By Nyambe Nalishebo
Zambia has reaffirmed its commitment to consolidating relations with India as the two countries mark 62 years of diplomatic ties.
Speaking during India’s 80th Independence Day reception in Lusaka, Cabinet Office Permanent Secretary for Special Duties, Prof. Lackson Kasonka, said Zambia and India share a close relationship anchored on shared values.
Prof. Kasonka noted that India was among the first countries to recognize Zambia’s independence and establish diplomatic ties. He said cooperation has continued to grow in trade, health, agriculture, education, energy, disaster management, and digital infrastructure.
He cited recent engagements, including the Foreign Office Consultations in August 2024 and the Joint Permanent Commission of Cooperation in November 2024, as platforms to review progress and challenges in achieving joint objectives. Prof. Kasonka emphasized the need for both governments to fully implement pending agreements.
Meanwhile, India’s High Commissioner to Zambia, Alok Ranjan Jha, said bilateral trade grew by 23 percent in the past year as commercial and cultural ties strengthen.
Quoting President Droupadi Murmu’s national address, Mr. Jha highlighted India’s rapid and inclusive development, noting that more than 250 million people have been lifted out of poverty. He said government programmes now provide free rations to over 800 million people and health coverage of up to 500,000 rupees per year to 600 million citizens.
Mr. Jha stressed that commercial diplomacy is now the core of the High Commission’s mandate.
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