New Delhi [India], November 14 (ANI): President Droupadi Murmu returned to New Delhi on Friday after completing her State visit to Angola and Botswana, a tour marked by high-level meetings, ceremonial welcomes and discussions aimed at deepening India’s ties with both African nations.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, President Murmu departed for India after concluding her engagements in Botswana. In a special gesture, Botswana’s President Duma Gideon Boko personally came to the airport to see her off. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X, “Wrapping up a fruitful State visit to Botswana, President Droupadi Murmu has departed for New Delhi. In a special gesture, President Duma Gideon Boko came to see off President Murmu at the airport.”
Earlier in the day, during a special briefing on the President’s State visit to Botswana, Sudhakar Dalela, Secretary (Economic Relations), said, “President arrived in Botswana on the evening of 11th November on her first-ever State visit by a Head of State from India to Botswana. On arrival, in a special gesture, the Hon’ble President was warmly received by the Hon’ble President of Botswana at the airport. Hon’ble President was given a ceremonial welcome and she inspected the Guard of Honour.”
Dalela said that both sides later held delegation-level talks. “Yesterday, Hon’ble President was received at the President’s office by Hon’ble President Boko. The two leaders held a tete-a-tete, which was followed by delegation-level talks between the two sides. From the Botswana side, several Cabinet Ministers and senior officials were present. From the Indian delegation, Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti V. Somanna, Members of Parliament Vasava and D.K. Aruna, and senior officials participated,” he said.
Boko and Murmu discussed ways to further strengthen and deepen the partnership in sectors of mutual interest.
During her visit, President Murmu addressed the Indian community in Gaborone and highlighted their role in strengthening India-Botswana relations. “The relationship between India and Botswana is based on trust, respect and shared democratic values,” MEA spokesperson Jaiswal quoted her as saying in a post on X.
Before departing for New Delhi, she met members of the Indian diaspora at a reception hosted by the High Commissioner of India to Botswana. MoS Somanna and MPs Vasava and Aruna were also present.
In her address, President Murmu said the Indian community serves as “true cultural ambassadors of India,” reflecting values of hard work, honesty and harmony that resonate with both nations. She urged them to continue contributing to Botswana’s progress while staying closely connected to India. She also encouraged them to make use of initiatives such as the OCI scheme and Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas, and to share their experiences in India’s development, according to the press statement.
The President informed the gathering that during her talks with President Boko, both sides agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, education, health, digital technologies, agriculture and renewable energy.
President Murmu began her Africa tour on November 8, travelling first to Angola and then to Botswana. The trip was historic as it marked the first-ever State visit by an Indian President to both nations. According to the MEA, the tour aimed to strengthen India’s partnership with Africa and expand cooperation across priority areas.
President Murmu has now concluded her Africa tour and returned to India.
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