Droupadi Murmu Arrives in Botswana for State Visit to Strengthen Bilateral Relations and Secure Cheetah Translocation

President Droupadi Murmu's visit to Botswana aims to strengthen bilateral relations and finalise the translocation of eight Kalahari desert cheetahs to India. This marks her first visit as President, involving talks with President Duma Gideon Boko and addressing the National Assembly.

President Droupadi Murmu arrived in Botswana on Tuesday, concluding her two-nation tour of Africa. This visit aims to bolster bilateral relations and finalise an agreement for relocating eight Kalahari desert cheetahs to India. Murmu landed at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone, where President Duma Gideon Boko welcomed her with a 21-gun salute and a guard of honour.

During her three-day stay in Botswana, Murmu will engage in delegation-level discussions with President Boko. Senior officials from both countries will exchange several Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) to enhance bilateral ties. Murmu is also scheduled to address the National Assembly of Botswana's Parliamentarians on Wednesday.

Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted that President Murmu's visit underscores India's commitment to strengthening its long-standing friendly ties with Botswana. The two leaders will explore new avenues for cooperation in trade, investments, technology, energy, agriculture, health, pharmaceuticals, defence, and people-to-people connections.

Botswana is a leading producer of rough diamonds by value and the second-largest by volume globally. Diamonds dominate bilateral trade between the two nations. Botswana exports rough diamonds to India, while India supplies pharmaceuticals, machinery, iron and steel, and electrical equipment to Botswana.

Project Cheetah Initiative

Murmu and Boko will oversee an event where eight captured cheetahs will be released into a quarantine facility at the Mokolodi nature reserve. This marks the symbolic handover of these hunting cats to India as part of Project Cheetah and a mutual wildlife conservation initiative. The cheetahs were brought from Ghanzi town in the Kalahari desert to the reserve, located 10 km south of Gaborone.

President Murmu's visit is historic as it marks the first-ever visit by an Indian President to Botswana. Her six-day state visit also included Angola, where she met Angolan President Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco for high-level talks. In Luanda, they witnessed the signing of two MOUs aimed at strengthening bilateral relations.

Expanding Diplomatic Ties

The year 2026 will commemorate 60 years of diplomatic relations between India and Botswana. During the 2024-25 fiscal year, trade between India and Botswana was valued at USD 506 million. The MEA expressed confidence that Murmu's visit would further strengthen India's collaborative ties with both Angola and Botswana.

In Angola, Murmu assured that there are vast opportunities to enhance bilateral relations in sectors like energy security, diamond processing, agriculture, petroleum refining, and critical minerals exploration. The visit reflects India's commitment to deepening its multifaceted partnership with Africa.

President Murmu is expected to meet with the Indian community in Botswana before departing for Delhi on Thursday. Her visit highlights India's dedication to fostering strong international relationships and exploring new areas for collaboration.

With inputs from PTI