Source: The Herald – Breaking news.
Indian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Bramha Kumar ( left) lights the candle while Foreign Affairs and International Trade Deputy Minister Sheillah Chikomo (centre), Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation Science and Technology Development Deputy Minister Simelisizwe Sibanda ( third from right) and other delegates look on at the ITEC day 2025 in Harare yesterday. — Picture: Tanyaradzwa Tanyanyiwa 
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
Zimbabwe and India have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations through education, technology and trade.
Yesterday Zimbabwe joined Indian at its Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Day celebrations in Harare, an event that brought together ITEC alumni, Government officials and business leaders to recognize the programme ’s impact on capacity building and national development.
Speaking at the event, Indian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Bramha Kumar said the two countries were deepening cooperation particularly in education and skills development.
“The ITEC programme is one of India’s most successful capacity-building initiatives, benefiting over 150 countries, including Zimbabwe,” said Ambassador Kumar.
“We are pleased to see increasing participation, with 209 Zimbabwean professionals utilising ITEC courses this year, up from 150 last year.”
The programme, which has been running since 1985, offers Zimbabwe 217 training slots annually in various fields, including agriculture, health, education, energy and defence.
Ambassador Kumar said the growing engagement reflected the strong ties between the two nations.
“Our relationship is built on a shared history, mutual respect, and South-South cooperation. India is committed to supporting Zimbabwe in its journey towards economic growth and self-reliance,” he said.
Beyond education, India has made significant investments in Zimbabwe’s infrastructure and trade.
Indian businesses have invested US$600 million in sectors such as mining, textiles, food processing and agriculture, creating 15 000 jobs.
Additionally, 17 Indo-Zim Technology Centres established in 2008 were recently upgraded with state-of-the-art CNC machines to enhance Zimbabwe’s technical education.
On defence cooperation, Ambassador Kumar said a recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed at AERO India 2025 marked a milestone in military collaboration.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Sheillah Chikomo expressed Zimbabwe’s gratitude for India’s long-standing support particularly in education and skills training.
“The ITEC programme aligns perfectly with our national vision to enhance education, technical expertise and global competitiveness,” she said. “We are grateful for the 270 annual scholarships India offers Zimbabwe, as well as the 56 fully funded postgraduate courses under the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).”
She said Zimbabwe and India signed an MoU at the Central University of Technology and Management (Odisha), which has already seen 71 Zimbabwean professionals admitted for specialised training in fields such as engineering, agriculture and technology.
Further collaboration has been established with India’s National Forensic Science University, where Zimbabwean professionals are receiving training in cybersecurity, forensic psychology and DNA testing.
“Zimbabwe aspires to be a knowledge-driven society under Vision 2030. India’s support in modern technical training and skill development is playing a crucial role in achieving this goal,” Deputy minister Chikomo said.
India and Zimbabwe share centuries-old ties, dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries. India also played a crucial role in supporting Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, and this partnership has since evolved into structured cooperation in trade, investment, and education.
Ambassador Kumar reaffirmed India’s philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”—meaning “The World is One Family”—as the guiding principle behind its engagement with Zimbabwe. As India continues to expand its footprint in Zimbabwe through education, investment and technological collaboration, both nations are set to benefit from stronger economic and people-to-people ties, ensuring a mutually prosperous future.
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