President of India Addresses Botswana’s National Assembly
President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, addressed the National Assembly of Botswana at Gaborone on November 12, 2025. She was received by Speaker of the National Assembly, H.E. Dithapelo L. Keorapetse, Deputy Speaker, and the Leader of the Opposition. The National Assembly, part of Botswana’s unicameral Parliament, functions alongside the President and is advised by the Ntlo ya Dikgosi, a council of tribal chiefs.
During her address, President Murmu commended Botswana as a model of democracy, good governance, and effective leadership. She said the country’s steady democratic journey since its independence in 1966 stands as an inspiration for others, showcasing how national resources can be effectively used for holistic development and the welfare of all citizens, particularly the underprivileged.
The President underlined the deep friendship between India and Botswana, built on mutual respect, democratic values, and human dignity. She said the partnership between the two nations has flourished across multiple sectors, including education, healthcare, technology, agriculture, defence, trade, and investments.
Highlighting India’s role in capacity building and human resource development, she noted that over the past decade, more than a thousand young professionals from Botswana have trained in India. She emphasized the need for sustainable and inclusive economic growth to provide meaningful opportunities for the youth in both nations.
President Murmu pointed out emerging prospects in renewable energy, digital innovation, pharmaceuticals, and mining, urging the business communities of both countries to collaborate in realizing the full potential of their economic partnership. She also stated that India and Botswana can jointly contribute to creating a fair and sustainable global order, strengthening cooperation among Global South nations and supporting reformed multilateralism.
Referring to the continent’s promising future, President Murmu said that Africa’s youthful population and rich resources position it as a key driver of global growth. She added that India’s vision of “Viksit Bharat” by 2047 and Africa’s “Agenda 2063” present an opportunity for meaningful cooperation to unlock the potential of their combined 2.8 billion people.
Earlier, the President visited the Diamond Trading Company Botswana (DTCB), where she was welcomed by the Minister of Minerals and Energy, H.E. Ms Bogolo Kenewendo, and the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Phenyo Butale. She was briefed on Botswana’s diamond industry and toured the rough diamond sorting and valuation facilities. President Murmu also visited the Three Dikgosi Monument in Gaborone and paid her respects to the statues of Chiefs Khama III, Sebele I, and Bathoen I, who were pivotal in Botswana’s independence movement.
President Murmu Holds Bilateral Talks with President Duma Gideon Boko
President Droupadi Murmu arrived in Gaborone, Botswana, on November 11, 2025, for the final leg of her State Visit to Angola and Botswana—the first-ever Presidential visit from India to Botswana. She was accompanied by Minister of State for Jal Shakti and Railways, Shri V. Somanna, and Members of Parliament, Shri Parbhubhai Nagarbhai Vasava and Smt D. K. Aruna.
At the Office of the President in Gaborone, she was warmly welcomed by H.E. Advocate Duma Gideon Boko, President of the Republic of Botswana. President Boko described India as the “Mother of Democracy” and acknowledged its support in Botswana’s development journey. He also lauded President Murmu’s commitment to education, gender equality, and social upliftment, noting that this visit marks the first State Visit hosted by Botswana since he assumed office last year.
During one-to-one discussions and delegation-level talks, both leaders agreed to enhance cooperation in key sectors such as trade and investment, renewable energy, agriculture, health, education, skill development, defence, and digital technology. President Murmu said that this historic visit reinforces the growing partnership between India and Botswana, particularly as the two nations approach the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2026.
President Murmu reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening ties with Botswana and with the African continent under the framework of the India-Africa Forum Summit. She expressed appreciation for Botswana’s decision to contribute to India’s wildlife conservation initiative, ‘Project Cheetah,’ by sending Cheetahs to India. The President described this collaboration as a symbol of trust and partnership between the two nations.
The two Presidents witnessed the signing of an agreement on pharmacopoeia, aimed at improving access to quality and affordable Indian medicines in Botswana. President Murmu also announced India’s decision to supply essential antiretroviral (ARV) medicines to Botswana as part of its ongoing support in healthcare collaboration.
The visit marks a milestone in India’s diplomatic outreach to Africa, reaffirming shared values of democracy, development, and partnership for a sustainable and inclusive future.