India and Tanzania are strengthening their defence cooperation through a series of high-level engagements and initiatives aimed at bolstering bilateral ties. On April 14, 2025, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth met Tanzania’s Minister of Defence and National Service, Stergomena Lawrence Tax, in Dar es Salaam to discuss new avenues for collaboration.
Counter-insurgency, counter-terrorism operations, cyber security, and Tanzanian officer training in Indian military institutions were among the main areas of focus. The discussions also focused on military industry cooperation to improve mutual capabilities.
During his visit, Seth met with Tanzania’s Vice President, Philip Isdor Mpango, to discuss ongoing collaboration under the Africa-India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME) program and the Defence Expo. AIKEYME, co-hosted by India and Tanzania, is a significant step forward in maritime partnership, bringing together numerous African nations including Kenya, South Africa, and Seychelles.
The exercise demonstrates a common commitment to maintaining a free, open, and secure Indian Ocean region. Seth emphasised the necessity of cooperation in tackling marine concerns and ensuring a peaceful future.
The visit also focused on cultural and diaspora linkages. Seth attended Ambedkar Jayanti festivities at the Indian High Commission and spoke with the Indian community in Tanzania, recognising their contributions to both countries’ progress.
This engagement builds on previous achievements in India-Tanzania defence cooperation. During a meeting of the Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) in 2023, both countries agreed on a five-year defence cooperation roadmap.
This strategy outlines customised training programs, capacity building, marine security coordination, infrastructure development, and technology exchange. It also reflects India’s wider strategic aim of strengthening South-South cooperation and safeguarding security in the Indian Ocean area.
India’s developing military manufacturing capabilities have been a key component of these partnerships. The collaboration intends to improve Tanzania’s military forces while also promoting regional peace and security. With these steps, India-Tanzania defence cooperation continue to strengthen as a vital component of their bilateral engagement.