Mohammad Hamid Ansari

Vice-President

Date of Birth: 01/04/1934
Place of Birth: Calcutta

Indian Vice-President Mohammad Hamid Ansari began 2010 with a seven-day trip to Zambia, Malawi and Botswana. Ties abound between India and the three countries: Vedanta is the largest foreign investor in Zambia, Malawi’s President Bingu wa Mutharika was educated at Delhi University, and Botswana has a long history of military cooperation with the Indian army. Still, it was the first visit by a high-level Indian official to the latter two countries and the first in two decades for Zambia.

Ansari unveiled a US$50 million credit line for infrastructure projects by Tata Africa Holdings and Zambia Electricity Supply Company. Malawi received a US$50 million credit and a $5 mn. grant for social development; Botswana, a $20 mn. credit and an $8 mn. grant, plus agriculture and education agreements. But it was Ansari’s interest in Botswana’s diamonds that triggered feverish speculation.

Born in Calcutta in 1934, Ansari studied at the University of Calcutta and the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), where he earned a master’s degree in political science. He joined the Foreign Service in 1961 and was India’s emissary to several Asian and Middle Eastern countries, as well as Permanent Representative to the United Nations (1993-95).

The West Asian scholar then entered the academic world, first as Professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University and the National Islamic University, then as Chancellor of his alma mater, AMU. At the same time, he maintained a profile in public life, serving as advisor to the Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry and National Security Advisory Board. He was Chairman of the National Commission for Minorities when he was nominated as the vice-presidential candidate of the ruling coalition, the United Progressive Alliance-Left, a post he won in August 2007.