Tanzania and India are looking to deepen cooperation in the defence sector, with technology transfer, investment and stronger local partnerships emerging as key areas of focus.
The move was highlighted on August 7, 2026, when Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Dr Ngwaru Maghembe, officially opened the fourth Bahart Tanzania Mini Defence Expo in Dar es Salaam.
The exhibition, organised by the Embassy of India in Tanzania, brought together senior defence officials and representatives of Indian companies manufacturing defence equipment, providing a platform for the two countries to explore opportunities for closer cooperation.
India's High Commissioner to Tanzania, Mr Bishwadip Dey, also attended the event.
Speaking at the opening, Dr Maghembe urged Indian defence companies to work more closely with Tanzanian institutions, saying such partnerships could create opportunities for trade, investment and the exchange of technology.
The Deputy Minister emphasised that cooperation should go beyond the supply of equipment to include partnerships that strengthen Tanzania's capacity and enable the country to benefit from knowledge and technological expertise.
For Tanzania, greater access to technology and technical expertise could support the development of local capabilities while creating opportunities for Tanzanian institutions and businesses to participate in emerging areas of the defence industry.
Dr Maghembe said stronger cooperation would also reinforce the longstanding friendship and diplomatic relations between Tanzania and India.
He linked the partnership to Tanzania's broader objective of maintaining a secure and stable environment that can support economic and social development.
The expo also gives Tanzanian stakeholders an opportunity to engage directly with Indian manufacturers and assess technologies and potential areas of cooperation.
With Tanzania continuing to seek investment and technical partnerships, the focus on local participation and technology transfer could determine the wider economic value of such international cooperation.
The fourth Bahart Tanzania Mini Defence Expo therefore represents not only a platform for showcasing defence equipment but also an opportunity to explore partnerships that could strengthen national capacity, promote investment and support Tanzania's long-term development interests.
