Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be making an effort to strengthen India’s ties with the blue economy and consolidate maritime security, as he embarks on a four-nation tour of the African continent from July 7-11. He will be visiting Mozambique, Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa.

“It is important to remember the maritime dimension with all these countries. These are all members of the Indian Ocean Region. So, it is important for the blue economy and maritime security,” Amar Sinha, Secretary (Economic Relations), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), said on Monday.

Elaborating on the agenda, Sinha said Modi’s visit to Mozambique will be critical keeping in mind the fact that India has investments worth $8 billion there, especially in coal and steel.

Some of the Indian conglomerates present in Mozambique are SAIL, Essar and Tata Power among others.

Both governments might also sign a memorandum of understanding under which India will purchase pulses from Mozambique, as also a MoU on civil aviation cooperation.

On July 8, Modi will head to South Africa to hold a meeting with President Jacob Zuma. The country assumes critical importance for India as both work together on various multilateral fora – BRICS, IBSA, G20 and BASIC.

In Tanzania, Modi will seek to enhance mutual cooperation and understanding on major issues, including solar alliance. He will then conclude his visit with a two-day trip to Kenya.

India might announce another line of credit during this visit. Modi will also be lobbying for India’s membership at the UN Security Council with all these four countries.

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