What Are the New Steps in India-Zimbabwe Environmental Cooperation?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Significant discussions on environmental cooperation.
- Commitment to tackling climate change challenges.
- Strengthening historical ties between India and Zimbabwe.
- Importance of the Indian diaspora in Zimbabwe.
- Focus on multi-sectoral collaboration.
Harare, June 28 (NationPress) In a major development aimed at fostering India-Zimbabwe relations, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh engaged in discussions with Zimbabwe’s Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Evelyn Ndlovu, in Harare. The two officials explored ways to enhance bilateral cooperation, focusing particularly on environmental protection and wildlife conservation.
The leaders committed to collaborating on addressing the challenges posed by climate change.
“Minister of State Kirti Vardhan Singh met with Evelyn Ndlovu in Harare to discuss strategies for wildlife and environmental conservation by sharing best practices,” stated the Indian Embassy in Harare on X.
Additionally, the Minister held discussions with President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa about the bilateral relations between India and Zimbabwe. They underscored the significance of strengthening and deepening the connections between their nations, with the President affirming the strong historical ties.
“India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, paid me a courtesy visit at State House. We confirmed the strong relationship between Zimbabwe and India and looked into enhancing bilateral cooperation,” the President noted on X.
Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade highlighted the intensification of bilateral cooperation with India, particularly in expanding trade, improving healthcare support, and promoting industrial development and investment.
Earlier that week, Singh met with Amon Murwira, Zimbabwe's Foreign Minister, acknowledging the favorable conditions for exploring new cooperative avenues as both nations enhance their historic people-to-people linkages.
“I met with Amon Murwira, Foreign Minister, and we agreed that now is an ideal time to explore new collaborative areas to further strengthen our long-standing people-to-people relationships,” the Minister shared on X.
The Ministry also posted on social media about the meeting with Singh and Murwira, stating that the two parties discussed ways to fortify their cooperation in various sectors, including agriculture, health, mineral extraction, ICT, and human capital development.
Singh later paid homage by laying flowers at the bust of Mahatma Gandhi at the Harare Hindu Society campus. While interacting with the Indian community in Zimbabwe, he emphasized that the diaspora is a vital pillar of strength for India-Zimbabwe relations.
He noted that Zimbabwe is home to over 10,000 members of the Indian diaspora, who have been part of the country since the 19th century.
Moreover, the Minister planted a Laxmi Taru seedling at the Om Temple premises in Zimbabwe as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative 'Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam', alongside members of the Indian community.
Singh arrived in Zimbabwe late Thursday after completing an official visit to Mozambique.