Zimbabwe Vice President Constantino Chiwenga Arrives In Delhi For 19th CII India-Africa Business Conclave

New Delhi: Zimbabwe Vice President Constantino Guveya Dominic Nyikadzino Chiwenga, arrived in New Delhi on Monday morning to attend the 19th CII India-Africa Business Conclave.

The participation of Chiwenga in the conclave, held here in the national capital, highlights the strong ties between India and Zimbabwe.

Sharing a post on X, the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, wrote, "VP C.G.D.N. Chiwenga of Zimbabwe arrives to a warm welcome in New Delhi for the 19th CII India-Africa Business Conclave."

"His participation in the Conclave highlights the strong ties between India and Zimbabwe and reinforces our commitment to a stronger and collaborative relationship with Africa," the MEA post further added.

India and Zimbabwe held their third Foreign Office Consultations in Harare and reviewed bilateral relations on August 6.

The two sides discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in development partnerships, trade and economic relations, digital technology, agriculture, health, defence, consular and cultural issues, among others.

Notably, the 19th edition of the CII India-Africa Business Conclave will aim to serve as an instrument for Africa's growth and the role of the India-Africa partnership in regional and global value chain integration.

India remains the fastest-growing large economy, supported by favourable demographics (consistent labour supply), improving institutional strength, and enhanced governance.

Currently, India is the 5th largest economy with an estimated GDP of USD 3.7 trillion for FY24, despite the pandemic and the macroeconomic imbalances and financial sector issues inherited in previous years, according to the Finance Ministry's January 2024 economic review.

Previously in June, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had said that Africa is undergoing rapid changes today, and it is on its way from being the cradle of human civilisation to becoming the land of the future, adding that India looks at it as a 'natural partner' with trust and mutual respect.

In his address at the Africa Day celebrations in the national capital, Jaishankar noted that India-Africa relations are "deep-rooted," emphasising that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has redefined India's engagements in Africa.

"Africa, we all know, is today undergoing very rapid changes. These span the range from being the cradle of human civilisation to becoming the land of the future. It is a continent with the youngest demographies, one with vast natural resources, expanding capabilities, growing markets and most of all, rising ambitions," Jaishankar had said.

"India, the most populous country in the world and currently the fifth largest economy, looks at Africa as a natural partner. Anchored in trust and mutual respect, it is focused now on value addition within Africa, with production, research, localisation and local employment," he added.

This report is auto-generated from a syndicated feed

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India, Zimbabwe Discuss Various Aspects of Bilateral Relations, Means To Enhance Them Further

New Delhi: Minister of State for External Affairs (MoS) V Muraleedharan on Friday met Zimbabwe's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs David Musabayana, the two discussed various aspects of India, Zimbabwe bilateral relations and means to enhance them further.

"Delighted to interact with Dy. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Zimbabwe, H.E @DrMusabayana on the sidelines of CII-EXIM Bank Conclave on India-Africa Growth Partnership in New Delhi. Discussed various aspects of bilateral relations and means to enhance them further," MoS Muraleedharan tweeted on Friday.

Vice President of Zimbabwe Constantino Chiwenga has arrived in New Delhi, informed the Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday.

He came to India to attend the CII-EXIM Bank Conclave.

His visit will boost the development partnership and trade and economic ties between the two countries.

"Warm welcome to Vice President Constantino Chiwenga of Zimbabwe as he arrives in New Delhi for CII-EXIM Bank Conclave. The visit will give boost to India-Zimbabwe development partnership and trade & economic ties," tweeted Arindam Bagchi, MEA official spokesperson.

India and Zimbabwe have a long history of close and cordial relations.

India and Zimbabwe are members of the G20 in WTO and have a common position on IPRs and agricultural subsidies. Zimbabwe generally supports India in most of the elections in the multilateral fora and our Resolutions in the UN.

The CII- EXIM Bank Conclave on India-Africa Project Partnership was launched in the year 2005 with the support of the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Government of India, according to CII-EXIM Africa Conclave's official website.

