India, Botswana to Deepen Ties: President Murmu Meets President Boko

• President Droupadi Murmu holds bilateral meeting with Botswana President Duma Gideon Boko.
• Both leaders agree to strengthen cooperation in trade, health, education, defence, and digital technology.
• President Murmu thanks Botswana for its support in the next phase of ‘Project Cheetah’.
• Pharmacopoeia agreement signed to boost access to quality Indian medicines in Botswana.

GG News Bureau
Gaborone, 12th Nov: President Droupadi Murmu held bilateral talks with Botswana President Advocate Duma Gideon Boko in Gaborone on Wednesday, marking a historic first-ever Presidential visit from India to the southern African nation. The meeting underscored India’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Botswana and strengthening its partnership with Africa.

President Murmu, accompanied by Minister of State for Jal Shakti and Railways V. Somanna and Members of Parliament Parbhubhai Vasava and D.K. Aruna, received a warm welcome from President Boko. Extending his greetings, President Boko hailed India as the “Mother of Democracy” and praised Murmu’s leadership in advancing education, gender equality, and social inclusion.

During one-to-one and delegation-level discussions, both leaders agreed to expand collaboration in sectors including trade and investment, agriculture, renewable energy, health, education, skill development, defence, and digital technology.

President Murmu said the visit marked “an important milestone” as the first-ever Presidential visit from India to Botswana and noted that it coincides with the upcoming 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2026. She reaffirmed India’s resolve to work closely with Botswana “to further deepen its ties and advance the shared vision of the India-Africa Forum Summit.”

In a special gesture of environmental cooperation, President Murmu thanked President Boko and the people of Botswana for agreeing to send cheetahs to India as part of the next phase of ‘Project Cheetah’, aimed at restoring the species to India’s ecosystems.

The two Presidents also witnessed the signing of a pharmacopoeia agreement to enhance access to quality and affordable Indian medicines in Botswana. Additionally, India announced its decision to supply essential antiretroviral (ARV) medicines at the request of the Botswana government.

Both leaders later addressed the press, reaffirming their shared commitment to sustainable development, people-to-people ties, and regional cooperation.