President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday embarked on a six-day State visit to Angola and Botswana from November 8 to 13, marking the first-ever visit by an Indian head of state to both southern African nations.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described the trip as a reaffirmation of India’s deepening commitment to Africa and the Global South. “Reiterating India’s commitment towards Africa and the Global South, President Droupadi Murmu has departed on a two-country State visit to Angola and Botswana,” the MEA said in a post on X.

During the visit, President Murmu will hold bilateral talks with her counterparts, address the parliaments of both nations, participate in national celebrations, and interact with the Indian diaspora in Luanda and Gaborone.

In a media briefing, MEA Secretary (Economic Relations) Sudhakar Dalela said the visit holds great diplomatic significance. “This is the first-ever State visit by an Indian head of state to Angola and Botswana. India’s engagement with Africa continues to expand across political, trade, economic, and cultural spheres,” he noted.

Dalela emphasized that India’s Africa policy is guided by the 10 principles announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018, and the India–Africa Forum Summit remains the key framework for cooperation. He also highlighted that India has opened 17 new diplomatic missions in Africa in recent years, reinforcing its strategic outreach.

Murmu’s first stop will be Angola (Nov 8–11), at the invitation of President João Lourenço, who had visited India in May and invited her to attend Angola’s 50th Independence anniversary celebrations. The visit coincides with the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Angola.

During her stay, she will discuss collaboration in agriculture, trade, energy, technology, defense, and infrastructure, along with enhanced cooperation through the African Union, currently chaired by Angola.

From November 11 to 13, President Murmu will visit Botswana at the invitation of President Duma Gideon Boko, focusing on partnerships in education, health, mining, and digital innovation. The visit underscores India’s commitment to strengthen its longstanding friendship with Botswana and expand its footprint across Africa.