India, Botswana to expedite establishment of diamond institute, boost defence cooperation

This was stated by Secretary (Economic Relations) T S Tirumurti after a meeting between Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and his Botswanian counterpart Slumber Tsogwane, and delegation-level talks between the two countries here.

This is a bilateral initiative to contribute to skills development in the diamond industry in Africa, Tirumurti said.

Botswana is recognised worldwide for producing some of Africa's most sparkling diamonds.

"Botswana had sent a delegation to India. The Surat-based Indian Diamond Institute is the nodal institute. Of the around 20 diamond companies operating in Botswana, eight to 10 are Indian companies engaged in polishing and cutting. That is the type of expertise Botswana wants," Tirumurti said.

Both leaders referred to the close defence cooperation between the two countries from 1978 to 2012 when Indian Army and Air Force training teams were stationed in Botswana, he said.

"We have also agreed to enhance cooperation in defence and security sectors," Trimurti said.

"Tsogwane warmly recalled India's contribution to the freedom struggle of many southern African nations, including Botswana," he said.

Botswana appreciated the assistance given by India in capacity building, particularly under ITEC, he said.

The Indian Technical & Economic Cooperation (ITEC) is a fully-funded programme run by the Indian government with the goal of encouraging cooperation and partnership among developing countries, for mutual benefit.

Naidu also expressed India's willingness to enhance ITEC slots to more than the 140 currently being extended to Botswana, he said.

During his meeting with the Botswana vice president, Naidu referred to the stable democratic environment which Botswana provides and appreciated its important role in the context of Southern African Development Community (SADC), Tirumurti said.

Both the countries agreed to further develop and diversify trade and economic engagement, he said. Botswana expressed keenness to have Indian companies, particularly the private sector, invest in Botswana, he added.

"Many Indian companies are already present in Botswana including three Indian banks," he said. Both sides also agreed to enhance cooperation in areas like copper mining, he added.

The two sides also decided to enhance cooperation in a range of areas including agricultural, IT, energy, health, capacity building and judicial cooperation, he said.

Botswana also announced its decision to join the International Solar Alliance (ISA) framework for building and enhancing capacity of solar rich countries to develop solar technologies, he said.

"This is a very significant development and was welcomed by our side. We also expressed our happiness over Botswana's continuous support in multilateral fora, reflecting the enduring spirit of