India and Mozambique yesterday agreed to fast-track co-operation in agriculture after delegation-level discussions headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi here.
“We agreed to put co-operation in agriculture on the fast track,” Modi said in a joint press statement with Nyusi.
“We are also strengthening our partnership in food security,” he said.
Modi said healthcare was another area where India’s capacities and Mozambique’s needs matched well.
“I am particularly happy about our agreement to facilitate youth and sports co-operation and exchanges,” Modi said.
He also said that he and President Nyusi recognised that “terrorism is the gravest security threat facing the world today.”
Earlier in the day, Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome after his arrival in Maputo on the first leg of his four-nation Africa tour.
Later in the day, the prime minister was to meet Veronica Mamoco, president of Mozambique’s National Assembly.
He will also interact with students at the Science and Technology Park at Maluana, near here, and with members of the Indian community.
India has been working to build ties with African nations as it vies for a greater share of the continent’s natural resources.
Last year, it hosted a summit of Africa’s heads of state in New Delhi.
Its economic footprint in Africa is dwarfed by that of China, whose trade with the continent topped $200bn last year.
But India is gaining ground, led by private entrepreneurs with a keen interest in the continent’s burgeoning energy sector.
Modi’s Africa tour will focus on hydrocarbons, maritime security, trade and investment, agriculture and food, according to Indian officials.
Later yesterday, Modi was to head to South Africa for a two-day state visit, holding talks with President Jacob Zuma today in Pretoria and meeting business leaders.
India is now South Africa’s sixth largest trade partner, with two-way trade reaching $5.3bn in 2015-16.