Focus Indian Ocean Rim 24th April, 2023

India expanded its presence over the past week in key Indian Ocean Region states of Tanzania and Mozambique as part of its outreach. The first Indian Institute of Technology to be set up in Africa will come up in October in Tanzania. IIT Madras will set up its first international campus in Zanzibar, Tanzania, with plans to start the classes by October 2023, said its Director V Kamakoti. During his trip to Mozambique External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar took a ride in a ‘Made in India’ train in what would go a long way in establishing India a partner of choice in Africa. Meanwhile, President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s efforts were lauded by Moodys that boosted ratings for politically stable Tanzania. Sudan, located along the Indian Ocean Region, yet again erupted in violence with military factions targeting each other. Diplomatic pressure is being stepped up to end the fighting in Sudan. Oman, known for its mediation capabilities, stepped up efforts to establish peace in the region with its Foreign Minister dialing his UAE and Egyptian counterparts.  Meanwhile, Seychelles took a key step and announced to organise a health meet for some of IOR states.

IIT Madras to set up its first international campus in Tanzania

The Hindustan Times | 20^th April 2023

The first Indian Institute of Technology to be set up in Africa will come up in October in Tanzania. IIT Madras will set up its first International campus in Zanzibar, Tanzania, with plans to start the classes by October 2023, said its Director V Kamakoti in his presidential address at IIT Madras’ 64th Institute Day. In February, a team of five professors from IIT Madras visited Tanzania and held discussions with various officials on starting the campus.

Watch: Jaishankar takes a ride in Mozambique’s ‘Made in India’ train

The Indian Express | 14^th April 2023

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar took a ride in a ‘Made in India’ train in Mozambique during an official visit. Sharing a video of the trip on Twitter, Jaishankar wrote: “Took a ride in a ‘Made in India’ train from Maputo to Machava with Mozambican Transport Minister Mateus Magala.” In Mozambique, Jaishankar was welcomed by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Manuel Jose Goncalves. He also met with the President of the Assembly of the Republic, Esperança Bias, with whom he discussed counter-terrorism, disaster resilience and green growth. The minister said that he also reiterated India’s support for Mozambique’s sustainable development. He visited the Shree Vishvambhar Mahadev Mandir in the capital city of Maputo before addressing a gathering at the reception hosted by High Commissioner. Speaking at the event, the foreign minister said that these days, India does not speak only for itself, but for the Global South. “Transformational changes are happening in an Atmanirbhar Bharat that is putting us on a different trajectory,” he added.

Moody’s gives Tanzania favourable credit rating

The Citizen | 20^th April 2023

President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s efforts to lessen political hostilities, improve the business climate and come up with constructive engagements with the international community have had a positive outcome on Tanzania’s credit rating, with Moody’s Investors Service giving the country a rate of B2 Positive.

Sudan fighting: Outside pressure mounts for Eid ceasefire

BBC News | 21^st April 2023

Diplomatic pressure is being stepped up to end the fighting in Sudan which has left more than 300 people dead in the last week. The regular army has been fighting a paramilitary force called the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The head of the army, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, earlier dismissed the possibility of negotiations with the RSF. The latest hope of a temporary truce came after UN Secretary General António Guterres appealed for a ceasefire to allow civilians to reach safety.

Foreign Minister holds telephone calls with UAE, Egyptian counterparts

Times of Oman | 19^th April 2023

Sayyid Badr Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister, made a phone call with Sheikh Abdullah Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). During the meeting, the two ministers reviewed bilateral relations. They also discussed challenges facing the Arab region and current issues on the international arena. Sayyid Badr Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister also made a phone call with Sameh Shoukry, Foreign Minister of the Arab Republic of Egypt. During the call, the two ministers discussed the situation in Sudan, following the ongoing clashes there.

Seychelles to host regional health colloquium, national health stats ‘alarming’

Seychelles News Agency | 20^th April 2023

Seychelles’ Cabinet of Ministers has given its approval for the island nation to host the 19th annual Indian Ocean colloquium on HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis and Addictology from 13-15 November. The statement was made by Vice President Ahmed Afif in a press briefing on the Cabinet decisions on Thursday. “It is a group that Seychelles is part of and every year one of the countries hosts it. In 2019, we made a commitment that we will host it in 2023. Around 200 delegates will attend and we will have the opportunity to learn from the professionals. The groups consist of Seychelles, Mauritius, Madagascar, Reunion and Comoros.