New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu reached Angola on Saturday, beginning a six-day visit to two African nations – Angola and Botswana. This is the first time an Indian president has visited these countries, showing India’s effort to build stronger ties with Africa.
President Murmu was warmly welcomed at the Luanda International Airport by Angola’s Minister of External Relations, Tete Antonio, along with senior officials from both nations. During her three-day stay in Angola, she will meet President Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenço for bilateral talks and join the celebrations marking 50 years of Angola’s independence. She will also address the Angolan Parliament and interact with members of the Indian community.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the visit from November 8 to 13 focuses on deepening the relation in key areas such as trade, energy, health, agriculture, infrastructure, technology, defence, and education. “India and Angola share warm and friendly relations. We have a strong energy partnership, and this visit will further expand our cooperation,” said Sudhakar Dalela, Secretary (Economic Relations), MEA.
This year also marks the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Angola, making the visit even more meaningful and special
On November 11, President Murmu will travel to Gaborone, the capital of Botswana, for the second stage of her tour. There, she will meet Botswana’s President Duma Gideon Boko, address the National Assembly, and attend an event related to Project Cheetah, …a wildlife conservation effort that brings cheetahs from Africa to India to help restore their population.
The President is accompanied by the Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti V. Somanna, along with Members of Parliament Prabhubhai Vasava and D.K. Aruna.The MEA said the visit shows India’s commitment to building stronger, long-term partnerships with African nations based on mutual respect and shared growth.