New Delhi: India and Tanzania reviewed their defence cooperation during the fourth Joint Defence Cooperation Committee meeting held in Zanzibar from February 2 to 3, 2026.
During the meeting, both sides assessed ongoing defence engagements and discussed ways to expand collaboration. The discussions covered military training, service-to-service cooperation, maritime security and defence industry partnerships.
The two countries also explored new areas to strengthen bilateral defence ties. These included counter-terrorism cooperation, peacekeeping training and capacity building in niche domains.
According to officials, the talks focused on emerging technologies such as Electronic Warfare, Cyber and Artificial Intelligence. Cooperation in military medicine also emerged as a potential new area.
Importantly, both sides agreed to initiate cooperation between their Air Forces. This step will complement the existing cooperation between the Indian and Tanzanian Navies and Armies.
India Tanzania defence roadmap guides bilateral military cooperation
The Indian delegation was led by Joint Secretary (Defence Cooperation) Amitabh Prasad. It included senior officials from the Department of Defence and the Indian Defence Forces.
The Tanzanian delegation was headed by Ibrahim Mhona, Chief of Operations and Training of the Tanzania People’s Defence Force. The High Commissioner of India to Tanzania, Bishwadip Dey, also attended the meeting.
Officials said the discussions reflected the growing depth of defence engagement between the two countries. Both sides emphasised practical cooperation and capacity building.
India and Tanzania share a close and strategic partnership. Defence cooperation between the two nations follows a structured five-year roadmap.
According to the government, the roadmap helps guide sustained military engagement. It also supports long-term collaboration across traditional and emerging defence domains.
The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthen defence ties. They agreed to maintain regular dialogue and expand cooperation in mutually agreed areas.
