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Columbus Mabika Herald Reporter
The Indian Parliament, the Rajya Sabha, on Tuesday observed a minute of silence in honour of Zimbabwe’s late former President Robert Mugabe, and later described him as a champion of African unity who contributed immensely to enhancing Indo-Zimbabwe ties.
Cde Mugabe died in Singapore on September 6 aged 95, and was declared a national hero.
He was buried at his rural home in Zvimba, Mashonaland West Province, on September 28 in line with his family’s wishes.
Rajya Sabha chairman Mr Shri Venkaiah Naidu said Cde Mugabe was a true friend who contributed immensely to the strengthening of the bond between India and Zimbabwe.
“Honourable members, I refer with profound sorrow to the passing away of Mr Robert Mugabe, former President of Zimbabwe on the 6th of September at the age of 95 years,” he said.
“This house joins the bereaved family, the Government and the people of Zimbabwe in mourning the passing away of Mr Mugabe. We deeply mourn with them.”
Mr Naidu said under Cde Mugabe’s leadership, Zimbabwe sought to change the course of history through empowering its people.
“An iconic Pan-African leader, Mr Mugabe played an instrumental role in leading Zimbabwe to its Independence in the year 1980,” he said.
“An ardent votary of African issues and Pan-African unity, he served as the Prime Minister of Zimbabwe from 1980 to 1987 and as the President of Zimbabwe from 1988 to 2017.
“He devoted his whole life to the benefit of the people of Zimbabwe.
“He served as the Chairman of the Non-Aligned Movement from 1986 to 1989. Mr Mugabe was a true friend of India and contributed immensely to India-Zimbabwe friendship.”
Mr Naidu said Cde Mugabe’s death was a global loss.
“His demise is an irreparable loss to the Republic of Zimbabwe and its people,” he said. “The world has lost one of the leaders of our times.”
India and Zimbabwe have a long history of close and cordial relations.
During the era of the Munhumutapa Kingdom, Indian merchants established strong links with Zimbabwe, trading in textiles, minerals and metals. India supported Zimbabwe’s struggle for freedom, with former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi attending Zimbabwe’s Independence celebrations in 1980.
Last year, Indian Vice President Mr Venkaiah Naidu was in the country on a mission to cement relations with Zimbabwe.
Over the years, the relationship has grown from strength to strength, with Indian public sector companies like Indian Railway Construction Company (IRCON), Rail India Technical & Economic Services (RITES), Water and Power Consultancy Services (WAPCOS) and Telecommunications India Ltd (TCIL) having successful stints in Zimbabwe.
Some of the big Indian investors in Zimbabwe are edible oil producers Cangrow Trading and Surface Wilmar, Varun Beverages and Splash paints, which has just opened a plastic recycling company.
Online Reporter