Naidu to visit Botswana, Zimbabwe & Malawi from Oct 31-November 6

New Delhi: To intensify ties with African countries, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu will embark on a three-nation tour from October 31 to November 6, the External Affairs Ministry said Friday.

In his first leg of the visit, Naidu will be in Botswana from October 31 to November 2 during which he will meet Botswanian President Mokgweetsi Masisi, and hold talks with his counterpart Vice President Slumber Tsogwane. He will also meet the speaker of the National Assembly of Botswana.

T S Tirumurti, secretary (Economic Relations) in the Ministry of External Affairs, said India and Botswana have shared shared a robust

cooperation in the areas of defence, health, capacity building and trade.

India imports nearly 26-27 per cent of its requirement of rough diamonds from Botswana, he said.

The bilateral trade between the two countries saw a rise of 26 per cent and it currently stands at around USD 1.75 billion.

Naidu, along with Tsogwane, will also inaugurate the 13th Annual Expo of Botswana and for the first time 25 Indian companies will participate in it.

In the second leg, Naidu will be in Zimbabwe from November 2-4. The high-level visit is taking place after 26 years, Tirumurti said.

Naidu will meet President Emmerson Mnangagwa and hold tete-a-tete with the vice president, followed by the delegation level talks.

India will also undertake upgradation of Hwange thermal power station for USD 310 million Line of Credit, he said.