President addresses Botswana’s National Assembly

New Delhi, Nov 12: President Droupadi Murmu addressed the National Assembly of Botswana in Gaborone, calling for India and Botswana to work together in shaping a fairer and more sustainable world order. Emphasising the importance of South-South collaboration and reformed multilateralism, she said the two countries can “meaningfully contribute to a world order that not only supports but also helps build meaningful Global South cooperation.”

Highlighting Africa’s demographic and resource potential, President Murmu noted that “with its youthful population and vast natural resources, Africa can fuel the growth of the global economy.” The President, who arrived in Gaborone on November 11 on the final leg of her State Visit to Angola and Botswana, was received by President Duma Gideon Boko. President Boko described India as the “Mother of Democracy” and lauded its role in Botswana’s development journey. He said the visit, the first State Visit hosted by Botswana since he assumed office last year, reflects the importance of ties with India.

During bilateral and delegation-level talks, the two sides agreed to expand cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, renewable energy, health, education, defence, and digital technology. The leaders also witnessed the signing of an agreement on pharmacopoeia to improve access to affordable Indian medicines in Botswana. India also agreed to supply essential antiretroviral (ARV) medicines at Botswana’s request. President Murmu welcomed Botswana’s participation in the next phase of ‘Project Cheetah’, under which Cheetahs will be reintroduced to India’s ecosystems. She thanked President Boko and the people of Botswana for their support, calling the initiative a symbol of the two countries’ shared commitment to conservation. This marks the first-ever Presidential visit from India to Botswana and comes ahead of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations in 2026.