DAKSHIN

Botswana

India’s relations with Botswana have been close and friendly. India established diplomatic relations with Botswana immediately after its independence in 1966 and opened its diplomatic mission in Gaborone in 1987. Botswana is an active member of Southern African Development Community (SADC), South African Customs Union (SACU), WTO and other international organizations. A number of high-level visits have been exchanged between India and Botswana since its independence.

High Commissioner met table tennis player, selected for higher studies in India under Indian Council for Cultural Relations scholarship

Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Day was celebrated

Cooperation to tackle the challenge of COVID-19 Pandemic

India donated 30,000 doses of COVISHIELD vaccine manufactured by Serum Institute of India in March 2021.
This was the first consignment of COVID-19 vaccines in Botswana. Botswana has also given Emergency Use Authorization to COVAXIN manufactured by Bharat Biotech, India.

Capacity Building & Other Exchanges

India’s assistance and cooperation with Botswana in institutional capacity building has been a strong pillar in our bilateral relations.
Government of India’s Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme, Professional Courses for Diplomats conducted by the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service, and University scholarships under ICCR are very popular in Botswana. Since 2015-16 more than 1000 Batswana have visited India under the above scholarships/capacity building programmes. Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service (SSIFS), New Delhi organized a special training program for 18 Botswana diplomats in May 2019.
Under Africa Scholarship Scheme of ICCR, Botswana has been allocated with 48 slots for the Academic Year 2022-23.

Development Cooperation (Grants/ LoCs/ Assistance)

India donated anti-tuberculosis drugs to the Government of Botswana. Minister of Health Dr. Edwin G. Dikoloti received the consignment from the High Commissioner on 9 June 2022. While conveying his gratitude to the Government of India for the donation, Minister Dikoloti said that the donation will play a crucial role in extending availability of drugs for people in need and improving quality of life.