In the last sixteen editions, the Conclave has played a pivotal role in encouraging Indian companies to establish and grow their footprints in Africa.

According to the website, the level of economic engagement between India and Africa has grown multi-dimensional and to reflect the changing contours of this dynamic relationship, the Conclave is being rechristened as "CII-EXIM Bank Conclave on India Africa Growth Partnership" expanding the earlier focus on "Project Partnership".

The upcoming edition focussed on project exports, trade, investments, and exchange of knowledge and expertise creating shared value for business and industry at large between India and Africa.

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VP Dhankhar Hosts Leaders of Zimbabwe, Gambia, Congo; Discusses India-Africa Ties

New Delhi: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar hosted the leaders of Zimbabwe, The Gambia and Congo here on Thursday as India aims to strengthen the economic partnership with Africa and foster collaboration between businesses from both regions.

Dhankhar held discussions with Deputy PM of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Vital Kamarehe, Vice President of the Republic of The Gambia BS Jallow and Vice President of Zimbabwe Constantino Chiwengaa about India's ties and partnerships with their respective countries.

The leaders are in India to attend the 18th CII-EXIM Bank India Conclave on India-Africa Growth Partnership that is being held in the national capital from June 14 -16.

"Hon'ble Vice President, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar hosted the leaders of Zimbabwe, The Gambia and Democratic Republic of the Congo in New Delhi today," the Vice President of India tweeted.

He met with Deputy PM of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Vital Kamarehe, Vice President of the Republic of The Gambia BS Jallow and Vice President of Zimbabwe Chiwenga.

Dhankhar discussed cementing the India-DRC partnership in various fields and improving ties and economic partnerships.

"H.E. Mr. Vital Kamerhe, Deputy PM of the Democratic Republic of the Congo called on the Hon'ble Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar in New Delhi today. Both leaders highlighted the strengthening of India-DRC partnership across diverse domains and bolstering people-to-people ties between the two nations," the Vice President tweeted.

In the meeting with his Gambia counterpart, Dhankhar discussed the strengthening of ties between the two countries.

"H.E. Mr. Muhammad B.S. Jallow, Vice President of Republic of The Gambia met Hon'ble Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar in New Delhi today. Both leaders discussed the further deepening of ties between the two nations, with special emphasis on trade and economic partnership," Dhankhar tweeted.

Dhankhar also met his Zimbabwe counterpart Chiwenga and discussed giving more momentum to the India-Zimbabwe partnership.

"Vice President of Zimbabwe, H.E. Gen. (Retd) Dr. Chiwenga met Hon'ble Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar in New Delhi today. Discussions focused on giving greater impetus to India-Zimbabwe multi-faceted partnership, and further strengthening ties between the nations," he tweeted following their meeting.

Speaking at the inaugural session "India-Africa: Synergies for ONE Growth" of CII-EXIM Bank India Conclave, Jaishankar said, "India's development partnership with Africa will have a strong focus on digital, green, healthcare, food security and water, in tune with the pressing priorities of Africa."

In the last sixteen editions, the Conclave has played a pivotal role in encouraging Indian companies to establish and grow their footprints in Africa.

Africa occupies an important place in India's Foreign Policy and during the last nine years, this has been consciously stepped up under the direction of PM Modi, said External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday in Delhi.

"Our ties are not transactional but represent the solidarity of a shared struggle. Africa, therefore, occupies an important place in India's foreign policy. During the last 9 years, this has been consciously stepped up under the direction of PM Modi," EAM said while addressing the 18th CII-EXIM Bank Conclave on the India-Africa growth partnership.

The EAM said that the "ties between India and Africa are not transactional but represent the solidarity of a shared struggle".

Jaishankar mentioned that India's engagement with Africa has been strengthened under the guidance of Prime Minister Modi.

"Our engagement with the continent has since witnessed 36 high-level visits from India and more than 100 high-level visits from Africa," Jaishankar added, while addressing the conclave in the National Capital.

