INDIA–ZIMBABWE bilateral relations are rooted in history and reflect a deep bond between the peoples of the two countries.
From historical records, it is evident that India and Zimbabwe share centuries-old historical people-to-people contacts with a strong cultural linkage since the time of Munhumutapa kingdom.
With this historical background, Indian traders started a new wave of migration to Zimbabwe (erstwhile South Rhodesia) during the colonial period and later settled in Zimbabwe.
Many of Zimbabwe’s Indian friends played an active role in Zimbabwe’s struggle for liberation from colonial rule.
After Zimbabwe’s independence, most of the Indian migrants took Zimbabwean citizenship and became an integral part of a peaceful and friendly Zimbabwean society.
India supported Zimbabwe in its struggle for liberation.
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Indira Gandhi, the then prime minister, attended Zimbabwean independence celebrations in 1980.
Immediately after Zimbabwe’s independence, India and Zimbabwe signed a memorandum of understanding on cultural co-operation, which provided an enabling framework to strengthen cultural aspect of India-Zimbabwe bilateral relations.
Strong friendly and steadfast bilateral relations have been instrumental in further cementing cultural contacts between the people of our countries.
Exchange of cultural groups between our countries has added vibrant colours in our already strong people-to-people contacts.
To celebrate these cultural ties, the Embassy of India in Harare organises cultural festivals from time-to-time in association with Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).
ICCR, established in 1950, is India’s premier cultural diplomacy institution under the External Affairs ministry.
With 38 cultural centres abroad and 19 regional offices in India, it promotes India’s heritage and fosters friendships across nations.
Offering nearly 4 000 scholarships annually to students from over 140 countries, ICCR also organises “Festivals of India Abroad” to showcase dance, music, yoga, art and literature.
Through cultural delegations, exhibitions and collaborations with groups, ICCR preserves traditions while serving as India’s cultural ambassador worldwide.
ICCR has also offered around 68 fully funded courses (for PhD and post graduate courses in various fields) in the past six years.
Earlier, ICCR deployed troupes for Namaste Zimbabwe, 2022, a cultural festival organised by the Embassy of India in 2022 across Zimbabwe.
In November 2023, the second edition of Namaste Zimbabwe was organised by the embassy in various cities of Zimbabwe.
ICCR has also been sponsoring Zimbabwean cultural troupes, who participate at India’s prestigious Surajkund International Crafts Fair annually in February since the last five years.
Recently, the Embassy of India organised Shastriya Nritya Prastuti (classical dance performance) featuring a 10-member Kathakali troupe from The International Centre for Kathakali in various cities of Zimbabwe that include Victoria Falls (on January 23 at the Victoria Falls Theatre), Bulawayo (on January 24 at Hindu Community Centre), Harare (on January 26 at India House), Harare (on January 26 at Hyatt Regency Harare during National Day Reception), Chitungwiza (on January 27 at Young Africa) and in Mutare (on January 28 at HillCrest Prep School).
There is also the International Centre for Kathakali, a premier institution established in 1960 and recognised by India’s Culture ministry.
The group performs Kathakali art on different theatrical stages worldwide, expressing its beauty and grace to the brim.
Since the group loves authenticity, it ensures that its stories are original and are illustrated by actors par excellence before their devoted audiences.
The International Centre for Kathakali trains interested participants in Vadyam, Chutty, Vesham and other Kathakali aspects.
By so doing, they ensure the dance drama of Kerala travels far beyond its state of origin.
Earlier, in September 2025, the Embassy of India organised “Lok Kala Sandhya” (Folk Dance Evening) in Zimbabwe featuring Sanskruti Dance Academy of Gujarat to present Gujarati Folk & Dance performances in Harare (on September 26 at India House), Bulawayo (on September 28 at Hindu Community Centre) and Mutare (on September 30 at Queen’s Hall).
Sanskruti Dance Academy, led by Miss Anjanaben Devprasad Agravat, is a distinguished cultural institution based in Dhrol, Jamnagar, Gujarat.
A graduate in Sanskrit and Visharad in Kathak, Devprasad has represented India at State, national and international levels, performing across countries such as Dubai, Oman, Qatar, Syria, Egypt, Hungary, Algeria, Zimbabwe, Malta, Indonesia, Seychelles and Tanzania.
Empanelled with ICCR, Sangeet Natak Akademi and several cultural bodies, Devprasad has trained thousands of students in folk dances of Gujarat, Rajasthan and Maharashtra.
The academy preserves and promotes India’s folk traditions through performances, workshops and cultural exchanges, serving as a bridge of cultural diplomacy.
The visits of Sanskruti Dance Academy troupe and the troupe from The International Centre for Kathakali were sponsored by ICCR.
People from the Indian community and Zimbabweans enjoyed the vibrant and colourful performances by the troupes.
These performances were also part of commemoration of 150 Years of Vande Mataram, which is a national commemorative initiative to celebrate the spirit of Vande Mataram and its unique role in the history of India.
Over time, Vande Mataram became a rallying cry of freedom fighters, a spiritual force and a devotion to the motherland and a depiction of inspiration against the foreign power.
The colonial authorities recognised its power and banned its singing or display, as it evoked deep patriotic sentiments.
With strong, cordial and steadfast bilateral relations, India has been actively contributing to the development of Zimbabwe.
Indians have invested more than US$600 million in various industries, which has provided more than 15 000 direct and indirect employment to Zimbabwean youth.
Bilateral trade is also increasing gradually, touching US$260 million during the last financial year.
India has been consistently extending humanitarian assistance in time of need including donation of 1 000 metric tonnes of rice in 2024.
Under India’s initiative, a US$1 million grant project announced in 2021 from the India-UN Development Partnership Fund for climate resilient agriculture in the districts of Chiredzi and Mangwe in Zimbabwe was completed and delivered.
The work on Deka Pumping and River Water Intake System, with the help of the government of India’s US$48,1 million line of credit has been completed and commissioned in August 2024.
Capacity building is an important pillar of our development partnership with India.
As part of government-to-government collaboration, India offers more than 250 scholarships to Zimbabwe under Indian Technical and Economic Co-operation (ITEC) programme.
The government of Zimbabwe sent 71 officers to attend Train-the-Trainer programme organised by Centurion University, Bhubaneshwar.
India stands as one of the top choices for Zimbabwean students seeking world-class higher education.
With around 5 000 Zimbabwean students enrolled in Indian universities, this vibrant academic exchange underscores deep-rooted partnership and shared commitment to knowledge and progress between our two nations.
The Embassy of India annually organises ITEC Alumni Meet and interactions with ITEC alumni in a function which is normally chaired by the Foreign Affairs and International Trade minister or the deputy minister.
Recently, the Embassy of India organised such interactions in Bulawayo (on November 27, 2025), where alumni from Bulawayo, Lupane, Gwanda and surrounding areas interacted; and in Mutare (on February 27, 2026) in which alumni from Chimanimani, Nyanga, Buhera, Mutare and surrounding areas shared their experiences.
lBramha Kumar is the ambassador of India to the Republic of Zimbabwe