India-Mozambique Bilateral Relations

• India enjoys warm, friendly and substantive ties with Mozambique. Trade links between Mozambique and the western states of India go back to several centuries, and pre-date the colonial era. These ancient people-to-people links have been built upon in modern times to forge a strong bilateral relationship based on regular political contacts, ever-deepening economic engagement, and a well-integrated Indian community in Mozambique.

Political Relations

• After 1947, independent India’s support for the Mozambican freedom struggle established the basis for warm political ties between the leaderships of both countries. 

• Diplomatic relations between India and Mozambique were established as soon as Mozambique became independent in 1975, and India was among the first countries to set up a diplomatic mission in Mozambique. In fact, the Indian Ambassador had attended the first flag hoisting ceremony of independent Mozambique on 25 June 1075. 

• Mozambique opened its Mission in New Delhi in 2001.

Visit of Mozambique’s President (9-11 Jan 2024) 

• Fromer President Filipe Nyusi visited India for the Vibrant Gujarat Summit and met PM Narendra Modi. They discussed bilateral relations as also cooperation in multilateral fora, including the UN. Both leaders agreed to remain in touch and maintain the pace of high-level political contacts between the two countries. Nyusi also addressed Mozambique India Business Forun and invited Indian investors to invest in Mozambique. 

• Nyusi had paid State Visit to India (4-8 Aug 2015). Also, he met PM Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg (24 Aug 2023).  PM Modi and Nyusi participated in the High-level Event on Green Credits Programme at COP28 Summit in Dubai (1 Dec 2023). Nyusi and PM Modi had telephone conversation where they discussed about the Covid pandemic and its impact on global economies (3 June 2020). 

Recent Visits From India 

• Minister of State for External Affairs Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh visited Mozambique (22-25 June 2025). During the visit, he attended the celebrations of 50th Independence Day of Mozambique, held meeting with Foreign Minister, inaugurated the Jaipur Foot Camp along with Health Minister at Central Hospital in Maputo, addressed the Indian community in Maputo and visited 120 years old Salamanga temple.    

• External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar visited Mozambique (13-15 April 2023). He called on the President of Mozambique and the President of the National Assembly. EAM held talks with Foreign Minister (6th Joint Commission meeting) and met Minister of Health and Transport Minister. During the visit, EAM took a short side on Made in India train from Maputo to Machava along with the Mozambican Transport Minister. Then, EAM virtually inaugurated the Buzi bridge constructed under concessional line of credit.  Also, EAM addressed the Indian community in Maputo. 

• Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas; Housing and Urban Affairs Shri Hardeep S. Puri visited Mozambique (28-31 Oct 2023). He called on President of Mozambique; held talks with Minister for Mineral Resources & Energy and Minister of Economy & Finance. Also, Hon’ble Minister met Governor of Cabo Delgado and visited the site of the LNG plant in Cabo Delgado.

• Shri Dammu Ravi, Secretary (Economic Relations) attended the inauguration of H.E. Mr. Daniel Francisco Chapo as President of Mozambique (15 Jan 2025). During the visit, Secy (ER) addressed the Indian community in Maputo which was attended by about 150 people. Also, he visited the Fast Interceptor Boat Umbelozi gifted by GoI to Mozambique Navy and met Chairman of Board of Directors of Mozambican Railways and Ports. 

High Level Visits

• All four previous Mozambican Presidents have visited India: Samora Machel (April 1982), Joaquim Chissano (May 1988 and May 2003), Armando Guebuza (Sept/Oct 2010), Filipe Nyusi (Aug 2015 & Jan 2024). PM Aires Ali visited India in March 2011 and PM Carlos Rosario attended the 3rd India Africa Forum Summit in New Delhi in Oct 2015.

• From the Indian side, then PM Indira Gandhi visited Mozambique in Aug 1982 and PM Shri Narendra Modi visited Mozambique in July 2016. 

Ministerial Visits 

• Ministerial visits from India included those by Minister of Commerce & Industry (Sept 2013 & Sept 2022), External Affairs Minister (July 2010), Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs (Nov 2007), Minister of Labour (April 2003) and External Affairs Minister (March 1999). 

