President Draupadi Murmu reached Angola.

President Draupadi Murmu reached Luanda on Saturday night as part of her state visit to Angola. Where he was given a grand welcome. This is the first state visit of an Indian head of state to this African country. According to Rashtrapati Bhavan, this historic visit reflects India’s commitment to strengthening ties with Africa and the Global South. President Murmu is in Angola till November 11 at the invitation of his Angolan counterpart Joao Lourenco as part of the first leg of his tour.

Earlier on Thursday, addressing a special press conference on the President’s visit, Sudhakar Dalela, Secretary, Economic Relations, Ministry of External Affairs, said that the visit reflects India’s growing focus on strengthening partnerships with countries of the global south, especially Africa, in political, economic, developmental and cultural dimensions.

Discussion on relocating cheetahs from Botswana

He further said that the visit also included discussions on translocating cheetahs from Botswana as part of Project Cheetah. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, during her time in Angola, President Murmu is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with her Angolan counterpart, participate in the 50th anniversary celebrations of Angola’s independence on November 11, address the Angolan Parliament and interact with members of the Indian community.

President Murmu will visit Botswana

Earlier in May, Lourenco visited Botswana at the invitation of President Murmu, during which he invited the President to visit the African country. Meanwhile, from 11 to 13 November, President Murmu will visit Botswana at the invitation of President Duma Gideon Boko.

Here she will hold bilateral discussions with the leadership of Botswana, focusing on enhancing cooperation in trade, investment, technology, energy, agriculture, health, pharmaceuticals, defense and people-to-people exchanges. She will also address the National Assembly of Botswana and visit sites of cultural and historical importance.

India’s relations with Africa

India’s relations with Africa have grown significantly in recent years, with growing cooperation in capacity building, digital public infrastructure, energy transition, minerals and multilateral cooperation. The President’s upcoming visit is expected to further strengthen these strategic and people-centric partnerships across the continent.