The minister highlighted the support India provided to African countries during their fight for independence and against colonialism and apartheid.

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Zimbabwe VP Arrives In New Delhi To Attend CII-Exim Bank Conclave

New Delhi: Vice President of Zimbabwe Constantino Chiwenga has arrived in New Delhi, informed the Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday.

He came to India to attend the CII-EXIM Bank Conclave.

His visit will boost the development partnership and trade and economic ties between the two countries.

"Warm welcome to Vice President Constantino Chiwenga of Zimbabwe as he arrives in New Delhi for CII-EXIM Bank Conclave. The visit will give boost to India-Zimbabwe development partnership and trade & economic ties," tweeted Arindam Bagchi, MEA official spokesperson.

India and Zimbabwe have a long history of close and cordial relations.

India and Zimbabwe are members of the G20 in WTO and have a common position on IPRs and agricultural subsidies. Zimbabwe generally supports India in most of the elections in the multilateral fora and our Resolutions in the UN.

The CII- EXIM Bank Conclave on India-Africa Project Partnership was launched in the year 2005 with the support of the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Government of India, according to CII-EXIM Africa Conclave's official website.

In the last sixteen editions, the Conclave has played a pivotal role in encouraging Indian companies to establish and grow their footprints in Africa.

According to the website, the level of economic engagement between India and Africa has grown multi-dimensional and to reflect the changing contours of this dynamic relationship, the Conclave is being rechristened as "CII-EXIM Bank Conclave on India Africa Growth Partnership" expanding the earlier focus on "Project Partnership".

The upcoming edition focussed on project exports, trade, investments, and exchange of knowledge and expertise creating shared value for business and industry at large between India and Africa.

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Zimbabwe Shuts Down Chinese-Owned Bikita Minerals Weeks After Claims of Lithium Mineral Looting

Harare: Zimbabwe's largest lithium mine Bikita Minerals, currently owned by China's Sinomine Resource Group, has been ordered to suspend operations, reported New Zimbabwe.

It suspended operations at its Masvingo mine for seven days to address 'concerns raised by authorities' a few weeks after claims of looting were raised by a local watchdog.

Mines and Mining Development deputy minister Polite Kambamura confirmed the suspension which came after an inter-ministerial audit last week, reported NewsDay.

Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG) Director Farai Maguwu on May 2 claimed massive looting of lithium at the mine. 42 trucks of lithium ore were said to be leaving the site on a daily basis, reported New Zimbabwe.

"Fellow Zimbabweans, the looting of our minerals at Bikita Minerals has reached another level. They are processing 754 tonnes of concentrate per day. 42 trucks loaded with lithium concentrate departing daily with the loot," said Maguwu.

Bikita Minerals which employs 860 workers holds 11 million tonnes of lithium, the world's largest-known deposit of the mineral.

"Ian Smith and his Rhodesian fellows used Zimbabwe's natural resources to build cities and a country that was worth fighting for. They left behind world-class infrastructure, great industries and factories, and a powerful currency. Above all, mining had linkages with all economic sectors," added Maguwu.

China's Sinomine Resource Group took over Bikita Minerals, which was at the time Zimbabwe's sole lithium-producing mine and one of Africa's oldest, in a USD 180 million deal last year.

Lithium is being seen as Zimbabwe's way out of a three-decade-long economic crisis. Analysts have argued the mineral could also help circumvent the effects of trade and financial aid restrictions since the early 2000s, reported New Zimbabwe.

The Chinese miner invested a further USD 200 million to expand existing operations at Bikita, including the construction of two lithium processing plants to produce 250,000 tonnes of spodumene concentrate and 480,000 tonnes of petalite per year.

Spodumene is another key battery mineral, and petalite is a lithium mineral used in the glass and ceramic industries.

Meanwhile, in a statement released on Monday, Bikita Minerals Mine Manager David Mwanza said they were working to clear issues raised without naming them, reported New Zimbabwe.

"This release serves to inform our stakeholders and partners that we have put operations at our plant on hold for seven days to address administrative concerns raised by authorities,' said Mwanza.

