According to information published on the X account (@HammerOfWar5) on January 14, 2024, the Mozambique police were seen using Indian-made Mahindra MPV-I mine-resistant ambush protected vehicles.
Although neither country has issued a press release confirming the acquisition, Mozambique is seeking to increase its military capabilities, particularly by expanding its partnerships. Indeed, Mozambique’s security situation is mainly compromised by an Islamist insurgency in the northern province of Cabo Delgado, coupled with economic grievances and political instability.
India and Mozambique have been actively enhancing their military cooperation, evident through high-level diplomatic engagements and strategic dialogues. In 2019, Mozambique acquired 2 L&T Fast Interceptor patrol boats from India. More recently, the visit of Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to Mozambique underscored the deepening ties between the two countries, with a focus on advancing bilateral relations in the face of various security challenges. This visit was part of India’s broader strategy to strengthen its ties with African nations, guided by the Kampala Principles and the SAGAR initiative. The discussions encompassed a range of topics, including traditional and non-traditional security threats, emphasizing Mozambique’s significance in India’s energy strategy due to its substantial natural gas reserves.