• Indian President Murmu begins Botswana state visit to deepen bilateral ties

• Focus on trade, health, education, and Botswana’s diamond industry

• India-Botswana trade hit $436 million in 2024, driven by diamonds
  

Indian President Droupadi Murmu began a state visit to Botswana on Tuesday, Nov. 11. The trip follows an invitation from President Duma Gideon Boko, according to a government statement released Monday.

The three-day visit, ending Thursday, Nov. 13, aims to deepen cooperation in health, education, agriculture, mining, trade and investment. During her stay, Murmu and Boko will hold bilateral talks, and she will address Botswana’s Parliament. She is also scheduled to visit the Diamond Trading Company Botswana (DTCB) for a briefing on the diamond sector.

Murmu’s stop in Gaborone comes after a visit to Angola last week, where India and Angola signed five agreements. The trip reflects New Delhi’s push to expand its presence in Africa, where it remains a major trading partner.

Trade Relations Centered on Diamonds

India and Botswana describe their relations as close and growing stronger in recent years. The two countries maintain regular Foreign Office Consultations and Joint Ministerial Committee meetings, backed by more than a dozen memoranda of understanding in areas such as visas, culture and commerce.

Diamonds dominate trade between the two nations. Botswana exports rough diamonds to India, while Indian imports include polished diamonds, pharmaceuticals, machinery, iron and steel products, and electrical equipment. India is among Botswana’s biggest diamond buyers.

According to India’s Department of Commerce, trade between the two countries reached $436 million in 2024.

Lydie Mobio