India and Tanzania have deep historical ties rooted in the Gujarati trader diaspora that has been present on the East African coast for centuries. Relations were formalised at Tanganyika's independence in 1962 and deepened after Tanzania's union with Zanzibar in 1964. The Indian diaspora — predominantly Gujarati traders and businesspersons — has been central to Tanzania's commerce. Today the relationship spans trade, development cooperation, pharmaceutical supply, and defence partnership, with Tanzania as one of India's more significant bilateral partners in sub-Saharan Africa.
COOPERATION AREAS
Where India and Tanzania actually work together
5 active areas of cooperation, as of July 2026. Click any card for the full brief.
TRADE & INVESTMENT
By the numbers
Estimates based on DGFT and UN Comtrade data, FY 2023–24. Tanzania is one of India's most significant bilateral trade partners in East Africa.
$1.2bn
Total bilateral trade in goods
$780m
India exports to country
$420m
India imports from country
Trade trajectory · USD bn
$1.2bnin FY24 · click a bar to compare years
TOP TRADED ITEMS
AGREEMENTS & MILESTONES
The relationship since 1962, in 7 dates
CURRENT STATE
Where things stand, 2026
India-Tanzania relations are substantive, warm, and growing. The Gujarati diaspora provides a permanent commercial and cultural foundation; ITEC and Exim Bank cooperation deliver tangible development impact; and tanzanite and gold trade are commercially significant. Tanzania's stability under President Samia and her pro-development orientation create a positive bilateral environment. Defence and maritime cooperation are gradually deepening as Indian Ocean strategic interests expand.
SIGNALS TO WATCH
On track / positive momentum
In progress / worth watching
Stalled or facing headwinds
Not yet started / unclear
QUICK FACTS
CapitalDodoma
Population63 million
RegionAfrica
Diplomatic tiesSince 1962
Indian diaspora~50,000
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