Thu Nov 07 06:54:21 UTC 2024: ## Zambia and India Strengthen Ties at Joint Commission Meeting
**Lusaka, Zambia -** The 6th Session of the Zambia-India Joint Permanent Commission of Cooperation concluded in Lusaka on November 6th, 2024, with both nations reaffirming their commitment to deepen bilateral relations.
Co-chaired by Zambia’s Foreign Minister Mulambo Haimbe and India’s Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, the meeting saw a comprehensive review of cooperation in various sectors, including agriculture, education, energy, healthcare, and defense.
A key highlight was India’s pledge to provide 2500 MT of maize to Zambia to address the ongoing drought situation. India also offered to gift 100 solar power irrigation pumps and expressed its willingness to facilitate private sector initiatives for small-scale irrigation projects.
Both sides emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation in the agriculture and agro-processing sectors, including the development of affordable housing technologies and the sharing of expertise in mining and mineral resources.
The meeting also saw discussions on the early commencement of the India-Zambia Technology Transfer Programme, with both nations seeking to expedite the implementation of a 400 MW solar power plant project under the International Solar Alliance (ISA) program.
The leaders acknowledged the need to increase trade between the two countries and discussed the possibility of Zambia importing petroleum products from India to enhance its energy security.
Looking ahead, India extended an invitation to Zambia to join the International Big Cat Alliance, Coalition of Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, and Global Biofuels Alliance.
The 7th Session of the Joint Permanent Commission is scheduled to take place in New Delhi in 2026.
First Piper 