The Indian Embassy in Zimbabwe celebrated the 77th Republic Day, bringing together senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, business leaders, and the Indian diaspora in a vibrant celebration of democracy, shared values, and enduring bilateral relations.
The reception was hosted by His Excellency Shri Bramha Kumar, Ambassador of the Republic of India to Zimbabwe, on Monday at a local hotel.
India’s Republic Day is observed annually on January 26 and commemorates the adoption of the country’s Constitution in 1950—a historic milestone that affirmed India’s sovereignty, democratic governance, and commitment to justice, pluralism, and equality.
Addressing guests amid colourful and spirited cultural performances, Ambassador Kumar reflected on India’s remarkable journey from independence to becoming one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies and a leading global voice for inclusive development and South-South cooperation.
“Zimbabwe has been a great civilisation, and we celebrate our linkages with Zimbabwe that date back to the era of the Munhumutapa Kingdom. Indian merchants established strong links with Zimbabwe, trading in textiles, minerals, and metals. Sons of the royal house of Munhumutapa journeyed to India to broaden their education. In the 17th century, a great son of Zimbabwe, Dom Miguel—Prince, Priest, Professor, and heir to the imperial throne of the Mutapas—studied in Goa. An inscribed pillar stands today at a chapel in Goa as a tribute to his intellectual stature,” said Ambassador Kumar.
The reception was graced by Hon. Prof. Dr. Amon Murwira, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, who held a cordial discussion with Ambassador Kumar ahead of the event. The presence of senior Zimbabwean officials underscored the depth of the 46-year diplomatic relationship between India and Zimbabwe, rooted in shared historical experiences and mutual respect.
India’s support for Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, as well as centuries-old links dating back to the Munhumutapa Kingdom, were highlighted as foundations of the modern partnership.
Ambassador Kumar also outlined India’s expanding global engagement, noting its leadership roles in multilateral platforms such as BRICS, the International Solar Alliance, and the Voice of the Global South initiative. He emphasised India’s growing economic footprint, technological innovation, and advances in digital public infrastructure, healthcare, space science, and education.
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He added that bilateral cooperation between India and Zimbabwe continues to gain momentum across multiple sectors. High-level exchanges over the past year, including ministerial visits from both countries, have strengthened collaboration in defence, agriculture, trade, climate action, and wildlife conservation. Indian private sector investments in Zimbabwe, estimated at US$600 million, are contributing to industrial growth and employment creation, while education links have enabled more than 5,000 Zimbabwean students to pursue studies in India.
The evening also celebrated people-to-people and cultural ties, featuring a captivating Kathakali performance by artists from the International Centre for Kathakali, sponsored by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). The performance formed part of ongoing celebrations marking 150 years of Vande Mataram, symbolising India’s cultural heritage and national identity.
Social media reactions echoed the positive spirit of the occasion, with posts on the Embassy of India’s Facebook page expressing pride in India’s constitutional values, admiration for the cultural performances staged in Harare and Victoria Falls, and appreciation for India’s role in education, innovation, and global partnership.
