Vice President Venkaiah Naidu meets Indian community in Zimbabwe
What's the story
Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, on his second leg of three-nation Africa visit, addressed the local Indian community in Zimbabwe today.
In his address, he said India was keen to strengthen its relations with Zimbabwe and share expertise with rest of the African countries.
Naidu arrived in Botswana (Zimbabwe) yesterday night and was welcomed by Vice President Kembo Mohadi and other top officials.
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Information
Last Zimbabwe visit by any top government-official was in 1996
Naidu is the first high-ranking Indian Government official to visit Zimbabwe in 21 years after former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda's visit in 1996. After landing, Naidu proceeded to a reception organized by the local Indian community from the airport.
Indian diaspora
India developing fast, will soon become world's largest economy: Naidu
Addressing the Indian diaspora, Naidu said PM Narendra Modi's government had embarked on an ambitious program to develop India and cited projects like airports construction and roads upgrading.
India, which is keen to work with Zimbabwe, is developing fast and would soon become the world's largest economy, Naidu said, adding that the country had embarked on reforms, which were painful but bearing fruits.
Speech
'You can go abroad and work but you should return'
Naidu also asked the Indian community in Zimbabwe not to forget their motherland.
"Everyone should remember their mother, father, culture, language, and tradition. You can go abroad and work and learn but you should return," he said.
Overseas Indians should respect the laws of the countries where they live, he said, adding, "I advise you to follow the laws, regulations. and customs of Zimbabwe".