President Droupadi Murmu Marks Historic Milestones in Angola and Botswana

India, which had been a strong supporter of Angola’s liberation movement, shares a historical bond with the southern African nation.

In a momentous diplomatic outreach to Africa, President Droupadi Murmu concluded a significant two-nation visit encompassing Angola and Botswana, underscoring India’s deepening strategic, cultural, and historical ties with the African continent. The visit marks a series of firsts and symbolic gestures, reaffirming India’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with African nations through shared values of freedom, development, and cooperation.

Celebrating Angola’s 50 Years of Independence

At the invitation of Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President Murmu participated in the grand celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of Angola’s independence on November 11, 2025, held at the Praça da República in the capital city of Luanda.

The golden jubilee event was a spectacle of national pride, where President Murmu joined her Angolan counterpart in witnessing a vibrant military parade, traditional music and dance performances, and cultural showcases reflecting Angola's rich heritage and enduring spirit since gaining independence from Portuguese colonial rule in 1975.

India, which had been a strong supporter of Angola’s liberation movement, shares a historical bond with the southern African nation. This celebratory participation symbolized not only political solidarity but also a reaffirmation of India’s long-standing support for Africa’s sovereignty and post-independence development.

India-Angola Bilateral Relations: A Growing Strategic Partnership

India and Angola have steadily enhanced their cooperation across sectors such as energy, agriculture, education, health, pharmaceuticals, and defence. Angola is one of India’s key crude oil suppliers and an important partner in sub-Saharan Africa.

President Murmu’s presence at the independence celebrations sends a strong message of friendship, respect, and mutual commitment. The visit is expected to pave the way for deeper engagements in trade, investment, technology transfer, and capacity-building, particularly under the framework of the India-Africa Forum Summit.

Historic First: Indian Head of State Visits Botswana

Following her engagements in Angola, President Murmu arrived in Gaborone, Botswana, marking the first-ever State Visit by an Indian President to the landlocked southern African nation. She was warmly welcomed at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport on November 11, 2025, by the President of Botswana, H.E. Advocate Duma Gideon Boko.

In a gesture reflecting the warmth and depth of India-Botswana ties, President Murmu was accorded a ceremonial welcome, including a guard of honour, symbolizing the significance the host country places on this historic visit.

Strengthening India-Botswana Ties: A Shared Vision for Development

India and Botswana enjoy friendly and multifaceted bilateral relations that span trade, capacity-building, healthcare, diamond processing, and education. Botswana is also a key partner in the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme, through which hundreds of Botswana nationals have received training in diverse fields in India.

This visit by President Murmu aims to broaden the scope of cooperation in sectors such as digital technology, renewable energy, mining, pharmaceuticals, and infrastructure development, building on Botswana’s economic potential and India’s developmental experience.

High-level talks, business forums, and cultural exchanges are on the agenda during the President’s stay, with a strong emphasis on enhancing people-to-people connections, leveraging diaspora links, and fostering mutual growth in the Global South context.

India's Africa Policy in Action

President Murmu’s Africa tour reflects India’s proactive diplomacy under its broader “Ten Guiding Principles of India’s Africa Engagement”, articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. These include capacity-building, digital transformation, improving agriculture, enhancing health systems, and promoting trade, all tailored to the specific needs of African nations.

India's approach to Africa has been one of partnership, not patronage—focused on mutual growth, respect for sovereignty, and long-term collaboration.

 

President Droupadi Murmu’s dual visit to Angola and Botswana signifies a renewed thrust in India’s Africa policy, one that is rooted in shared historical legacies, common aspirations, and a joint vision for sustainable development. Her participation in Angola’s independence celebrations and the landmark state visit to Botswana elevate India’s diplomatic footprint in Africa and open new avenues for strategic collaboration.

This journey, steeped in symbolism and substance, has fortified India's image as a trusted partner of Africa, poised to work closely with its nations in navigating 21st-century challenges through unity, resilience, and inclusive progress.