Oil and Diamonds: Why President Murmu and PM Modi Are Visiting Africa Around the Same Time

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New Delhi: India’s top leadership is set to make significant diplomatic moves in Africa this month. In a rare alignment of schedules, President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are both heading to African nations—an indication of India’s growing strategic and economic engagement with the continent often referred to as the heart of the Global South.

President Murmu will undertake state visits to Angola and Botswana from November 8 to 13, marking the first-ever visit by an Indian head of state to these two nations. Soon after, Prime Minister Modi is expected to travel to South Africa later in November to attend the G20 Summit, with possible bilateral engagements with other African nations on the sidelines.

Strengthening India–Africa Partnership

Angola, rich in oil reserves, and Botswana, famous for its diamond mines, represent two key pillars of Africa’s resource-driven economies. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that President Murmu’s visit is aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation in trade, energy, and development.

During her stay, President Murmu will hold high-level talks with Angolan President João Lourenço and will also address the Angolan Parliament. She is scheduled to attend Angola’s 50th Independence Day celebrations on November 11, underscoring India’s support for the nation’s progress since independence.

MEA Secretary (Economic Relations) Sudhakar Dalela emphasized that this visit aligns with India’s vision of strengthening the Global South partnership, where India has positioned itself as a key leader and development partner.

PM Modi’s Visit to South Africa

Just about ten days after President Murmu’s visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the G20 Summit in South Africa on November 22–23. According to reports, PM Modi may also visit other African nations to further bolster India’s outreach in the region.

The twin high-level visits signal New Delhi’s growing emphasis on Africa as a strategic and economic partner—especially in areas like energy security, mining, infrastructure, digital cooperation, and capacity building.

A New Chapter in India–Africa Relations

Experts believe that the back-to-back tours by the President and the Prime Minister mark a new phase in India’s engagement with Africa. With both nations—Angola and Botswana—playing vital roles in the continent’s resource economy, India’s diplomatic focus reflects a clear intention to secure long-term partnerships in energy and trade, while reinforcing its leadership role within the Global South.