyatta, and also addressed students at the University of Nairobi before he returned back home.
The main theme of the visit remain focused on three distinct features. Food security, Terrorism, and Modi's Make in India programme.
