Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh, Minister of State for External Affairs, will visit Zambia from November 4-7, 2024, to co-chair the 6th Session of the India-Zambia Joint Permanent Commission, engage in discussions on trade and investment, and connect with the Indian community, marking 60 years of diplomatic ties.
Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh, the Minister of State for External Affairs and Environment, Forest and Climate Change, is scheduled to undertake an official visit to the Republic of Zambia from November 4 to November 7, 2024. During this visit, he will co-chair the 6th Session of the India-Zambia Joint Permanent Commission alongside Mr. Mulambo Haimbe, Zambia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, on November 6, 2024. This session will focus on a comprehensive review of all aspects concerning the bilateral relations between India and Zambia. The preceding Joint Permanent Commission Session took place in 2005 in New Delhi. In addition, MoS-KVS will engage in discussions with Zambia’s senior governmental officials and will partake in an India-Zambia Business Round Table Conference aimed at fostering trade and investment between the two nations. The bilateral trade volume for the fiscal year 2023-24 was reported at USD 448.39 million, with India recognized as one of Zambia’s foremost investors, pledging over USD 5 billion in investments. Furthermore, MoS-KVS intends to connect with the Indian diaspora in Lusaka, where approximately 30,000 individuals of Indian descent reside, representing a significant and dynamic community. This visit is particularly noteworthy as it coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Zambia, underscoring the commitment to further strengthen the bond shared between the two countries.
The upcoming visit of Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh to Zambia is pivotal as it marks a renewed effort to enhance diplomatic ties between India and Zambia. The historical context spans six decades of formal relations, during which both nations have sought to deepen collaboration in trade, investment, and cultural exchanges. The Joint Permanent Commission’s sessions serve as a platform for addressing bilateral concerns and opportunities, indicating a mutual interest in expanding their partnership. The investment and trade figures reflect India’s significant role in Zambia’s economic landscape, highlighting why this visit is crucial for future engagements.
In summary, Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh’s official visit to Zambia represents a crucial step in enhancing the bilateral relations between India and Zambia. Through high-level discussions, business initiatives, and community interactions, this visit aims to solidify the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the two nations, particularly in trade and investment, as they commemorate six decades of diplomatic relations.
Original Source: www.africa.com
