India, Bostwana sign MoUs in health, energy & pharmaceutical sectors

President Droupadi Murmu held bilateral talks with President Duma Boko of Botswana in Gaborone on Tuesday and discussed several bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest. The leaders agreed to expand cooperation in trade & investment, agriculture, health, defence, mining, skilling and digital technology. The two sides also signed MoUs on cooperation in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. President Murmu also announced India’s decision to send ARV medicines to Botswana. Antiretroviral (ARV) medicines are used to treat HIV infections. President Duma Boko noted that India is a leading manufacturer of pharmaceuticals, especially generic medicines, and that the MoU will facilitate Botswana’s access to quality affordable medicines, solving a persistent problem in Botswana’s healthcare. He thanked India for the offer on ARV medicines.
President Duma Boko praised India’s pivotal role in his country’s growth, citing strong cooperation in education, health, defence, and skilling. He added that landmark Indian judgments on the right to life and patents are relevant to Botswana’s legal system as well. Calling India’s digital transformation an inspiration, he said its success in serving 1.4 billion people offers valuable lessons for Botswana’s own digital journey. He also praised India’s Global South push and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiatives like the International Solar Alliance.
Botswana will also gift India eight cheetahs under the Project Cheetah initiative. The animals will be placed under quarantine during President Murmu’s stay, symbolising Botswana’s contribution to India’s wildlife conservation efforts.