India Strengthens Healthcare Ties with Mozambique through Medical Aid

India on Tuesday advanced its longstanding commitment to supporting partner nations by dispatching a significant consignment of medical assistance to Mozambique, reinforcing the southern African country’s healthcare infrastructure. According to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the aid was sent via an Indian Coast Guard vessel, symbolizing the close cooperation and solidarity between the two nations.

“Supporting a key Global South partner – Mozambique. India sends medical assistance to Mozambique. The first tranche of the aid was dispatched via an Indian Coast Guard vessel. The aid comprises medicines, surgical supplies and consumables which will augment Mozambique's healthcare capabilities,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared in a post on X. This initiative underlines India’s proactive role in addressing health challenges faced by its partners and reflects the spirit of South-South cooperation.

The relationship between India and Mozambique is underpinned by a deep sense of camaraderie, rooted in centuries-old trade relations, particularly between Mozambique and the western coastal regions of India. These ties pre-date the colonial era, serving as the foundation for the warm and multi-dimensional partnership the two countries enjoy today.

In a testament to the ongoing bilateral engagement, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh recently visited Mozambique in June. During his official trip, he held substantive talks with Mozambique’s Foreign Minister, Maria Manuela dos Santos Lucas, focusing on expanding and strengthening the multifaceted partnership. Reflecting on their discussions, Kirti Vardhan Singh wrote on X, “Delighted to meet HE Ms. Maria Manuela dos Santos Lucas, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Mozambique in Maputo. Reviewed the progress of bilateral relations and discussed ways to further strengthen India-Mozambique ties. Our two countries stand to benefit from our growing relations.”

Further illustrating India’s commitment to humanitarian initiatives and people-to-people connections, MoS Singh, alongside Mozambican Health Minister Ussene Hilario Isse, inaugurated the Jaipur Foot Camp at Central Hospital in Maputo. This camp, funded by the Government of India, is set to provide artificial limbs to approximately 1,200 beneficiaries. “Inaugurated Jaipur Foot (artificial limb fitment) camp in Maputo along with Health Minister of Mozambique, HE Dr. Ussene Hilario Isse. Funded by GoI, the camp will provide artificial limbs to around 1200 beneficiaries, positively impacting the lives of beneficiaries and their families,” Singh stated on X, emphasizing the transformative impact of such healthcare collaboration.

Diplomatic relations between India and Mozambique were formalized immediately after Mozambique’s independence in 1975, marking the beginning of a robust diplomatic partnership. India was among the very first countries to establish a diplomatic mission in Mozambique, with the Indian Ambassador present at the historic first flag hoisting ceremony on Mozambique’s Independence Day, June 25, 1975. This early solidarity set the tone for decades of fruitful cooperation across strategic, economic, and humanitarian sectors, with recent aid deliveries and joint initiatives highlighting the enduring strength and mutual respect characterizing the partnership.