President Droupadi Murmu began a six-day state visit to Angola and Botswana on Saturday, marking the first-ever visit by an Indian head of state to both African nations. The landmark trip, scheduled from November 8 to 13, underscores India’s deepening engagement with the African continent and the Global South.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), President Murmu will hold bilateral talks with her counterparts, address the parliaments of both countries, attend key national events, and interact with the Indian diaspora in Luanda and Gaborone.

MEA Secretary (Economic Relations) Sudhakar Dalela highlighted that India’s Africa outreach continues to expand across sectors including politics, trade, technology, development partnerships, and people-to-people connections. “Honourable President will be paying a state visit to Angola and Botswana from November 8 to 13. This will be the first-ever state visit by an Indian head of state to both nations,” he said.

Dalela emphasized that India’s Africa policy is guided by the 10 principles articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018, with the India–Africa Forum Summit providing a comprehensive framework for cooperation. “India’s diplomatic footprint has expanded with 17 new missions in Africa. During India’s G20 Presidency, the African Union was welcomed as a permanent member,” he noted.

President Murmu’s visit to Angola (November 8–11) comes at the invitation of President Joao Lourenço, who visited India in May and invited her to attend Angola’s 50th Independence anniversary celebrations. The visit also marks the 40th anniversary of India–Angola diplomatic ties. Angola currently chairs the African Union, adding further significance to the engagement.

During her stay, President Murmu will hold bilateral discussions covering agriculture, energy, defence, infrastructure, technology, trade, and investment, and address the Angolan Parliament before meeting members of the Indian community.

From November 11 to 13, President Murmu will travel to Botswana at the invitation of President Duma Gideon Boko, where she will address the National Assembly, meet key dignitaries, and explore new avenues of cooperation in technology, pharmaceuticals, energy, and agriculture.

Highlighting India’s partnership under Project Cheetah, Dalela said talks on the continued translocation of cheetahs from Botswana are progressing positively. He added that the visit will “further strengthen India’s longstanding collaborative ties with Angola and Botswana and open new pathways for growth and cooperation.”