President Droupadi Murmu will hold bilateral talks with President Duma Boko of Botswana in Gaborone today. They will discuss and explore new avenues for enhancing bilateral cooperation in areas such as trade and investments, technology, energy, agriculture, health, pharmaceuticals, defence, and people-to-people ties.

 

 

India-Botswana relations are marked by shared democratic values, mutual respect, and close cooperation across multiple sectors. Capacity building has been one of the strongest pillars of this partnership. Almost 750 professionals, students, civil servants and defence personnel from Botswana have been trained in India in the last 10 years.

 

 

The trade relations have traditionally been dominated by the diamond and gems sector. India would now look to diversify into other sectors. Botswana’s Vision 2036 document also aims to diversify its economy to become a high-income society. This leads to promising opportunities for collaboration in sectors like healthcare, mining, digital banking, and medical tourism, among others.

 

 

India has also been engaging with Botswana for Project Cheetah. During President’s visit, select Cheetahs to be sent to India will be released into a quarantine facility, marking Botswana’s symbolic donation of cheetahs to India.

 

 

President Droupadi Murmu will also address the Parliamentarians, interact with members of the Indian community and visit sites of historic significance in Botswana during her visit. Several dignitaries from Botswana will also call on her. 

 

 

The President arrived in Botswana’s capital city last evening after concluding her Angola visit. She was received at the Airport by the President of Botswana on her arrival and was welcomed with 21 Gun Salute and was accorded Guard of Honour. This is the first ever State visit by an Indian Head of State to the two African countries.