How is EAM Jaishankar Celebrating Zambia's 61st Independence Day and Strengthening Ties?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- EAM Jaishankar extends warm greetings to Zambia.
- Zambia celebrates its 61st Independence Day.
- India and Zambia share a rich history of diplomatic relations.
- Bilateral cooperation spans various sectors.
- India has greatly supported Zambia's development programs.
New Delhi, Oct 24 (NationPress) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar expressed his sincere wishes to Zambian Foreign Minister Mulambo Haimbe, alongside the Zambian government and its citizens, on the significant occasion of their Independence Day. This gesture reaffirms India’s dedication to enhancing the enduring partnership between the two nations.
“Heartfelt congratulations to FM Mulambo Haimbe, the Zambian Government, and its people on this Independence Day. We are devoted to fortifying our enduring partnership,” EAM conveyed via X.
On this day, Zambia commemorated its 61st Independence Day, which marks its liberation from British colonial rule in October 1964.
The theme for this year's celebration is: ‘61 Years of Peace and Unity – Building a Resilient and Prosperous Zambia.’
The relationship between India and Zambia is characterized by warmth and cordiality. India established diplomatic relations with Zambia right after its independence in 1964. Over the past six decades, India has been recognized as a trustworthy partner by successive Zambian leadership. This relationship is nurtured by mutual respect and is based on a collaborative spirit aimed at mutual benefit. India was among the first nations to establish diplomatic ties with Zambia post-1964 independence.
In November 2024, the 6th Session of the Joint Permanent Commission at the Ministerial level between India and Zambia convened in Lusaka, where both nations undertook a thorough review of their bilateral relations.
The JPC focused on cooperation across various sectors, including agriculture, education, science and technology, energy, culture, housing and urban development, finance, development partnership, training scholarships, capacity building, defense, mining and mineral resources, transport and communications, water development and sanitation, disaster management, and healthcare.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Zambia is one of the few African countries that has significantly benefited from India’s development cooperation initiatives.
India has offered EXIM Bank credits, railway wagons, and assistance for flood and drought relief, as well as fully funded scholarships for higher education and ITEC training slots, along with specialized capacity-building programs under the India-Africa Forum Summit.