Story by Oleen Ndori, Foreign Desk Editor
ZIMBABWE and India are seeking ways of enhancing cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the healthcare sector.
With strong ties that date back to pre-colonial Zimbabwe, India says it is committed to strengthening Zimbabwe’s healthcare provision.
In an interview with ZBC News ahead of the Republic Day of India celebrated on the 26th of January, Indian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Vijay Khanduja said his country is committed to strengthening economic ties and supporting the growth of the local health sector including the fight against cancer.
“Our relations date back to the Mutapa State to the struggle for Zimbabwe’s independence and we are now developing these deeper in the economic and health front. We are discussing cooperation in the fight against cancer with the donation of cancer screening machines at dates to be notified,” he said.
With India preparing to hold its general elections in May this year, Ambassador Khanduja says the polls are an opportunity to strengthen democracy in the Asian nation.
“India is preparing to hold elections and we are mostly interested in the drive for national development and the growth of democracy,” he said.
Zimbabwe and India enjoy fruitful ties in the health, agriculture and education sectors.
Last year, Zimbabwe took part in the 18th edition of the India-Africa Conclave meeting in New Delhi where economic areas of cooperation were discussed.