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Cheetah Conservation Milestone: How India-Botswana Wildlife Deal Strengthens Ties

President Murmu and Botswana's President Boko witnessed a significant wildlife conservation moment with cheetah releases. This event marked Botswana's gifting of eight cheetahs to India for Project Cheetah's next phase. The leaders also expanded bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors including trade and renewable energy. Additionally, they signed an agreement to provide affordable Indian medicines to Botswana's citizens.

Key Points: President Murmu Botswana Witness Cheetah Release for India

  • Botswana gifts eight cheetahs to India under Project Cheetah's next phase
  • Both nations expand cooperation in trade, energy and digital technology
  • Agreement signed for affordable Indian medicines in Botswana
  • President Boko hails India as "mother of democracy" and inspiration
3 min read

President Murmu, Botswana President witness release of Cheetahs at nature reserve

Presidents Murmu and Boko oversee cheetah transfer from Botswana to India, marking wildlife conservation partnership and expanded bilateral cooperation.

President Murmu, Botswana President witness release of Cheetahs at nature reserve
"A new chapter in India-Botswana wildlife conservation partnership - President's Secretariat"

Gaborone, Nov 13

Marking a key milestone in the India-Botswana partnership on wildlife conservation, President Droupadi Murmu and her Botswana counterpart Duma Gideon Boko on Thursday witnessed the release of cheetahs captured from the Ghanzi region in the African country into the quarantine facility at the Mokolodi Nature Reserve in southern Botswana.

The event, conducted by experts from both nations, represented Botswana’s gifting of eight cheetahs to India under Project Cheetah’s next phase.

“A new chapter in India-Botswana wildlife conservation partnership: At the Mokolodi Nature Reserve in Botswana, President Droupadi Murmu and President Duma Gideon Boko witnessed the release of captured cheetahs originating from Botswana's Ghanzi region into the quarantine facility by experts from India and Botswana. The event symbolised Botswana’s gifting of eight cheetahs to India under the next phase of Project Cheetah,” the President's Secretariat posted on X.

On Wednesday, President Murmu held a meeting with her Botswana counterpart Duma Gideon Boko at the President's Office in Gaborone as both leaders agreed to expand bilateral cooperation in key sectors, including trade and investment, agriculture, renewable energy, health, education, skill development, defence, and digital technology.

The two nations also signed an agreement to facilitate easy access to good-quality and affordable Indian medicines for the people of Botswana.

Sharing details regarding the meeting, the President's Secretariat stated, "President Droupadi Murmu was warmly received by President Duma Gideon Boko of Botswana at the President's Office, Gaborone. In their wide ranging discussions, the two leaders agreed to expand cooperation in key sectors, including trade and investment, agriculture, renewable energy, health, education, skill development, defence, and digital technology."

"The President thanked President Boko and people of Botswana for sending their Cheetahs to India as part of the next phase of Project Cheetah. An agreement to facilitate easy access to good-quality and affordable Indian medicines to the citizens of Botswana, was also signed on the occasion," it added.

During the meeting, President Duma Gideon Boko hailed India as the "mother of democracy", asserting that New Delhi has been a steadfast source of inspiration and support in the African nation's development journey.

President Murmu arrived in Botswana late Tuesday for a State Visit as part of the final leg of her two-nation visit to Africa. President Boko welcomed the Indian counterpart at the airport as she was accorded a ceremonial welcome and a guard of honour.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I appreciate the wildlife conservation efforts, I hope we're also focusing on protecting our existing wildlife habitats. The cheetahs need proper infrastructure and protection systems in place. Let's ensure this doesn't become just a symbolic gesture.
A
Arjun K
Great to see India strengthening ties with African nations. The medicine agreement is particularly important - our pharmaceutical industry can really help Botswana's healthcare system. This is what true partnership looks like!
S
Sarah B
As someone who follows wildlife conservation closely, this is a significant step. Cheetahs went extinct in India decades ago, and bringing them back through international cooperation shows how diplomacy can benefit biodiversity. Well done!
V
Vikram M
The partnership extends beyond just wildlife - trade, renewable energy, digital technology. This is comprehensive bilateral cooperation. India's engagement with Africa is growing strategically, and that's good for our global standing.
M
Michael C
Interesting to see Botswana calling India the "mother of democracy." Our democratic values are indeed something we can share with the world while learning from others too. The cultural exchange aspect of such visits is often overlooked but equally important.

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