Strengthening India-Zimbabwe Ties: A Focus on Environment and Cooperation

Enhancing Bilateral Relations

Harare, June 28: In a pivotal move to bolster relations between India and Zimbabwe, Kirti Vardhan Singh, the Minister of State for External Affairs, engaged in discussions with Evelyn Ndlovu, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, in Harare. Their talks centered on enhancing collaboration, particularly in environmental protection and wildlife conservation.

The two leaders committed to addressing the pressing challenges posed by climate change.

According to a post by the Indian Embassy in Harare on X, "Minister of State Kirti Vardhan Singh met with Evelyn Ndlovu to discuss wildlife conservation and environmental initiatives through the sharing of best practices."

Singh also met with Zimbabwe's President, Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, to explore ways to strengthen bilateral relations. The President underscored the enduring historical ties between the two nations.

In a post on X, President Mnangagwa stated, "India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, paid me a courtesy visit at State House. We reaffirmed the strong ties between Zimbabwe and India and explored opportunities for enhanced bilateral cooperation."

Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade noted that both countries are intensifying their cooperation, with a focus on expanding trade, enhancing healthcare support, and promoting industrial development and investment.

Earlier on Friday, Singh met with Amon Murwira, Zimbabwe's Foreign Minister, recognizing that this is an ideal time to explore new cooperation avenues as both nations deepen their historical people-to-people connections.

Singh shared on X, "Met Amon Murwira, Foreign Minister, and agreed that it is an opportune time to add new areas of collaboration to further strengthen and deepen our centuries-old people-to-people contacts."

Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade also highlighted the discussions between Singh and Murwira, stating, "The two parties discussed bilateral relations and how to further strengthen cooperation in various economic sectors, including agriculture, health, mineral extraction, ICT, and human capital development."

Later, Singh paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi by laying a floral tribute at the bust located at the Harare Hindu Society campus. While interacting with the Indian community in Zimbabwe, he emphasized their role as a vital link in India-Zimbabwe relations.

He noted that Zimbabwe is home to over 10,000 members of the Indian diaspora who have been settled in the country since the 19th century.

Additionally, the Minister planted a Laxmi Taru seedling at the Om Temple premises in Zimbabwe, as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam' initiative, in the presence of community members.

Singh arrived in Zimbabwe late Thursday after completing his official visit to Mozambique.