President Droupadi Murmu has begun a six-day State Visit to Angola and Botswana, marking the first-ever visit by an Indian head of state to both African nations. Scheduled from November 8 to 13, the tour underscores India’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with the Global South, focusing on trade, defense, and cultural cooperation.
In the first leg of the trip, from November 8 to 11, President Murmu will be in Angola at the invitation of President Joao Lourenço. During her stay, she will hold bilateral discussions with the Angolan leader, address the country’s Parliament, and participate in the 50th anniversary celebrations of Angola’s independence on November 11. She will also meet members of the Indian community in Luanda.
India and Angola are commemorating 40 years of diplomatic relations this year. The partnership between the two countries extends across several sectors—energy, agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure, and skill development. Earlier in May, President Lourenço’s visit to New Delhi resulted in the signing of three key agreements in Ayurveda and traditional medicine, agriculture, and cultural exchange. Angola has also joined the International Solar Alliance, furthering collaboration on renewable energy.
President Murmu’s visit is expected to deepen these ties while opening new avenues in emerging areas like digital public infrastructure and space technology—fields where India has established strong expertise. Angola’s current role as Chair of the African Union adds broader significance to the visit, as it reflects India’s continuing engagement with Africa following its efforts to include the African Union as a G20 member during India’s presidency.
The second leg of the tour, from November 11 to 13, will take President Murmu to Botswana. Her engagements there include official talks with President Duma Boko, an address to Botswana’s National Assembly, and visits to cultural and heritage sites. She will also meet with Indian-origin residents and leading dignitaries from Botswana.
India and Botswana, which will mark 60 years of diplomatic relations next year, share a foundation built on democratic values and mutual respect. Botswana’s Vision 2036 aims to diversify its economy and achieve high-income status, creating new opportunities for cooperation in healthcare, mining, digital banking, and tourism.
Additionally, discussions will include progress on Project Cheetah, under which Botswana is expected to assist India in translocating cheetahs soon.
This two-nation tour reaffirms India’s growing diplomatic focus on Africa—highlighting shared development goals, cultural exchange, and strategic collaboration for a sustainable future.
