The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, and the President of Botswana, H.E. Advocate Duma Gideon Boko, visited the Mokolodi Nature Reserve this morning to witness the symbolic release of cheetahs captured from Botswana’s Ghanzi region.
Experts from both nations carried out the release into a quarantine facility, marking Botswana’s donation of eight cheetahs to India under Project Cheetah. The event represents a new chapter in India–Botswana cooperation on wildlife conservation.
Later in the day, Vice President Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe and Minister of International Relations Dr Phenyo Butale met President Murmu for discussions.
Before departing for New Delhi, President Murmu addressed members of the Indian community at a reception hosted by the High Commissioner of India in Gaborone. Minister of State for Jal Shakti and Railways Shri V. Somanna, along with Members of Parliament Shri Parbhubhai Nagarbhai Vasava and Smt D. K. Aruna, attended the event.
In her remarks, President Murmu praised the Indian diaspora for their contributions, calling them “true cultural ambassadors of India” who embody values of hard work, honesty, and harmony. She urged them to continue contributing to Botswana’s progress while strengthening ties with India. She also encouraged them to benefit from initiatives such as the OCI scheme and Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas, and to share their experiences in India’s development journey.
President Murmu emphasised that India–Botswana relations rest on trust, respect, and shared democratic values. She noted that during her discussions with President Boko, both leaders agreed to expand cooperation in trade, education, health, digital technologies, agriculture, and renewable energy.
President Murmu will return to New Delhi on November 14, concluding her successful visits to Angola and Botswana.
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