New Delhi, May 16, 2025—The High Commission of the United Republic of Tanzania in New Delhi hosted a vibrant diplomatic reception on 16 May 2025 at the ITC Maurya Hotel to mark Tanzania’s National Day. The event brought together a distinguished audience of diplomats, Heads of Missions, Indian business leaders, Tanzanian students, and friends of Tanzania. The Chief Guest was Smt. K. Nandini Singla, Director General of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).

In her welcoming remarks, H.E. Ambassador Anisa Mbega, the High Commissioner of Tanzania to India, set the tone for the evening with warmth and sincerity. “Allow me to begin by saying what an absolute pleasure it is to welcome you all this evening,” she said. Acknowledging the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, she offered condolences on behalf of the Government and the people of Tanzania. “We mourn with you the loss of innocent lives and extend our prayers for the swift and full recovery of those injured. Tanzania stands in firm solidarity with India in condemning all forms of terrorism.”

Ambassador Mbega expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest for attending despite her tight schedule. She proceeded to emphasise the significance of the evening’s celebration — not only marking 61 years of the Union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar, a symbol of African unity, but also commemorating 64 years of diplomatic relations between Tanzania and India.

“Our ties are not just diplomatic,” she said, “but deeply rooted in culture, commerce, and people-to-people exchanges.” She underscored India’s standing as one of Tanzania’s top five trading partners, with cooperation spanning agriculture, energy, pharmaceuticals, education, and ICT. She also noted the significance of growing Indian investments, particularly in Tanzania’s manufacturing, commercial buildings, transportation, tourism, agriculture, services, and human resources sectors.

She pointed out that the direct air connectivity between Dar es Salaam and Mumbai is a key symbol of the deepening relationship. With Air Tanzania now operating four non-stop weekly flights, she said, “We are proud of this service as a bridge between our peoples—a six-hour journey that connects hearts and opportunities.”

In her keynote address, Smt. Singla emphasized India’s enduring partnership with Tanzania. She cited major milestones in the relationship, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Tanzania and the recent state visit of President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, which elevated bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership. “Tanzania holds a special place in India’s Africa policy,” she said, noting that India is now Tanzania’s second-largest trading partner in Africa.

Smt. Singla highlighted the depth of cooperation between the two nations — from joint maritime defence exercises to educational collaboration under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme, which has benefited over 40,000 Tanzanians. She also mentioned the launch of IIT Madras’s Zanzibar campus and new vocational training centres as key steps in capacity building.

Smt. Singla also pointed to Tanzania’s regular participation in India’s Surajkund Mela as evidence of the nations’ strong cultural links and acknowledged the Indian diaspora in Tanzania for strengthening people-to-people connections.

“India stands today as a voice of the Global South,” she said. “As we become the world’s fourth-largest economy, surpassing Japan this year, it is essential that India and Africa move forward together.”

On this occasion, the Government and people of India extend their warmest congratulations to the Government and people of Tanzania, celebrating their achievements and reaffirming a shared vision of peace, prosperity, and partnership.

The event was further enlivened by a special cultural performance by Tanzanian students studying in India, who showcased traditional dances that celebrated the nation’s heritage and unity. Their energetic and heartfelt presentation drew enthusiastic applause and added a deeply personal and festive touch to the celebration.