daniel chigunwe
Ivan Zhakata and Obey Musiwa
India has commended President Mnangagwa and the Zimbabwean Government for unwavering support in fostering a strong partnership between the two nations.
The praise came during the celebration of India National Day in Harare yesterday, where Indian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Bramha Kumar, highlighted the deep historical and political ties between the countries as they mark 45 years of diplomatic relations.
Ambassador Kumar said India has long been a steadfast supporter of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle and continues to value the historical connections that date back to the era of the Munhumutapa Kingdom.
“Indian merchants established strong trade links with Zimbabwe, exchanging textiles, minerals, and metals. Sons of the Munhumutapa royal family even travelled to India to further their education.
“In the 17th century, Dom Miguel, a prince, priest, and heir to the Mutapa throne, studied in Goa. His legacy is immortalised by an inscribed pillar at a chapel in Goa, a testament to his intellectual stature,” said Ambassador Kumar.
He added that the historical and political ties are now transforming into robust economic relations, with Indian private sector investments in Zimbabwe estimated at US$600 million.
These investments have directly created jobs for 5 000 people and indirectly supported another 10 000.
“The number of Indian companies and professionals in Zimbabwe is growing, and several expansion projects are underway. One such project was recently inaugurated by President Mnangagwa last month.
“I am confident that the Indian business sector will play a significant role in restructuring Zimbabwe’s economy,” Ambassador Kumar added.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Sheilla Chikomo, echoed these sentiments, emphasising the long-standing friendship between Zimbabwe and India, which began in the 14th and 17th centuries during the height of trade between Indian merchants and the Munhumutapa Empire.
“The trade involved gold, ivory, textiles, beads, and precious metals. Members of the Munhumutapa royal family also travelled to India, where they gained education and distinguished themselves as traders and cultural ambassadors,” Deputy Minister Chikomo said.
She highlighted India’s support during Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle and its continued diplomatic and economic cooperation post-independence.
“Our bilateral relations are multifaceted and mutually beneficial. Recently, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga visited India in August 2024 for the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) India-Africa Business Conclave, further strengthening our ties,” she added.
Deputy Minister Chikomo also acknowledged the contributions of the Indian diaspora in Zimbabwe, particularly in business, trade, education, and culture.
She praised the 17 Indo-Zim Technological Centres established across Zimbabwe, which were upgraded with state-of-the-art Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines in 2022.
Online Reporter
