India
India is Tanzania's second-largest investor, with Indian investment stock reaching USD 3.65 billion in 2022 and bilateral trade recorded at USD 2.37 billion in 2020-21.
Diplomatic relations between India and Tanzania are described as close, friendly and cooperative, with both countries members of the Commonwealth of Nations and the Non-Aligned Movement.[2]
The most recent high-level engagement took place on 24 February 2026 in Dar es Salaam, when Tanzania's Vice President Emmanuel Nchimbi met India's High Commissioner to Tanzania Bashwadip Dey to advance cooperation across defence, security, health, trade and investment.[2]
Contents
India-Tanzania Bilateral Partnership at a Glance
Bilateral trade between India and Tanzania was recorded at USD 2.37 billion in 2020-21, positioning India as Tanzania's second-largest trading partner.[2]
Indian investment stock in Tanzania reached USD 3.65 billion in 2022, placing India among the top five investment sources for the country.[2]
The State Visit of President Samia Suluhu Hassan to India from 8 to 11 October 2023 reinforced the framework for expanded cooperation across trade, investment, defence and development partnership.[1]
Trade Flows Between India and Tanzania
Tanzania recorded a trade surplus with India in 2021, exporting USD 1.86 billion to India while importing USD 1.63 billion from India.[2]
Over the last 26 years, exports from India to Tanzania have grown at an annualized rate of 10.8%, rising from USD 114 million in 1995 to USD 1.63 billion in 2021.
Main Indian Exports to Tanzania
The main products exported from India to Tanzania in 2021 were Refined Petroleum at USD 342 million, Packaged Medicaments at USD 227 million, and Motorcycles and cycles at USD 43.8 million.
Main Tanzanian Exports to India
Tanzania's main exports to India in 2021 were Raw Copper at USD 757 million, Gold at USD 518 million, and Dried Legumes at USD 257 million.
Indian Investment in Tanzania
Indian investment stock in Tanzania stood at USD 3.65 billion in 2022, making India one of Tanzania's top five sources of foreign direct investment.[2]
Indian capital in Tanzania is deployed across manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, energy, agro-processing and services, mirroring the diversified profile of two-way trade.
This footprint supports the case for further inflows into value-added sectors linked to Tanzania's mineral, agricultural and consumer markets.
Diplomatic Framework and Recent Cooperation
India maintains a High Commission in Dar es Salaam, opened in November 1962, and a consulate general in Zanzibar, opened in October 1974.[2]
Tanzania operates a High Commission in New Delhi, which is also accredited to Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh and Myanmar.[2]
From the 1960s to the 1980s, India and Tanzania shared aligned positions on anti-racism and anti-colonialism, and this convergence continues to shape the political relationship.[2]
On 24 February 2026, Tanzania's Vice President Emmanuel Nchimbi and India's High Commissioner Bashwadip Dey met in Dar es Salaam to advance cooperation from defence and security to health, trade and investment.[2]
Investment Opportunities for Indian Investors in Tanzania
Petroleum products, pharmaceuticals and motorcycles dominate Indian exports to Tanzania, indicating strong scope for local assembly, formulation and downstream manufacturing to serve the Tanzanian and wider East African market.
Tanzania's exports to India are concentrated in raw copper, gold and dried legumes, presenting opportunities in mining, mineral value addition, refining and agro-processing of pulses for the large Indian consumer market.
The February 2026 dialogue highlighting health, trade, investment, defence and security signals openings in the pharmaceutical value chain, digital health, hospital services and technology transfer where Indian companies hold globally competitive positions.[2]
The 10.8% annualized growth of Indian exports to Tanzania over 26 years supports investment cases in logistics, distribution, retail networks and financial services connecting the two economies.
Last Update: July 2026
References
- State Visit of H.E Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania to India (October 08-11, 2023) | Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India
- Spotlighting The World Factbook as We Bid a Fond Farewell - CIA
- World Bank Group - International Development, Poverty and Sustainability
- https://hdr.undp.org/system/files/documents/global-report-document/hdr2025reporten.pdf
- 1.1 TB incidence
- CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS | Department of Official Language | Ministry of Home Affairs | GoI
