August 21, 2019
Cooperation in economic growth and development is a vital part of the India-Zambia partnership
Partnership to create new investment opportunities in mining, health, infrastructure and energy
Smart Zambia and Digital India to boost innovation, smart solutions, sustainability, among others
India is opening 18 new diplomatic missions in Africa over 2018-2021, taking total count to 47
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, received the President of Zambia, Edgar Chagwa Lungu, on his first ever state visit to India, commemorating the occasion with a banquet in his honour, held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. On the occasion, President Kovind established that that development cooperation is an integral component of the India-Zambia partnership. Within the framework of South-South Cooperation, he conveyed India’s willingness to support Zambia’s growth through assistance in capacity building, skill development, and financial support.
India and Zambia currently share an impressive bilateral trade and investment partnership, but there is much potential for further collaboration in other sectors. With many Indian companies interested in further investments in Zambia, India continues to contribute towards growth and development in the African nation. Both countries are now turning towards newer investment opportunities in sectors such as mining, health, infrastructure, and energy.
The meeting oversaw the signing of multiple preliminary deals between India and Zambia, focusing on the need for cooperation in the fields of Defence, Arts & Culture, and Geology & Mineral Resources. The MoUs also acknowledged the e-VBAB (e-Vidyabharati and e-Aarogyabharati) Network Project, cooperation between the Foreign Service Institute of India and the Zambian Institute of Diplomacy and International Studies, and between the respective Election Commissions of India and Zambia.
India and Zambia share similar aspirations to become global leaders in innovation, next-generation technologies, smart solutions, sustainability and more, and can support each other in doing so. Initiatives such as Smart Zambia and Digital India go hand-in-hand, allowing the two countries to collaborate on knowledge exchanges and skill shares to meet their common objectives.
India’s historic ties with Africa have seen many such diplomatic and economic partnerships, showcasing their common aspirations in inclusive growth, trade, and investment. In light of its growing relationships with many African nations, India aims to open 18 new diplomatic missions in Africa between 2018-2021.