Gaborone, Nov 13 (NationPress) In a momentous step towards enhancing India-Botswana collaboration in wildlife conservation, Botswana has generously donated eight cheetahs to India as part of Project Cheetah. This significant donation ceremony took place during the visit of President Droupadi Murmu and her Botswana counterpart, Duma Gideon Boko, at the Mokolodi Nature Reserve, where both leaders observed the release of cheetahs captured from the Ghanzi region into a quarantine facility by experts from both nations.

The President's Secretariat highlighted, “This event marks Botswana’s symbolic donation of eight cheetahs to India under Project Cheetah. This event signifies the beginning of a new chapter in India-Botswana cooperation in wildlife conservation.”

According to Cheetah Conservation Botswana (CCB), Botswana is home to one of the largest populations of cheetahs globally, with an estimated 1,700 individuals, which represents around 25 percent of the world's remaining wild cheetahs. Its central location in southern Africa is vital for enhancing connectivity among regional populations.

India's Project Cheetah is a pioneering wildlife conservation initiative that commenced on September 17, 2022, aimed at reintroducing cheetahs to India after they vanished in the late 1940s and early 1950s. As the first intercontinental large wild carnivore translocation project globally, it falls under the umbrella of Project Tiger and aligns with the Cheetah Action Plan to restore and conserve the species. Ongoing efforts aim to expand suitable habitats, promoting long-term survival and ecological balance in India's grassland ecosystems.

Following the donation event, Botswana's Vice President Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe and Minister of International Relations Phenyo Butale met with President Murmu in Gaborone, expressing admiration for India's remarkable development journey.

During discussions, both sides explored ways to enhance the enduring cooperation between their nations in strategic sectors.

The President's Secretariat shared, “In separate meetings, Vice President Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe and Hon’ble Dr. Phenyo Butale called on President Droupadi Murmu at Gaborone.”

They both praised India for its notable development trajectory and addressed several mutual interests to further strengthen the collaboration between India and Botswana.

Earlier in the day, President Murmu addressed the Indian community, emphasizing that the friendship between the two nations is rooted in trust, respect, and shared democratic values.

While speaking to the Indian community, she stated, “The relationship between India and Botswana is based on trust, respect, and shared democratic values. Today, I had a very productive discussion with President Boko of Botswana. We have resolved to enhance our cooperation in trade, education, health, digital technologies, agriculture, and renewable energy.”

Furthermore, she highlighted, “Human resource development is a strong pillar of our cooperation. Many Botswana citizens have received training in India under India's ITEC and ICCR schemes. They are today playing a leading role in Botswana's development—a testament to the depth of our relationship.”

India and Botswana also share a close partnership in the diamond sector, with expanding collaborations in new domains such as technology, defense, and digital connectivity.

Expressing gratitude towards the Indian community for their warm reception in Botswana, she remarked that Indians in Botswana remain connected to India’s soil, culture, and values.

Referring to the Indian community as a living bridge of friendship, President Murmu said, “Despite being away, you all stay deeply connected to India's soil, culture, and values... You represent a living bridge of friendship between India and Botswana. I have learned that nearly 10,000 Indians are active here in various sectors—education, health, accounting, business, and industry.”

She continued, “Your hard work, honesty, and dedication have earned you respect in Botswana society. You have played a vital role in local employment and skills development. I commend all of you for being proud representatives of India. Your spirit of social service and philanthropy is commendable, as the Indian community in Botswana organizes charitable events regularly to support schools, health camps, or assist those in need—your compassion embodies the spirit of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’.