President Murmu begins first-ever state visit to Angola, Botswana
PRESIDENT Droupadi Murmu on Saturday embarked on a six-day state visit to Angola and Botswana, marking the first-ever visit by an Indian head of state to the two southern African nations.
The visit underscores New Delhi’s renewed focus on expanding political and economic engagement across Africa, particularly in energy, trade, defence and technology.
Murmu’s visit — from November 8 to 13 — comes at a time when India is strengthening its outreach to the Global South and seeking to deepen its footprint across the African continent. India’s trade with Africa is estimated at nearly USD 100 billion, with cooperation expanding in areas such as infrastructure, healthcare, and energy security.
Focus on energy partnership
In the first leg of her tour, President Murmu will arrive in Luanda, the Angolan capital, where she will hold bilateral talks with President Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco and attend events commemorating the 50th anniversary of Angola’s independence. She is also scheduled to address the Angolan Parliament and interact with members of the Indian community.
India and Angola, which mark 40 years of diplomatic relations this year, share what officials describe as a “vibrant energy partnership.” “The visit provides an opportunity to review the entire gamut of bilateral ties and expand cooperation in key sectors, including agriculture, health, energy, trade, investments, infrastructure development, and defence,” said Sudhakar Dalela, Secretary (Economic Relations) in the Ministry of External Affairs.
Angola currently holds the rotating chair of the African Union, which became a permanent member of the G20 under India’s presidency in 2023. New Delhi views Luanda as a key partner in advancing the African perspective in global forums.
In the second leg of the visit, Murmu will travel to Gaborone, the capital of Botswana, from November 11 to 13. She will meet President Duma Gideon Boko, address the National Assembly, and discuss cooperation in investment, pharmaceuticals, technology, and renewable energy.
The visit is also expected to advance wildlife collaboration under Project Cheetah, with India set to receive another batch of cheetahs from Botswana. The Ministry of External Affairs said the translocation discussions are part of the bilateral agenda and will be taken forward during the visit.
“The visit of Hon’ble Rashtrapatiji will further strengthen India’s longstanding ties with Angola and Botswana and open up new avenues for cooperation,” Dalela said. “It also reflects India’s commitment to expanding its engagement with Africa.”
Murmu’s engagements in Luanda and Gaborone follow a series of high-level exchanges between India and African nations in recent years, including Angolan President Lourenco’s visit to New Delhi earlier this year. Her visit is expected to reinforce India’s position as a trusted development partner focused on capacity building, sustainable growth, and South-South cooperation.
By choosing Angola and Botswana for her maiden state visit to Africa, President Murmu is signalling India’s intent to consolidate its partnerships across the continent — with a focus on energy, trade, defence, and environmental cooperation — as part of a broader strategy to strengthen ties within the Global South.
