The visit of President Droupadi Murmu to Botswana was another landmark in India’s intensified relationship with the African continent, which is a blend of trade, aid, and cultural affinity. President Murmu landed in Gaborone to a highly festive reception, her trip was a gesture of the everlasting friendship between India and Botswana, a friendship that is built on the shared principles of democracy, peace, and progress.
While on her trip, a broad conversation filled up the schedule of President Droupadi Murmu with Botswana’s President Mokgweetsi Masisi. They talked a lot about joint ventures in the sectors of education, healthcare, digital technology, and renewable energy. Both leaders spoke about their plan to extend the bilateral relationship between India and Botswana not only to those areas that would economically empower youth and women but also because this theme is very dear to the heart of launch pad Murmu.
Firstly, to be more precise, the trip was not only formal but more like a human approach. The spouse of the Indian Ambassador in Gaborone was one of the special people Murmu met there, and the great part is that numerous Indian diaspora have made Botswana their second home. Dialogues with them advocate the transfer of power from flesh to flesh as the real base of negotiation, in their conviction; the President deeply understands this. To add, the President also witnessed performances that reflected the musical and dance coherence of Indian and Batswana cultures, emphasizing the fact that both communities welcome each other and see the value in being united.
The importance of education and skills enhancement was among the points that led the discussion during the visit. India promised to avail the resources to Botswana for capacity building in e-learning and skill training, and this will be a continuation of the initiative of Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program, which for many years has been a resource hub for thousands all over Africa.
One of the major talking points behind President Murmu’s visit in Botswana was that India should not position herself as the generous donor of Africa, but rather as a partner that shares the fruits of the joint effort of the two. Without doubt, her subdued and earthy style plus setting human progress as the pillar of her speech, brought to their minds and hearts, not only the leaders but also the common folk.
