Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Sep 15: India on Tuesday dispatched 10 tonnes of Antiretroviral medicines to Botswana to support its public health system in HIV/AIDS treatment, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced, underlining New Delhi's steadfast commitment to health cooperation with Global South partners.

“Dispatched 10 tonnes of Anti-Retroviral medicines to Botswana today to support their public health system for HIV/AIDS treatment. An affirmation of our commitment to strengthening health cooperation with our Global South partners,” EAM Jaishankar stated in a post on X.

Deepening Bilateral and Diplomatic Ties
According to the High Commission of India in Gaborone, bilateral relations between the two nations have grown increasingly close and friendly, marked by a significant surge in mutual trust.

This medical assistance builds upon a historic milestone in diplomatic ties: President Droupadi Murmu’s state visit to Botswana—the first-ever presidential visit from India to the African nation. During that visit, President Murmu and Botswana President Duma Gideon Boko witnessed the symbolic donation of eight cheetahs to India under Project Cheetah at the Mokolodi Nature Reserve, marking a new chapter in wildlife conservation collaboration.

Welcoming President Murmu, President Boko praised India as the "Mother of Democracy" and a steadfast source of inspiration in Botswana's development journey. Noting that India's visit was the first he has hosted since assuming office, President Boko underscored the high priority Botswana places on its partnership with New Delhi.

During high-level delegations and one-to-one talks, both leaders committed to expanding collaboration across critical sectors, including trade and investment, agriculture, renewable energy, health, education, skill development, defense, and digital technology.