High Commission of India

Gaborone, Botswana

Gamut of Bilateral Relations between India and Botswana

India’s relations with Botswana have been traditionally close and friendly. India established diplomatic relations with Botswana immediately after its independence in 1966 and opened resident Diplomatic Mission in Gaborone in 1987. Botswana established its resident Mission in New Delhi in 2006.

Bilateral visits at the highest level have contributed significantly in strengthening of the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two nations, which share the highest ideals of democracy.

A few examples of high-level exchanges include visit by Vice President HE Mr. M. Venkaiah Naidu from 31 October to 02 November 2018 and visit by the then Vice President HE Dr. Mokgweetsi E.K. Masisi in October 2015 to attend 3rd India Africa Forum Summit. Before that the then President HE Mr Festus Mogae visited India in May 2005 and December 2006 (State Visit).

Another important aspect of the two countries’ strong bilateral relationship is the Trade & Commerce. In recent years, India has ranked 2nd in Botswana’s top exporters and 4th in Botswana’s top importers.

Import – Export: Figures in US$ million (Source: Dept. of Commerce, GOI)

Companies from India have regularly participated in the Annual Global Expo and related events in Botswana and the number of companies has grown over time, covering sectors like engineering & machinery, IT, manufacturing, trade, spinning and textile machinery, agriculture & food processing, gems and jewelry, etc. In recent years, 2018 saw the participation by around 30 companies and 2019 witnessed arrival of representatives from 25 companies from India.

Given the evolving mode of Virtual Exchanges in the present times, India welcomed participation of Minister for International Affairs and Cooperation Hon. Dr. Lemogang Kwape in the 15th Confederation of Indian Industry – Export Import Bank of India (CII-EXIM Bank) Digital Conclave, wherein Dr. Kwape addressed the Session on “India-Africa Forum Summit IV (IAFS IV) – Addressing Critical Needs of African Countries” on 24 September 2020 via a virtual platform. Bilateral cooperation in Trade, Commerce and Investment sectors is set to grow further.

High Commission also participated in the BITC (Botswana Investment and Trade Centre) organized Webinars in July and August 2020 covering subjects like FINTECH, Automotive Industry.

Here in Botswana, two Banks from India, namely Bank of Baroda and State Bank of India have proudly established their credentials among the local communities. Additionally, RITES Limited’s only branch in Africa (RITES Afrika Pty Ltd) also has a presence in Botswana.

Other major private investors present in Botswana include TCS, TATA Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, Jindal, etc. Botswana also has 10 Diamond cutting & polishing companies of Indian origin as well.

India’s assistance and cooperation with Botswana in institutional capacity building has been a strong pillar in our bilateral relations. Various spheres of this cooperation are spread into Government of India’s institutional initiatives like Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme, cultural exchanges under the aegis of Indian Council for Cultural Relations and the Foreign Service Institute (now known as Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service) which, conducts courses for international Diplomats. In the past five years, approximately 1000 Batswana have been trained in India covering various fields of knowledge.

On the Diaspora side, Botswana is home to approximately 6,000 NRIs and PIOs, mainly engaged in service sectors like Teaching, Accounting, Insurance, Finance, Medicine, Pharmaceuticals, etc. The other major sector having Indian origin diaspora presence is retail businesses, e.g., grocery stores, supermarket chains with investments in hospitality, construction & medical health. Having highly successful and influential business enterprises, man large-scale retail/wholesale grocery stores are owned/managed by members of Indian diaspora, actively contributing to the Botswana’s economy.

Outside the Government of Botswana, the Indian diaspora happens to be the largest employment generator for Botswana citizens. In recent times, the community was also actively engaged in COVID-19 Pandemic related relief assistance into the national relief fund of Botswana.

Indian diaspora in Botswana maintains their touch with the roots by organising and participating in many of our festivals like Holi, Baisakhi, Onam, Navratri, Diwali, Christmas, New Year etc., besides other cultural events in-between through a host of community associations.

Recently, under the aegis of Vande Bharat Mission of the Government of India, HCI Gaborone assisted with the repatriation of Indian citizens from Botswana with one flight leaving from Gaborone for New Delhi on July 09, 2020 and the other for Mumbai on September 10, 2020.