• Recent ministerial visits from Mozambique included those by Defence Minister (Nov 2019), Minister of Industry and Commerce (March 2019), Foreign Minister (Nov/Dec 2018), Minister for Transport and Communication (Jan 2017) and Health Minister (Sept 2016).

Institutional Mechanisms

• The fifth session of Joint Commission on Economic, Cultural, Scientific and Technical Cooperation was held in Maputo (14 April 2023). EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar and FM Veronica Macamo Dlhovo chaired the meeting. 

• The 4th meeting of Joint Defence Working Group was held in New Delhi (25 April 2023). Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Defence of Mozambique led the delegation.  

• The first JWG meeting on Health and Medicine was held in New Delhi (25 Oct 2013). 

• The 4th meeting of JWG on Mines and Mineral Resources was held in New Delhi (6 June 2023). 

• The second meeting of Foreign Office Consultations at the level of Joint Secretary was held in New Delhi (4 July 2022).  

• The second meeting of JWG on MSMEs was held in New Delhi (8 July 2019). 

• The JWGs on Agricultural Cooperation (MOU signed in 2017) and New and Renewable Energy (MOU signed in 2015) are yet to be convened. 

Economic & Commercial Relations 

• Bilateral commercial relations between India and Mozambique have steadily enhanced in recent years. The presence of Indian companies in Mozambique has increased to now number over 100. Indian investments in Mozambique are valued approximately at USD 10 billion. 

• Economic relations have steadily deepened and expanded mainly through greater involvement of Indian companies that have invested heavily in the natural gas and coal sectors. 

• Bilateral trade has also been rapidly growing in recent years. The most important exports from India are refined petroleum products, pharmaceuticals, machinery etc., whereas coking coal, cashew and raw agri products are the leading Mozambican exports to India. 

Value: Million USD 

Source: DGCIS

Development Partnership 

• In recent years, India’s support for Mozambique’s development agenda has become an important priority under a vibrant, robust and versatile bilateral relationship between both countries. Most of this assistance has been provided through concessional Lines of Credit (LOC) implemented through EXIM Bank of India.

• By implementing projects under its concessional LoCs, India has extended support to Mozambique in diverse areas - provision of drinking water, improving power generation and distribution, improving agricultural productivity, rehabilitation of irrigation infrastructure, creation of an Information Technology Park, construction of an assembly plant for solar cells, rehabilitation of road networks, construction of housing units, railway equipment etc.

• Under LOC of USD 149.72 million, Afcons is undertaking the construction of Tica-Buzi and Nova-Sofala roads in central Mozambique. 

• Under LOC of USD 95 million, RITES has supplied Made in India railway rolling stock including locomotives, wagons and coaches

• In the aftermath of Cyclone IDAI in March 2019, Government of India had deployed three Indian Naval Ships to provide Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) to the affected people in the Beira province of Mozambique. In December 2021, INS Kesari delivered consignment of 500 MT of rice.  

• In September 2020, India handed over 13 essential medicines worth 22 million Meticais to Mozambique to combat and prevent COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2021, India donated 100,000 doses and supplied over 1 million doses of Covishield vaccine under COVAX programme to Mozambique.

• In February 2022, India and Mozambique signed a MoU for implementation of a Drinking Water Project at the Mueda District under Government of India’s grant assistance of USD 10 million. 

• In June 2022, India donated a consignment of Covid-19 related assistance package comprising of PPE kits and face masks besides 2 Mahindra SUVs to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

• Macomia Health Centre in northern Mozambique is being rehabilitated by India and UNDP. 

Capacity Building

• The most visible and appreciated form of development partnership extended by India to Mozambique is in the form of scholarships and training opportunities in India. There are 55 Indian scholarships available for Mozambican students to pursue Undergraduate & Postgraduate studies and PhD courses in India. 

• Government of India sponsors about 100 short-term training courses every year to Mozambican nationals. These courses are fully funded by India and have helped improve human resources in Mozambique.