Despite surges in production, working conditions reportedly deteriorated as workers were allegedly subjected to ill-treatment, poor remuneration, while being accommodated in inhumane facilities and were not registered with such statutory bodies as the National Social Security Authority.

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Rajnath Singh Holds Bilateral Meeting With Defence Heads of 7 Nations; Discusses Spectrum of Defence Cooperation

Bangalore: Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Monday held bilateral meetings with the defence heads of various countries on the sidelines of the Aero India show in Bangalore.

He held bilateral meetings with the defence heads of seven countries - Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Armenia and Congo.

He met with the Deputy Defence Minister of Armenia, Karen Brutyan; Congo's Minister of National Defence, Charles Richard Mondjo; Tanzania's Defence Minister, Basungwa Innocent Lugha; Defence Minister of Zimbabwe, Oppah Charm Zvinpange Muchinguri; Sri Lanka's Minister of State for Defence, Premitha Bandara Tennakoon; Defence Minister of Nepal, Hari Prasad Uprety; and Security Advisor to Bangladesh PM, Maj Gen Tarique Ahmed Siddique.

He also addressed the CEOs of local and global OEMs during a Round Table event in Bangalore and said that the Government of India is open to new ideas and is committed to fully harnessing the energy and capability of private sector partners in the area of defence production.

Today, Singh is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with the defence heads of four other countries - the UK, Italy, Zambia and Maldives.

An important official source said that in the bilateral meetings, there was talk of buying and selling defence goods. Apart from this, India has assured countries who took part today in the bilateral meetings that India will cooperate in their capacity building in the defence sector.

India also gave assurance that they will help them to strengthen the defence goods which are almost lacking in their countries.

The entire spectrum of defence cooperation was discussed during the meetings, with a focus on identifying avenues to expand mutually beneficial collaboration.

After his meeting with Nepal's Defence Minister, Uprety, Singh tweeted, "Wonderful interaction with the Defence Minister of Nepal, Shri Hari Prasad Uprety on the sidelines of Aero India Show in Bengaluru. We look forward to continued cooperation to further deepen our close partnership and shared interests."

Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 14th edition of Asia's biggest aero show - Aero India 2023 - at Air Force Station in Yelahanka, Bengaluru.

A commemorative stamp was also released by PM Modi on the occasion.

The five-day event, on the theme 'The runway to a billion opportunities', will showcase India's growth in aerospace and defence capabilities.

It will display indigenous equipment/technologies and forge partnerships with foreign companies, in line with the 'Make in India, Make for the World' vision for a secure and prosperous future.

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Vice President Dhankhar Meets Zimbabwe's Delegation, Says 'India Is Pharmacy of World'

New Delhi: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar met a Zimbabwe parliamentary delegation and extolled the contribution made by India's pharmaceutical sector during the pandemic adding, "India is the pharmacy of the world", according to the statement released by Rajya Sabha.

While hailing India's pharmaceutical sector, Dhankhar said, "India is the pharmacy of the world".

A parliamentary delegation from Zimbabwe was led by Speaker of the National Assembly Jacob Francis Nzwidamilimo Mudenda.

Welcoming the delegation, Dhankhar said that he shared a strong fraternal feeling as, like him, the leader of the visiting delegation is an Advocate by profession and a former Governor of a Province.

The Vice President also expressed hope that the visit of a parliamentary delegation from Zimbabwe will help strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries, according to the statement.

While presenting an overview of the country's stature and profile in recent times, Dhankhar shared with the visiting delegation that India has taken a lead in addressing non-discriminatory global challenges like the Covid-19 pandemic and climate change.

In particular, he mentioned the country's strides in managing the Covid-19 pandemic with the scientific and digital approach covering 1.3 billion people which constitutes 1/6th of humanity.

The Vice President informed the visiting delegation that India's G20 Presidency has come at an opportune time when India can provide effective leadership to address global concerns and showcase the country's great culture and civilizational values to the world.

