This article covers the political relationship between India and Mozambique: how diplomatic relations were established, visits by heads of state, heads of government and ministers in both directions, and the main dialogue mechanisms. It is based on the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) bilateral brief of March 2026.

Overview

According to the MEA brief of March 2026, India enjoys "warm, friendly and substantive ties" with Mozambique. The brief describes the centuries-old trade links between Mozambique and the western states of India as ancient people-to-people links.

In the brief's words, these links "have been built upon in modern times to forge a strong bilateral relationship based on regular political contacts, ever-deepening economic engagement, and a well-integrated Indian community in Mozambique".

Establishment of diplomatic relations

The brief states that after 1947, independent India's support for the Mozambican freedom struggle established the basis for warm political ties between the leaderships of the two countries.

Diplomatic relations were established as soon as Mozambique became independent in 1975, and India was among the first countries to set up a diplomatic mission in Mozambique. The Indian Ambassador attended the first flag hoisting ceremony of independent Mozambique on 25 June 1975.

Visits by heads of state and government

The brief records that all four previous Mozambican Presidents have visited India:

  • Samora Machel (April 1982)
  • Joaquim Chissano (May 1988 and May 2003)
  • Armando Guebuza (September/October 2010)
  • Filipe Nyusi (August 2015 and January 2024)

Prime Minister Aires Ali visited India in March 2011, and Prime Minister Carlos Rosario attended the 3rd India Africa Forum Summit in New Delhi in October 2015.

From the Indian side, then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi visited Mozambique in August 1982, and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi visited Mozambique in July 2016.

Contacts with President Nyusi

President Filipe Nyusi paid a State Visit to India from 4-8 August 2015. He and Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephone conversation on 3 June 2020, in which they discussed the Covid pandemic and its impact on global economies.

In 2023, the two leaders met on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg on 24 August. On 1 December 2023, they took part in the High-level Event on Green Credits Programme at the COP28 Summit in Dubai.

President Nyusi visited India again from 9-11 January 2024 for a summit in Gujarat and met Prime Minister Modi. They discussed bilateral relations and cooperation in multilateral fora, including the UN. The brief records that both leaders agreed to remain in touch and maintain the pace of high-level political contacts between the two countries.

Recent visits from India

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar visited Mozambique from 13-15 April 2023. He called on the President of Mozambique and the President of the National Assembly, held talks with the Foreign Minister, and met the Minister of Health and the Transport Minister. He also addressed the Indian community in Maputo.

Shri Dammu Ravi, Secretary (Economic Relations), attended the inauguration of H.E. Mr. Daniel Francisco Chapo as President of Mozambique on 15 January 2025. During the visit he addressed the Indian community in Maputo, at an event attended by about 150 people.

Minister of State for External Affairs Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh visited Mozambique from 22-25 June 2025. He attended the celebrations of the 50th Independence Day of Mozambique, held a meeting with the Foreign Minister, addressed the Indian community in Maputo and visited the 120 years old Salamanga temple.

The Minister of State met Mozambican Foreign Minister Maria Lucas on the sidelines of the NAM Mid-Term Ministerial Meeting in Kampala on 16 October 2025. They reviewed bilateral cooperation in a wide range of areas, including agriculture, capacity building and Information Technology.

Earlier ministerial visits from India listed in the brief were by the External Affairs Minister (March 1999 and July 2010), the Minister of Labour (April 2003) and the Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs (November 2007).

Visits from Mozambique

Recent visits from Mozambique listed in the brief include:

  • the First Deputy President of the National Assembly, for the Commonwealth Speakers Conference in New Delhi (January 2026)
  • the Speaker of the National Assembly (July 2022)
  • the Foreign Minister (November/December 2018)
  • the Minister for Transport and Communication (January 2017)

Dialogue mechanisms

The fifth session of the Joint Commission on Economic, Cultural, Scientific and Technical Cooperation was held in Maputo on 14 April 2023, during the External Affairs Minister's visit. EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar and Foreign Minister Veronica Macamo Dlhovo chaired the meeting. The brief's account of the visit itself calls these talks the 6th Joint Commission meeting.

The second meeting of Foreign Office Consultations, at the level of Joint Secretary, was held in New Delhi on 4 July 2022. The 3rd Foreign Office Consultations were held in Maputo on 18 August 2026, and the two sides agreed to hold the next round in New Delhi.