Trade and economic relations between Tanzania and India con¬tinue to deepen, supported by historical ties, shared cultural values, longstanding commercial exchanges, growing investment and expanding opportunities for businesses in both countries.
Bilateral trade reached US$9.02 billion in 2025/26, according to Indian Government trade statistics, underscoring the growing impor¬tance of the economic relationship between the two countries.
The relationship extends well beyond merchandise trade, and today spans investment, manufac¬turing, agriculture, infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, transport, energy and other sectors. The relationship was elevated to a Strategic Partner¬ship in 2023, reflecting the breadth of cooperation between the two countries.
While Tanzania’s exports to India include gold, cashew nuts, pulses, timber, spices, ores and gemstones, India’s exports to Tanzania include petroleum products, pharmaceu-ticals and chemicals, motor vehi¬cles, electrical goods, iron and steel products, sugar and machinery.
For Tanzania, India is a major market for agricultural, mineral and other exports, whereas Indi¬an products cater to Tanzanian consumer and industrial require¬ments. Besides, Indian companies are active in several sectors of the Tanzanian economy, adding to the growing commercial relationship.
The continued expansion of bilateral trade also underscores the importance of transport and logistics networks that can efficiently accommodate growing cargo volumes. This requires not only reliable maritime services, but also efficient ports and strong connections between maritime gateways and inland transport networks.
Government commitment to strengthening transport connectivity
The Government of Tanzania continues to expand and modernise transport infrastructure to support growing trade and facilitate the efficient movement of goods. At Dar es Salaam Port, a major seaport in Tanzania, ongoing improvements in infrastructure, cargo-handling capacity and operational systems are complemented by stronger inland transport connections.
Hinterland connectivity is also being strengthened through the development and improvement of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), Meter Gauge Railway (MGR) and TAZARA network, which connect Dar es Salaam Port with domestic and regional markets.
‘Strong and reliable maritime connectivity is essential to Tanzania’s ambition to expand trade, attract investment and strengthen its position as a regional transport and logistics hub. The growing trade between Tanzania and India underscores the importance of efficient and competitive maritime links between our two countries.
Our ambition extends beyond Tanzania’s own trade. We are strengthening Dar es Salaam Port as a competitive gateway to East and Central Africa, supported by efficient port operations and seamless rail and road connectivity to regional markets.
We therefore, welcome stronger maritime links with India to facilitate trade and investment, strengthen regional connectivity and build a long-term strategic trade partnership between Tanzania, India and the wider region.’
The Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) is central to this effort, overseeing the development of the country’s maritime sector.
As the Director General of TPA, Mr. Plasduce Mkeli Mbossa said:
‘The growth in trade between Tanzania and India highlights the importance of continued investment in modern port infrastructure. Dar es Salaam Port is committed to providing reliable services, improving operational efficiency and strengthening connectivity with regional markets. As Tanzania’s principal maritime gateway, the port plays an important role in facilitating both bilateral trade and transit cargo for neighbouring countries. We welcome deeper cooperation with Indian businesses and maritime stakeholders to build resilient supply chains and support the long-term growth of trade between our two countries.’
H.E. Bishwadip Dey, High Commissioner of India to Tanzania, explains:
‘India and Tanzania share a deep and enduring relationship founded on historical ties, mutual trust and strong people-to-people connections. The elevation of our relationship to a Strategic Partnership reflects our shared ambition to translate these longstanding bonds into greater trade, investment and economic cooperation.
With bilateral trade now exceeding US$9 billion, the economic relationship has entered an exciting phase. Our focus must be on creating the connectivity, partnerships and enabling infrastructure that allow businesses in both countries to access new markets and opportunities.
Maritime connectivity is particularly important in this journey. Stronger links between Indian ports and Dar es Salaam can facilitate Tanzania’s growing trade with India while also connecting Indian businesses with the wider East and Central African region.
We see considerable potential for the private sector on both sides to build upon this momentum across manufacturing, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, infrastructure, logistics, energy and other emerging sectors. India remains committed to working closely with Tanzania to further deepen this partnership and create sustainable economic opportunities for our two countries and our people.’
Trade connectivity
Since the bulk of cargo between the two markets is transported by sea, reliable maritime connectivity is vital to supporting this growing trade.
Shipping services between India’s west coast and Dar es Salaam Port in Tanzania have expanded accordingly. Two years ago, Container Terminal 2 had only one India-Tanzania service. This has now increased to four direct services, all connecting the Adani Mundra port in India with Dar es Salaam Port in Tanzania.
These additional services support growing trade by providing greater shipping capacity and more options for moving cargo between the two markets. For importers and exporters, reliable and regular services are crucial to designing agile supply chains.
At the Tanzanian end of this corridor, Tanzania East Africa Gateway Terminal Limited (TEAGTL) operates Container Terminal 2 at Dar es Salaam Port, where it has been investing in infrastructure, equipment, technology and people as part of wider efforts to enhance the port’s operational capacity and efficiency.
TEAGTL is thus supporting Tanzania’s ambition to position Dar es Salaam as a leading East African gateway, strengthening trade connectivity across the Indian Ocean and serving the growing economies of East and Central Africa.
Investing in operational capability
TEAGTL has strengthened terminal productivity and service reliability by building local skills, transferring knowledge and developing its workforce. In 2025, the terminal handled close to one million TEUs, contributing to an increase of more than 21 percent in Dar es Salaam Port’s volumes, over the past 2 years.
‘The Indian Ocean connects some of the world’s most dynamic markets, with significant potential to deepen trade between India, Tanzania and the wider African continent.
We are committed to supporting the Government of Tanzania’s vision to establish Dar es Salaam as a competitive and reliable gateway for East Africa, enabling Tanzania and its neighbouring countries to participate more fully in global trade. Adani Mundra Port’s scale, capacity and integrated logistics capabilities complement Dar es Salaam’s strategic location and regional reach. Together, these gateways can strengthen the India-East Africa trade corridor, expand opportunities for businesses on both sides, and support long-term economic growth.’
A wider gateway to regional trade
The importance of Dar es Salaam’s container infrastructure extends beyond bilateral trade with India. Dar es Salaam Port serves not only Tanzania but also neighboring landlocked countries, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Zambia and Malawi.
Continued improvement of port capacity, railway connectivity and cargo evacuation systems will therefore be important in supporting the growth of both Tanzania’s international trade and regional transit traffic.