President Droupadi Murmu's state visit to Botswana from November 11 to 13, 2025, has ignited fresh hopes for the translocation of cheetahs to India as part of the ambitious Project Cheetah. This marks the first time an Indian head of state has visited Botswana, underscoring the growing importance of the relationship between the two nations.
Project Cheetah aims to reintroduce the world's fastest land animal to India, after the Asiatic cheetah was declared extinct in the country in 1952. Initial translocation efforts involved cheetahs from Namibia and South Africa. As of November 2025, India is home to 27 cheetahs, including 11 translocated from South Africa and Namibia, and 16 born on Indian soil. The Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh serves as the central hub for this project, providing 748 sq km of habitat within a larger 3,500 sq km cheetah-compatible landscape.
During a press briefing, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Secretary of Economic Relations Sudhakar Dalela said that discussions with Botswana regarding wildlife conservation and biodiversity cooperation have progressed significantly, and Botswana has expressed its readiness to send a "good number" of cheetahs to India. While the exact number of cheetahs to be translocated remains undisclosed, it is expected that they will be moved to India very soon. It is anticipated that Murmu's visit will provide further impetus to the exercise, with a potential announcement made during her presence.
The translocation plan has seen its share of concerns. A senior official at the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), which is implementing Project Cheetah, pointed out the climatic differences between Africa and India and the impact those differences may have on the cheetahs. The eight cheetahs selected for translocation are currently under quarantine in Botswana. Upon arrival in India, they will undergo another quarantine period of approximately three months before being released into the wild.
India and Botswana have a history of strong bilateral relations, which were established immediately after Botswana's independence in 1966. India opened its diplomatic mission in Gaborone in 1987, and Botswana established its mission in New Delhi in 2006. These relations are built on shared ideals of democracy and the rule of law, with increasing mutual trust in recent years. Bilateral visits at the highest level have played a significant role in strengthening the bonds between the two nations.
India's relationship with Botswana extends to several sectors, including trade, science and technology, and cultural exchange. India is one of the major export destinations for rough diamonds from Botswana. In 2021, Botswana's diamond exports rose to US$ 5.803 billion. Key areas of Indian investment in Botswana include banking, diamond cutting and polishing, and infrastructure projects. Bank of Baroda has been operating in Botswana since 2001, and many Indian diamond companies have a presence in the country. The Indian diaspora in Botswana, comprising approximately 6,000 people, contributes significantly to Botswana's economy.
President Murmu's visit to Botswana not only strengthens bilateral ties but also highlights India's growing engagement with countries in the Global South, particularly in Africa. This visit is expected to result in the finalization of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in various sectors, including health and fisheries. Furthermore, it provides an opportunity for the Indian business community to explore partnerships with their Botswana counterparts in identified sectors.
The potential translocation of cheetahs from Botswana represents a significant step forward for Project Cheetah and India's commitment to wildlife conservation.
