Harare, (New Ziana) -Zimbabwe is committed to strengthening military cooperation with India building on the long-standing bilateral relations between the two countries, a Cabinet Minister has said.
Minister of Defence Opah Muchinguri said this on Thursday at the India -Zimbabwe Defence Industry Integration Expo held in the capital.
She emphasized the importance of collaboration between the countries in defence, security, and technology.
“This occasion marks yet another milestone in the consolidation of the already excellent, long-standing bilateral relations between our two countries, particularly in the field of defence and security,” she said.
Zimbabwe and India share deep historical ties, dating back to the pre-colonial era.
Muchinguri noted that the relations have been further reinforced through recent diplomatic engagements, including her visit to India in February this year, during which the countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on military cooperation, paving the way for further collaboration in defence and related sectors.
“We agreed to form a team of technical people from both countries who will be able to unpack some of the areas we identified, including health, education, and financial cooperation,” she said.
She highlighted India’s growing reputation in the defence industry, describing it as renowned for its innovation, self-reliance, and commitment to excellence.
Muchinguri expressed Zimbabwe’s interest in learning from India’s advancements in military technology and modernizing its own defence forces.
“The showcasing of military equipment by the Indian delegation presents an invaluable opportunity for us to engage in meaningful discussions, exchange knowledge, and explore ways to enhance our cooperation,” she added.
She said continued collaboration with friendly nations is crucial for Zimbabwe’s long-term peace and stability, and commended India for its dedication to global security.
“Your presence here today is a clear demonstration of the importance you
attach to this partnership. I am confident that the interactions and exchanges from this visit will consolidate the already strong cooperation between our defence forces,” she stated.
Muchinguri assured the Indian delegation of Zimbabwe’s commitment to building a robust and enduring partnership, not just in defence, but in broader global security efforts.
The Zimbabwe-India Mini Defence Expo provided a platform for military leaders and industry experts from both countries to discuss future collaborations and explore opportunities for technological exchange.
New Ziana
