Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the first day of his visit to four African nations, struck several key deals with Mozambique's President Filipe Nyusi at the national capital of Maputo on Thursday.
Among the important agreements, the two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) wherein India will purchase pulses from Mozambique in an effort to address the shortfall back home and stabilise prices of this rich source of protein.
India signed a second MoU with Mozambique on reduction of demand for drugs, and a third on the prevention of illicit drug trafficking and precursor chemicals. Precursor chemicals are those that are used to make narcotic substances.
The Indian prime minister said: "Our agreement on prevention of drug trafficking is a testimony to our shared determination to combat this menace and these networks."
India is also expected to donate certain essential medicines, including those for the treatment of AIDS, for the Mozambican public health system.
At a joint address after the meet, Modi said he and Nyusi "have today agreed to strengthen our defence and security relationship." He also said they "recognise that terrorism is the gravest security threat facing the world today."
While speaking at the joint address, Modi said: "Mozambique has already been one of the gateways for Indian investments into Africa. We are confident that under the leadership of President Nyusi, Indian investments will receive a nurturing environment," and added: "What Mozambique requires is available in India. We complement each other."
As part of the talks, India also strengthened its ties with Mozambique on food security.
The prime minister is now expected to travel to South Africa, and then to Tanzania and Kenya before ending his tour on Sunday, July 10. He is expected to meet the Indian diaspora in all four countries.
