Press Statement by The Hon’ble President after Delegation Level Talks

I am truly delighted to be in this beautiful country at the invitation of His Excellency, the President of Botswana.

I thank President Boko as well as the Government and people of the Republic of Botswana for the warm welcome extended to me and my delegation, which includes our Minister of State Shri V Somanna as well as two members of Parliament, Shri P Vasava and Smt D K Aruna.

My visit marks an important milestone for our bilateral relations, as it is the first ever Presidential visit from India to Botswana. It also assumes significance in view of the approaching 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between our two countries in 2026.

This morning, I had a very productive meeting with President Boko, followed by fruitful delegation-level talks. Our discussions covered the full range of bilateral, regional, and global issues of mutual interest. We reaffirmed the deep and friendly ties between India and Botswana, founded on shared democratic values and mutual respect. We agreed to expand cooperation in key sectors including trade and investment, agriculture, renewable energy, health, education, skill development, defence, and digital technology. We witnessed the signing of an important agreement which will help in providing easy access of good quality and affordable Indian medicines to the citizens of Botswana. I also conveyed to President Boko, India's decision to send essential ARV medicines as requested by Government of Botswana.

We are encouraged by the growing participation of Indian companies in Botswana's economic development, particularly in the diamond sector. We have also agreed to strengthen collaboration in sectors such as agro- processing, pharmaceuticals, education, skilling and capacity building. I conveyed to President Boko, India's firm commitment to working closely with Botswana to further deepen our ties, as well as India's commitment to expanding its partnership with the African region, including within the framework of India-Africa Forum Summit.

It gives me special pleasure to note that Botswana is to reintroduce Cheetahs in India under 'Project Cheetah'. This is a unique wildlife conservation initiative of Government of India, which aims to restore the Cheetah to India's ecosystems. I must thank President Boko and the people of Botswana for agreeing to send their Cheetahs to India. We will take good care of them! Later today, I will have the opportunity to address the National Assembly of Botswana. I also look forward to exchanging views with the Vice-President of Botswana, Speaker of the Parliament and other dignitaries and discuss ways to strengthen cooperation between our two countries.

I am also looking forward to interacting with members of the Indian community here, who act as a living bridge between the two countries.Your Excellency, once again, I extend my sincere thanks to you for your gracious hospitality and welcome. I am confident that my visit will further consolidate the multifaceted partnership between India and Botswana and take it to new heights in the years ahead.

Thank you.

Gaborone
November 12, 2025