Culture 

• During 2025, Republic Day celebrations were held in Maputo, Xai Xai, Beira, Tete, Nampula, Nacala and Pemba (26 Jan). High Commission held World Hindi Day in Maputo (Jan), ITEC Day (March), International Women’s Day (March), Holi (March), Iftar reception (March), ICCR Foundation Day (April), Vishu and Easter celebrations in Maputo (April), and Tamil Day Celebrations (April). Also, quiz and essay competitions were held in Colegio Prodigo (March), Colegio Shalom (March), Colegio Pitagoras (April), Colegio Arco Iris (April), 5 schools in Nacala (April), Escola Secundaria da Acacias (May).

• As part of International Day of Yoga celebrations in 2025, HCI organised 162 yoga events across Mozambique – Maputo, Matola, Xai Xai, Inhambane, Maxixe, Beira, tete, Quelimane, Nampula, Nacala and Pemba. The main IDY celebration was held at the independence square in Maputo on 22 June 2025 where more than 1500 yoga enthusiasts participated in the yoga session.  

• Last year (2024), Republic Day (26 Jan) and Independence Day (15 Aug) were celebrated by Indian community in Maputo, Matola, Beira, Tete, Milange, Nampula, Nacala and Pemba. High Commission in collaboration with various Indian community organizations organised World Hindi Day (Jan), Chalo India - Global Diaspora Campaign (March), Pongal in Maputo (Feb), Indian Cultural Association evening in Maputo (Feb), International Women's Day (March), Holi in Maputo and Xai Xai (March), Chess and Carom afternoon in Maputo (April), Gudi Padwa festival (April), Umang Fair (April), Brahmakumaris @20inMozambique and @50inAfrica celebrations in Maputo (April), Easter and Vishu in Maputo (April), India Mozambique Cultural Evening in Maputo (June), screening of Indian film in Maputo (July), Cycle rally in Maputo (Aug), National Day Reception (Aug), Raksha Bandhan (Aug), Hindi Diwas celebrations in Maputo (Sept), tree plantation campaign (Sept), Garba night (Sept), Onam celebrations (Sept), ITEC Day (Sept), Coastal cleanup campaign (Sept), Know Tamil Nadu Exhibition (Aug/Sept), ICCR sponsored PANGHAT cultural group from Gujarat in Maputo, Matola and Xai Xai (Sept/Oct), Gandhi Jayanti (Oct), Navaratri celebrations (Oct), Durga Puja celebrations (Oct), screening of an Indian film (Oct), Navarasa – Kerala Fusion (Oct),  Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (Oct), Ayurveda Day (Oct), Constitution Day (Nov), ITEC Day in Nacala (Dec) and Know Maharashtra exhibition (Nov/Dec). High Commission of India in collaboration with Maputo Municipal Council organised IDY celebrations at the Independence Square in Maputo (June). More than 800 yoga enthusiasts participated in the yoga session. As part of IDY celebrations in Mozambique, more than 125 yoga sessions were held in Maputo, Matola, Xai Xai, Beira, Tete, Nampula, Nacala and Pemba. 

Community and Cultural Relations

• Almost 20,000 Mozambican nationals trace their ancestry to India. Most of them are from Gujarat, Goa, Daman & Diu. The Indian diaspora is mostly engaged in wholesale and retail trade in Mozambique, where it has made a strong and dominant mark. The Indian community of Mozambique is well integrated into the local economy and society and is contributing to the creation of wealth and employment in Mozambique. It has also preserved its cultural roots from India. 

• In addition, there are around 3000 Indian nationals in the country engaged in various Indian companies or working as professionals in Mozambican companies. There are several community associations of the Indian community, which regularly organize charitable and cultural events. 

• High Commissioner addressed Indian communities in Nacala (Nov 2024) and Nampula (Nov 2024). Also, our outreach to the Indian community in 2024 included community welfare meetings/consular camps in Nacala (Feb), Xai Xai (March), Pemba (April), Beira (April), Nacala (Dec), Nampula (Dec), Xai Xai (Dec), Maxixe (Dec), Inhambane (Dec) and Tete (Dec). 

• In 2025, High Commission held community welfare meetings/consular camps in Quelimane (March), Beira (April), Matola (May), Tete (June) and Pemba (June). 

June 2025