Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate by Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) for her pivotal role in strengthening India-Tanzania relations. During the event at JNU’s national capital campus, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed, “It is a matter of great pride for us to confer the honorary doctorate on Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan today from the JNU. I take particular satisfaction in this as an alumnus of this university.”
Jaishankar further emphasized, “She has personally experienced the capabilities of Indian institutions. Though it is our first chance to welcome her as the president of Tanzania, we greet her as an old friend.”
Jaishankar noted that education and capacity building are vital aspects of the relationship between India and Tanzania. He stated, “By honouring her with an educational conferment, we not only recognize a long association with India but highlight this particular aspect of our relationship. Education and capacity building are important facets of our bilateral ties.”
The minister highlighted that over 5000 Tanzanian nationals have received training in educational institutions in India.
Jaishankar also mentioned, “India also plays host to several Tanzanian students who study in India and in our universities, young minds brim with confidence as they shape India’s future through startups, inventions, and innovations.”
Regarding the establishment of the first overseas campus of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Zanzibar, Jaishankar stated, “Taking this link further from a preferred destination to set up the first overseas campus of the Indian Institute of Technology in Zanzibar.” He mentioned that classes for the first batch are scheduled to begin this month at the first IIT Madras campus opened in Tanzania.
“The institution has the potential to become the premier center for technical education for the entire African continent,” Jaishankar added.
Jaishankar also discussed India’s global engagement, particularly its G20 presidency, which aimed to address fundamental issues faced by developing nations. He said, “Providing a voice for the Global South has been the overriding concern of our G20 presidency.”
He emphasized the traditionally close and friendly relations between India and Tanzania, marked by “sound political understanding, regular high-level visits, diversified economic engagement, and strong people-to-people contacts.” Despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, bilateral trade between India and Tanzania has witnessed strong growth from both sides.
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s state visit to India was extended as an invitation from President Draupadi Murmu.
(Inputs from ANI)