India and Zimbabwe agree to advance bilateral rela...

India and Zimbabwe agree to advance bilateral relations for mutual advance

After a comprehensive review, India and Zimbabwe have expressed their desire to further bilateral relations in various sectors for mutual benefit.

This came out at the second Foreign Office Consultations between the two countries held in New Delhi today.

“Both sides emphasized the importance of bilateral political exchanges to realise the full potential of the partnership.

The delegations also discussed enhancing cooperation in a number of areas including trade and investment, development partnership, defence, consular issues, agriculture, health and railways, among others,” Government of India’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement issued after the meeting.

The Chief Director of Economic Cooperation, International Tradeand Diaspora in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Mrs R.M. Faranisi led the Zimbabwean delegation while Joint Secretary (East & Southern Africa) Shri Puneet R. Kundal led the Indian contingent.

The statement says during the consultations, both sides undertook a comprehensive review of and expressed their desire to further advance these relations for the mutual benefit of both countries.

The delegations also exchanged on regional and international issues of mutual interest.

Moving forward, the two sides undertook to continue high level political exchanges and regular meetings of the joint institutional mechanisms to keep the partnership vibrant and mutually beneficial.

The third FOC will be held in Harare at a date to be announced.

India and Zimbabwe have enjoyed very cordial relations for centuries. These were established in the 14th century during the Munhumutapa Empire.

Zimbabwe has a vibrant community of citizens made up of Indian origins.

India’s US$48.1 million facility through the Indian Exim Bank for the Deka Upgradation Project in Hwange will help Zimbabweans get better power supply as the development should add 600MW to the national grid before the end of the year.

Indian companies like Varun Beverages and Pure Oil have created employment, increased local production capacity and helped Zimbabwe reduce its importation bill through local production.

India has also gifted Zimbabwe with ambulances, medical supplies including Covid-19 vaccinations, among other things.

Over 3000 Zimbabwean students are now studying in India in any given year, with a number of scholarships offered by both the government and private players.