Modi in Africa: A brief but eventful visit to Tanzania

On the fourth day of his four-nation Africa tour, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Tanzania. He had wide-ranging talks with President John Pombe Joseph Magufuli, and they agreed to work closely, bilaterally, regionally and globally to combat the twin threats of terrorism and climate change. The two leaders also decided to deepen bilateral trade and investment partnership by encouraging greater industry to industry ties. Here are some tweets that highlight the key moments of the visit.

Modi tweeted about his arrival in Swahili. The translation is, “I have arrived Tanzania. I am optimistic about this tour and I’m confident it will open a new beginning in relations between India and Tanzania.”

The Prime Minister of Tanzania, Kassim Majaliwa, came to welcome Modi to Tanzania.

Along with the energetic welcome at the airport, Modi also received a ceremonial reception at Dar-es-Salaam State House.

Landed to a lively welcome in Tanzania. pic.twitter.com/saDl6Y0NJi — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 9, 2016

A rapturous welcome for PM @narendramodi in Tanzania. pic.twitter.com/ucJEgfI25y — PMO India (@PMOIndia) July 10, 2016

Even more flair exuded out of the colourful event when Modi tried his hand at the traditional Tanzania drum with President John Magufuli.

New beats to the #IndiaAfrica rhythm! PM @narendramodi and President @MagufuliJP play the drum pic.twitter.com/4ilXLRAJ4o

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) July 10, 2016

Modi and the Tanzanian president then went on to have restricted talks, following which a bilateral meeting and delgation level talks were held.

As India is Tanzania’s second-largest investor, it has close ties with Tanzania.

In a bid to strengthen these ties, Modi signed 5 agreements in various sectors like water resource management and food supply.

The two leaders then went on to hold a joint press meet.

Modi asserted that the two nations had similar interests and that they can collaborate and prosper in many vital sectors.

Economic partnerships and trade relations were a key point of discussion.

Efforts on public health, human resources and climate change were also discussed.

Modi then interacted with ‘Solar Mamas’, a group of rural women solar engineers from different African countries who have been trained under programmes supported by India for harnessing solar energy.

Next on Modi’s agenda was a speech during a banquet hosted by President Magufuli, prior to which PM Modi interacted with the Indian diaspora in Dar es Salaaam.

One of the main aims of the visit was to boost multi-sectoral cooperation and development between the two nations.

Indian Hydrographic Survey Ship, ‘INS Sutlej’ had conducted a joint hydrographic survey of Mkoani harbour, Tanzania in early 2016. Modi handed over a navigational chart of the port to help port authorities and ships in navigating the area.

President John Magufuli personally bid farewell to Modi after the end of the visit.