India grants $1 mn to drought-hit Zimbabwe

Following an appeal made by drought-hit Zimbabwe, India has handed over $1 million as grant to the African nation, the External Affairs Ministry said on Tuesday.

"Last week, Indian Ambassador to Zimbabwe handed over $1 million to the government of Zimbabwe as a grant from the government of India in response to the appeal made by Zimbabwe," the ministry said in a statement.

"Accepting the grant, Misheck Sibanda, Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, thanked for the quick response by the government of India to an international appeal made by Zimbabwe in the wake of El Nino-induced drought disaster," it stated.

Sibanda, according to the statement, said that Zimbabwe was happy with the sound relationship that exists between Zimbabwe and India in critical sectors of the economy such as small and medium enterprises, information and communication technology, energy, education and pharmaceuticals.

"India also announced that the logistical modalities are being worked out for donation of 500 metric tonne of rice in the second phase of assistance," the External Affairs Ministry said.

Zimbabwe has been hit by the worst drought in two decades and thousands of people are facing starvation by the end of this year, according to reports.

--IANS

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