Online Reporter
Mashudu Netsianda, [email protected]
ZIMBABWE and India are intensifying their bilateral co-operation, focusing on expanding trade, enhancing healthcare support and promoting industrial development and investment, Indian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Bramha Kumar has said.
In an interview yesterday on the sidelines of the International Day of Yoga 2025 celebrations in Bulawayo, Ambassador Kumar said the two countries continue to enjoy warm diplomatic relations underpinned by mutual respect and shared historical ties.
Amb Kumar said Zimbabwe is one of India’s strategic partners in Africa whose relationship has matured over the years, and now focusing on results-oriented collaboration in key sectors of mutual interest.
He noted that India is keen on continuing to support Zimbabwe’s economic transformation, particularly in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture, education and small to medium enterprises (SMEs), including exploring other key sectors of the economy.
“India has been steadfast in supporting Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle and fight against imperialism. Because of that connection, when Zimbabwe celebrated its first Independence in 1980, our former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi attended,” said Amb Kumar.
“We are looking forward to continuing to play a positive role in Zimbabwe’s industrial growth and modernisation in line with Vision 2030.”
Amb Kumar stressed India’s desire to assist Zimbabwe in developing its customised services healthcare.
“Zimbabwe is an important country and we are working towards capacity building, which is an important pillar of our development partnership with trainings extending across several areas both in civilian and defence domains,” he said.
“India also stands with Zimbabwe in providing modern technical training and skilling to her youths. It is estimated that around 5 000 students are already enrolled in various Indian colleges and universities.”
Through various memoranda of understanding (MoUs) entered with India universities, various local universities have benefitted.
India’s long-standing education diplomacy has opened doors for Zimbabwean students through scholarships under the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). Hundreds of Zimbabweans have studied in India in fields such as medicine, engineering, ICT and business administration.
“We are also prepared to offer customised services healthcare services. Wherever Zimbabwe feels it needs help from India, we are ready to do that. We are looking at strengthening co-operation in healthcare and the Government of Zimbabwe,” said Amb Kumar.
The Ambassador said every year, millions worth of medicines are donated to Zimbabwe from India.
“Training programmes are also important and that is why we also have these customised healthcare training programmes to support local hospitals. Recently, I had a meeting with the Permanent Secretary of Health and Child Care and we are working on a constructive plan to get the Indian health delegation to visit Zimbabwe to have an understanding of the health requirements,” he said.
Indian pharmaceutical firms supply over 60 percent of generic medicines used in the country’s public health sector, making India a vital partner in ensuring affordable healthcare access.
“We are ready to continue supporting Zimbabwe because Africa in its entirety is very close to our hearts. We have a lot of plans around health issues, but I cannot disclose them now because it would be premature,” said Amb Kumar.
He said there are several technical discussions taking place behind the scenes between Zimbabwe and India to enhance cooperation between the two countries.
“India also needs a lot of support from Zimbabwe in various areas. Zimbabwe is a very beautiful country. India-Zimbabwe relations are very strong including the political relations. I really appreciate Zimbabwe’s support of India on various fronts,” said Amb Kumar
He said Indian companies have invested between US$600 million and US$700 million in Zimbabwe with more investments coming.
“Last year in May, we had a joint trade committee meeting in New Delhi recently which covered various issues on trade and investment and it was promising. We identified key areas of co-operation and signed memoranda of understanding on mines and minerals,” Amb Kumar.
“We expect delegations to come from India once they get a date from their Zimbabwean counterparts. I am also looking forward to promising investment from the public sector enterprises from India to invest in Zimbabwe.”
Amb Kumar noted that diamond trading is another key area, which his country is exploring.
“India is one of the biggest exporters of polished diamonds. Agriculture is another area where we need to explore and enhance our trade relations. These are low-hanging fruits and I am working hard with various ministries in Zimbabwe and trying to get support from Indian ministries so that we can activate engagements and fulfil some of these bilateral agreements,” he said.
Zimbabwe has already benefited significantly from its ties with India over the past decades. The Indian investments in Zimbabwe are estimated at US$600 million. Indian companies have made investments mainly in beverages, pharmaceuticals and agro-processing industries. Some of the Indian companies that have invested in Zimbabwe include Varun Beverages Zimbabwe, a joint venture of Varun Beverages of India and a local company, Glaciem Private Limited and Surface Wilmar among others.
The Embassy has facilitated business-to-business engagements and supported several start up development initiatives in Zimbabwe.
