India’s President Droupadi Murmu will embark on a historic six-day visit to Angola and Botswana from 8–13 November, becoming the first Indian head of state to travel to either country on a full state visit. New Delhi says the trip is aimed at boosting political cooperation and expanding trade, investment and development partnerships in southern Africa.
Murmu will begin her visit in Luanda, Angola, where she will meet President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço on 9 November and address the Angolan Parliament. The visit comes as India and Angola mark 40 years of diplomatic relations, coinciding with the African nation’s 50th independence anniversary. She will also engage with the Indian diaspora, which plays a growing role in economic activity in Angola.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs says cooperation in energy, healthcare, agriculture and pharmaceuticals are expected to be central talking points. India already supplies a large share of Angola’s generic medicines and has supported local capacity-building through scholarships and training programmes.
On 11 November, Murmu will travel to Gaborone for talks with Botswana’s President Duma Boko, address the National Assembly and tour key cultural and historical sites. India and Botswana have long collaborated in information technology, vocational training and health programmes, and both sides are seeking to expand bilateral trade and investment.
Analysts say the President’s back-to-back state visits reflect India’s broader diplomatic push to strengthen its presence in Africa, especially in fast-growing economies and mineral-rich markets. The External Affairs Ministry believes the trip will provide new momentum to strategic cooperation with both Angola and Botswana in the coming years.
Source:Africa Publicity
