Mozambique Visit: EAM Jaishankar takes ride in 'Made in India' train in Maputo

Maputo [Mozambique]: Accompanied by the Mozambican Transport Minister, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday took a ride in a 'Made in India' train in the country's capital Maputo.

Jaishankar appreciated the Chief Managing Director of the infrastructure company Rail India Technical and Economic Service (RITES), Rahul Mithal for joining along on the journey.

Sharing his experience, Jaishankar wrote on Twitter, "Took a ride in a 'Made in India' train from Maputo to Machava with Mozambican Transport Minister Mateus Magala. Appreciate CMD RITES Rahul Mithal joining us on the journey."

The External Affairs Minister also had a press conference on the moving train alongside Mozambican Transport Minister Mateus Magala.

"A novel experience: conducting a Press Conference in a moving train," Jaishankar tweeted.

During his visit to Mozambique, Jaishankar also visited a temple in Maputo and interacted with the Indian community there.

"Offered my prayers at the Shree Vishvambhar Mahadev Mandir in Maputo this evening. So glad to interact with the Indian community there," the EAM wrote on Twitter.

While meeting the Indian community representatives and friends of India at the reception hosted by High Commissioner in Maputo on Thursday evening, Jaishankar underlined the significance of the time-tested and historic relationship that is expanding between the two nations.

The EAM during a press conference in Maputo on Thursday recalled the Speaker of the Assembly of Mozambique, Esperanca Bias' visit to India last year. He said the two "reviewed their political cooperation and economic cooperation.

She urged me towards a greater expansion of our bilateral partnership. That is what I will be doing over the next two days."

Jaishankar said that it is important for India, and Mozambique to have "regular parliamentary exchanges and it is appropriate that I begin my visit by coming to the National Assembly."

"It's a very good start to the visit and I am sure that over the next few days, there will be many more important conversations," he said.

On being asked if BRICS is looking at trading in its own currencies, the EAM said: "Trade settlement is something which different countries are discussing. It is not something we are discussing within the BRICS. Individual countries have different positions on this matter."

Jaishankar on Thursday arrived in Maputo, Mozambique. He was welcomed with an energetic Mozambican welcome. Mozambique is a country in southeastern Africa.

"Arrived in Maputo to an energetic Mozambican welcome. Thank Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Manuel Jose Goncalves for the warm reception," Jaishankar tweeted on Thursday.
"Look forward to productive discussions," he further wrote.

EAM Jaishankar is on a visit to Mozambique from April 13-15 to further strengthen India's "strong bilateral relations" with the African nation.