Zimbabwe's National Assembly Speaker highlighted the historical links between the two countries and urged Dhankhar that during the G20 presidency, India should help strengthen the political will of the developed countries to address the global concerns of climate change, the statement read.

He further said India, by virtue of its evolved diplomacy, is well poised to take a lead in finding lasting solutions to the ongoing conflicts between Russia and Ukraine.

Both leaders recognised that development needs to be inclusive, touching those who live on the margins of society. All efforts need to be made to improve the access of those who reside in the rural hinterland by improving physical and digital connectivity.

The Speaker of the National Assembly of Zimbabwe complimented the efforts made by India in increasing digital penetration in rural areas, the statement added.

Both leaders expressed satisfaction that "our two Parliaments are pursuing the welfare of our respective people and are committed to improving their lives and livelihoods", it added.

"Hon'ble Vice President extended warm wishes to the visiting delegations, the Parliament and the friendly people of Zimbabwe," it stated.

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Chinese Investors Dogged By Controversy With Gross Human Rights Violations of Zimbabwean Workers

Harare: Chinese-run companies in Zimbabwe have been dogged by controversy with gross human rights violations and safety norms for mining workers.

The recent incident of ill-treating by the Chinese mine owner has once again exposed the exploitation of locals and unethical practices adopted by Chinese employers in the African nation, reported Africa Daily.

It is not only ill-treatment but the Chinese investors usually accuse local workers of stealing and verbally and physically abusing them and blatantly violating laws.

The Centre for Research and Development (CRD), a Manicaland-based natural resources governance organisation stated that Chinese mining operations in Odzi were blatantly violating laws that regulate health and safety issues.

Recently a Chinese-run gold mining company operating in the Odzi peri-urban area of Mutare district, Zimbabwe has been accused of ill-treating workers and flouting the country's labour laws and regulations, reported Africa Daily.

Notably, the Chinese company registered as Odzi Resources Zimbabwe Private Limited runs a number of gold mines across the country, including in Mashava, Mbalabala, Bulawayo, Kwekwe and Mazowe.

In another incident, the Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Minerals Workers Union (ZDAMWU) appealed (September 19) to the Chinese embassy in Zimbabwe to intervene and ensure Chinese investors comply with the laws of the country.

China has funded and provided loans for many infrastructure projects across Africa in recent years, including the new parliament in Zimbabwe.

Chinese investments have increased over time in African countries mainly to exploit their natural resources to cater to the raw material requirements of their industries. But it pays little attention to social and environmental impacts in the host countries, reported Africa Daily.

Tatenda Chikwanha, a former worker claimed ill-treatment of workers at the Odzi mine by the Chinese employer, who was recently fired after speaking out against the rampant abuse.

He added that workers were not provided with protective wear, decent meals and accommodation while on duty. Fearing victimisation many workers also could not spell the problems of poor working conditions to the authorities, reported Africa Daily.

According to the Zimbabwe Environmental Lawyers Association (ZELA), wages are often very low and in many cases are not paid on time. If someone tries to exercise their right as a worker and demand what is due to them getting assaulted or shot.

Nearly 40 workers employed at a Chinese-controlled mine near Doneni, Muzvezve area in Kadoma who have gone for months without salaries, said that they are being treated like slaves by the owners. They also alleged that they are forced to work in the mine shaft without any protective clothing, exposing them to injuries and other health hazards, reported Africa Daily.

As per a 2016 report by the Brookings Institution, there are at least 10,000 Chinese nationals in Zimbabwe, many of whom work in the mining, telecommunications, and construction sectors. Chinese-owned companies, however, have become notorious for their mistreatment of workers.

In April 2019, workers at a mining company went on strike over lower wages than legally stipulated and demand for the provision of PPE which went unanswered. Workers complained that this has exposed them to hazardous fumes and increased the risk of losing limbs or being burnt, reported Africa Daily.

