Sun Nov 09 01:07:36 UTC 2025: Summary:
President Droupadi Murmu embarked on a six-day state visit to Angola and Botswana, marking the first-ever visit by an Indian head of state to these African nations. The visit, described by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) as an effort to expand partnerships in Africa, includes high-level engagements, bilateral talks, and participation in Angola’s 50th independence anniversary celebrations. Discussions will focus on strengthening cooperation in sectors like agriculture, health, energy, technology, and defense. The visit also coincides with the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties between India and Angola. In Botswana, President Murmu will meet her counterpart, address the National Assembly, and attend an event related to the translocation of cheetahs to India.
News Article:
President Murmu Embarks on Historic State Visit to Angola and Botswana
New Delhi, November 9, 2025 – President Droupadi Murmu has begun a six-day state visit to Angola and Botswana, marking the first time an Indian head of state has visited these African nations. The trip, which began on Saturday, November 8th, is being hailed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) as a significant step in strengthening India’s partnerships within the African continent.
President Murmu arrived in Luanda, Angola, where she was greeted by Angolan Minister of External Relations Tete Antonio and other officials. Over the next three days, she will engage in high-level talks with Angolan President Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco and participate in the country’s 50th independence anniversary celebrations. She is also scheduled to address the Angolan parliament and interact with members of the Indian community.
“India and Angola enjoy very close ties of friendship and cooperation which have been growing across sectors. We have a vibrant energy partnership with Angola,” stated Sudhakar Dalela, Secretary (Economic Relations) in the MEA. Discussions will center on expanding cooperation in areas such as agriculture, health, energy, technology, infrastructure development, and defense.
The visit coincides with the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Angola.
On November 11th, President Murmu will travel to Gaborone, Botswana, where she will meet with President Duma Gideon Boko, address the National Assembly, and attend an event related to Project Cheetah, which involves the translocation of cheetahs to India.
Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti V Somanna and Lok Sabha MPs Prabhubhai Vasava and D K Aruna are accompanying the President on this trip.
The MEA expressed confidence that President Murmu’s visit will further solidify India’s long-standing collaborative ties with both Angola and Botswana, opening doors for new avenues of partnership and reinforcing India’s commitment to its multifaceted relationship with Africa.
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