04 Sep 2023

India  and Botswana share common ideals and principles of democracy, peace, respect for human rights, adherence to the rule of law and the welfare of its people.

Giving a keynote address at India’s  77th Independence Day celebrations in Francistown on recently, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr Pono Moatlhodi ‘both countries share commonality of

views on major issues of bilateral, regional and international importance as well’.

He explained that India, which was one of the oldest democracies in the world, had provided Botswana with a pool of teachers, army personnel, doctors, businessmen and other professionals who had served in Botswana over the years.

Mr Moatlhodi explained that the Indian community in Botswana had played a significant role in the economic development of the country and had also been supportive in a number of social welfare projects.

Mr Moatlhodi thanked India for having assisted Botswana with the COVID-19 vaccine during the outbreak of the pandemic in 2019, adding the country had also assisted Botswana with medical training and construction of hospitals and clinics.

The deputy speaker also congratulated India on its historic landing of Chandrayan 3rd to explore the south pole of the moon.

“It is historic as India is the first country to reach the south pole of the moon and also the first country to reach the moon,” said Mr Moatlhodi.

For his part, India’s High Commissioner to Botswana, Mr Barath Kumar Kuthati said Botswana and India had long-standing relationship in several areas, including in the area of economic cooperation.

Mr Kuthati said the two countries had signed agreements for trade, investment and technology transfer, including in the areas of agriculture, mining, and manufacturing.

He explained that India had provided scholarships for Botswana students to study in India and the two countries had collaborated on research and academic exchanges.

Mr Kuthati said the two countries had participated in joint military exercises and had agreements for training and defence cooperation.

The High Commissioner said those areas were important in that they had increased trade and investment that led to economic growth and job creation in both countries. “These trade agreements have also improved health outcomes and access to education, which led to a more educated and healthier population, thereby boosting productivity and economic growth,” he said.

The defence cooperation, he said, helped strengthen regional security and stability, thereby creating a more favourable environment for economic growth.

Furthermore, he highlighted that there were also cultural ties that led to greater understanding and appreciation between the two countries, which also promoted greater economic cooperation.

India gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947, after nearly two centuries of British colonial rule.

This was the culmination of a long and often tumultuous struggle for independence, which included peaceful protests, civil disobedience and violent uprisings.

The Indian independence movement was led by many notable figures, including Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Subhas Chandra Bose.

Highlights of the day included fancy dance for kids and cultural performances amongst others. ENDS