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MoS Muraleedharan Discusses Collaboration, Upgradation of Zimbabwe Railways With Delegation

New Delhi: Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs V Muraleedharan on Wednesday interacted with the visiting National Railways of Zimbabwe delegation led by Chairman Martin Dinha.

Taking to Twitter, the Union minister said that Godfrey Majoni Chipare, Ambassador of Zimbabwe in India discussed the possible collaborations in training, capacity building and upgradation of Zimbabwe railways.

"Useful interaction with the visiting National Railways of Zimbabwe delegation led by Chairman Martin Dinha. Ambassador of Zimbabwe in India Dr. Godfrey Majoni Chipare also joined Discussed possible collaborations in training, capacity building and upgradation of Zimbabwe railways," Muraleedharan tweeted.

India shares excellent bilateral relations with both Zimbabwe and Malawi ranging across political, economic, cultural, and development assistance fields, which have particularly strengthened in the past few years.

Muraleedharan visited Zimbabwe as part of his visit to African countries. The MoS was received by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of Zimbabwe, David Musabayana upon his arrival.

The MoS was in Zimbabwe from June 6-7.

India gifted 10 ambulances, which had been promised during the visit of the Vice President to Zimbabwe in 2018. A consignment of 35,000 Covaxin vaccine doses was provided in the month of March 2021. India also handed over three vehicles for the Indo-Zim Technology Centres, for which the latest machines worth about USD 3 million have been supplied under Phase II.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Indian leadership maintained close contact with the leadership of both countries and supported them in their fight against the pandemic. The visit of the Minister of State for External Affairs S Jaishankar would add further momentum to the multifaceted relations with these countries.

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Human Rights Council Is United Nations' Greatest Failure, Says Nikki Haley; Claims Us Was Right To Withdraw From It

United States envoy to the United Nations Nikki Haley

United Nations: Terming the Human Rights Council as the United Nations' "greatest failure", US envoy to the UN Nikki Haley on Thursday alleged that the institution has provided cover for the world's most inhumane regimes as she defended the Trump administration's decision to withdraw from it.

In June, the US withdrew from the UN Human Rights Council and condemned its "shameless hypocrisy" in absolving wrongdoers through silence and falsely condemning those committing no offence, saying America will not take lectures from hypocritical institutions.

In her remarks at a top American think-tank The Heritage Foundation, the Indian-American US Ambassador to the UN alleged that "more often, the Human Rights Council has provided cover, not condemnation, for the world's most inhumane regimes. It has been a bully pulpit for human rights violators." Alleging that Human Rights Council has been, not a place of conscience, but a place of politics, Haley said the UN body has focused its attention unfairly and relentlessly on Israel. 

Meanwhile, it has ignored the misery inflicted by regimes in Venezuela, Cuba, Zimbabwe and China, she said. "Judged by how far it has fallen short of its promise, the Human Rights Council is the United Nations' greatest failure," Haley said.

"It has taken the idea of human dignity – the idea that is at the center of our national creed and the birthright of every human being – and it has reduced it to just another instrument of international politics. And that is a great tragedy," Haley said, noting that she did not come to this conclusion happily, or lightly. "Many of our friends urged us to stay for the sake of the institution. The United States, they said, provided the last shred of credibility the Council had. But that was precisely why we withdrew," she said. The right to speak freely, to associate and worship freely; to determine ones own future; to be equal before the law – these are sacred rights, she asserted. "We take these rights seriously – too seriously to allow them to be cheapened by an institution – especially one that calls itself the Human Rights Council," she said.

Asserting that no one should make the mistake of equating membership in the Human Rights Council with the support for human rights, Haley said to this day, the US does more for human rights, both inside the UN and around the world, than any other country. The US will continue to do that. "We just won't do it inside a Council that consistently fails the cause of human rights," she said.

Haley said America's withdrawal from the Human Rights Council does not mean that it has given up its fight for reform. "On the contrary, any country willing to work with us to reshape the Council need only ask. Fixing the institutional flaws of the Human Rights Council was, is, and will remain one of the biggest priorities at the UN," she added.

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