Yesterday, Zambia received a courtesy call from the High Commissioner of India to Zambia, His Excellency Mr. Alok Ranjan Jha. The visit highlighted the longstanding relationship between the two countries, rooted in shared values and mutual aspirations dating back to both pre- and post-independence periods.
President Hakainde Hichilema emphasized that Zambia and India have consistently cooperated at bilateral and multilateral levels, strengthening friendship and promoting mutual progress. He noted India’s notable contributions to education and knowledge-sharing, which have produced globally recognized institutions and skilled professionals. Zambia seeks to expand collaboration in this area through skills training, technology transfer, and academic exchange programmes.
The President also expressed interest in India’s advanced medical and pharmaceutical industries. He highlighted opportunities for joint ventures that could position Zambia as a regional medical hub, leveraging its central land-linked location.
Digital innovation was another key topic during the discussions. Zambia welcomed India’s expertise in technology and digital transformation, aiming to benefit from capacity-building initiatives, skills transfer, and training programmes.
Looking ahead, President Hichilema identified agriculture and energy as critical sectors for deepening cooperation. India’s experience and innovation in these fields could support Zambia’s economic transformation and drive sustainable development for both nations.
The courtesy call reinforced Zambia’s commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships with India, focusing on education, healthcare, technology, agriculture, and energy to achieve long-term mutual growth.