President Murmu Begins Historic State Visit to Angola and Botswana
President Droupadi Murmu departed from New Delhi on Saturday for a six-day state visit to Angola and Botswana, marking the first-ever visit by an Indian head of state to the two African nations. The visit is part of India’s efforts to deepen partnerships and expand cooperation with African countries.
In the first leg of the tour, President Murmu will arrive in Luanda, the capital of Angola, where she will engage in high-level meetings from November 8 to 11. During her stay, she will hold bilateral talks with Angolan President Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco and attend the 50th anniversary celebrations of Angola’s independence. She is also scheduled to address the Angolan parliament and meet members of the Indian community living in Angola.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of India–Angola diplomatic relations, and the visit is expected to enhance cooperation in sectors such as agriculture, health, defence, energy, technology, infrastructure development, and trade. According to Sudhakar Dalela, Secretary (Economic Relations) at the Ministry of External Affairs, India and Angola share a strong and growing partnership, especially in the energy sector.
After completing her engagements in Angola, the President will travel to Gaborone, the capital of Botswana, from November 11 to 13. She will meet Botswana’s President Duma Gideon Boko and address the country’s national assembly. President Murmu will also interact with the Indian diaspora in Botswana.
Officials said this visit will provide an opportunity to review the entire spectrum of India’s ties with both countries. The focus will be on strengthening cooperation in sectors like investment, health, education, agriculture, technology, and people-to-people exchanges. The Ministry of External Affairs believes the visit reflects India’s strong commitment to building deeper partnerships across the African continent.
India has been expanding its engagement with Africa through trade partnerships, development projects, capacity-building programmes, and diplomatic outreach. Over the years, both Angola and Botswana have emerged as important partners for India in areas of energy, mining, defence, and skill development.
Secretary Dalela added that the President’s visit will open new avenues for collaboration and enhance India’s role as a key development partner for African nations. He emphasised that ties between India and Africa are rooted in mutual respect, shared goals, and long-standing cooperation.
President Murmu’s visit is expected to strengthen India’s diplomatic footprint in the region and pave the way for more strategic partnerships in the future. The outcomes of the visit will be reviewed after February 2026 based on progress and public feedback.
