India-Botswana Relations and Cheetah Translocation

Overview of Cheetah Translocation

During a State visit by President Droupadi Murmu to Botswana, India and Botswana announced a significant wildlife conservation initiative involving the translocation of eight cheetahs from Botswana to India under 'Project Cheetah.' This project aims to reintroduce cheetahs to India, with the first batch being released into a quarantine facility at the Mokolodi nature reserve.

Significance of the Initiative

• This is part of a mutual effort for wildlife conservation and biodiversity cooperation between the two nations.
• The cheetahs were brought from Ghanzi town in the Kalahari desert and will undergo quarantine before moving to India.

Project Cheetah in India

India has been actively working on reviving its cheetah population:

• In September 2022, eight cheetahs were relocated from Namibia to Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh.
• 12 additional cheetahs were imported from South Africa in February 2023.
• Currently, India houses 27 cheetahs, with 16 born in the country.
• A net gain of seven cheetahs has been achieved after the initial imports.

India-Botswana Bilateral Relations

The visit by President Murmu marks an important milestone in India-Botswana relations, with discussions on various areas of cooperation:

• A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in the health sector, focusing on access to affordable and quality medicines.
• India committed to sending a consignment of antiretroviral therapy (ARV) medicines to Botswana.
• The visit coincides with the approaching 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2026.
• Both nations aim to expand cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, health, education, defense, and digital technology.

Economic and Strategic Cooperation

India's involvement in Botswana's economic development, especially in the diamond sector, is significant. President Murmu emphasized the commitment to deepening ties with Botswana and expanding partnerships within the India-Africa Forum Summit framework.