India and its oldest strategic partner in West Asia – Oman held their strategic dialogue this week to keep momentum in ties close on the heels of Sultan’s visit to New Delhi and Oman’s decision on India specific zone in the Duqm port. In a special concession for certain African countries including Tanzania, India has decided to export broken rice to the Indian Ocean state. Tanzanian Foreign Minister in a recent trip to New Delhi also hailed India’s role as a leader of the Global South. Yet another state along the Indian Ocean Region and Africa’s key state South Africa will hold national and provincial elections on May 29. The archbishop in Mozambique has warned that the terrorism in Cabo Delgado province could spread across the nation. Meanwhile, Seychelles while promising to remain neutral, is set to learn with the help of the USA how to disrupt and prevent common maritime threats through the 14th Cutlass Express, a multinational military exercise. UAE is steadily increasing its presence in North and SE Africa. After UAE’s major economic deal with Egypt, the UAE and Kenya have concluded negotiations on a trade deal that will boost investment flows in logistics, healthcare, and travel and tourism between the two countries.
Oman, India hold 9th strategic dialogue meeting in Muscat
Times of Oman | 26th February 2024
The Sultanate of Oman and India held the 9th strategic dialogue meeting in Muscat on February 26. The Omani side was headed by Major General Idris Abdulrahman Al Kindi, Secretary General of the National Security Council while the Indian side was headed by Vikram Misri, Deputy National Security Advisor.
India to supply 110,000 tonne rice to Guinea-Bissau, Djibouti, Tanzania
Mint | 26th February 2024
India had imposed ban on the export of certain rice varieties, including a curb on broken rice in September 2022 and on non-basmati white rice in July 2023, to ensure the country’s food security and control domestic prices. Since the ban, the Indian government has been supplying rice to its diplomatic partner countries and needy nations on a case-by-case basis. “While Guinea-Bissau and Djibouti will get 50,000 tonnes of broken rice each, Tanzania will be sent about 30,000 tonnes of non-basmati white rice,” one of the officials said. The decision has been taken following a recommendation from the external affairs ministry.
Very happy India took a leadership role in Global South: Tanzania foreign minister
Wion | 24th February 2024
Tanzania’s Foreign Minister January Makamba said on Thursday (Feb 22) that India has not forgotten its roots as a global south country, pointing out that New Delhi has taken a leadership role not just with Africa, but the global south generally.
US-led 14th Cutlass Express military exercise kicks off in Seychelles, Mauritius and Kenya
Seychelles News Agency | 26th February 2024
Seychelles and other countries in the western Indian Ocean region are set to learn how to disrupt and prevent common maritime threats through the 14th Cutlass Express, a multinational military exercise, launched on Monday (Feb 26). The launching took place at the Seychelles Coast Guard headquarters in the presence of President Wavel Ramkalawan, the commander-in-chief of the SDF, the United States Ambassador to Seychelles, Henry Jardine, and other high officials. Sixteen countries from the region are participating in the exercise with a total of 800 representatives and among the countries taking part are Comoros, Madagascar, Djibouti and Mauritius.
Seychelles will not take sides in any conflict, says foreign minister
Seychelles News Agency | 24th February 2024
Seychelles remains a country that will always advocate for peace and prosperity in the world, and will not take sides in any conflict, according to the foreign affairs and tourism minister, Sylvestre Radegonde.
He said in an interview with the media on Friday during the annual diplomatic cocktail at the Laila Resort, Anse Royale, that “Seychelles today, has not changed its position and remains a non-aligned country.”
UAE and Kenya finalize terms of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement
Arab News | 23rd February 2024
The UAE and Kenya have concluded negotiations on a trade deal that will boost investment flows in logistics, healthcare, and travel and tourism between the two countries. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement will enhance market access for businesses on both sides, according to a press release. Investments in the infrastructure and ICT sectors are also set to benefit, and the deal will also see a platform for small and medium enterprise cooperation and expansion on both sides.
South Africa to hold general election on May 29
Al Jazeera | 20th February 2024
South Africa will hold national and provincial elections on May 29, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office has said. Ramaphosa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC) party is expected to face a tough challenge to retain its parliamentary majority in the country’s seventh democratic election since the end of the apartheid system in 1994.
Mozambique: Terrorism problem for entire country, warns archbishop – AIM report
Club of Mozambique | 26th February 2024
The violence in the northern Mozambican province of Cabo Delgado should be regarded as a problem, not only of that province, but of the entire country, the Catholic Archbishop of the provincial capital, Pemba, Juliasse Sandramo, has warned. The archbishop said the terrorists active in Cabo Delgado could spread across the whole country.
