Botswana President Duma Boko to visit India in January 2026; Diamond trade and industry bodies upbeat

India’s G&J trade and industry bodies are upbeat over the announcement of the proposed visit by Botswana President Duma Boko, along with his cabinet, in January, seeing significant business opportunities across the diamond, solar and textile sectors. The announcement was made during the visit of Botswana’s Minister of Minerals and Energy, Bogolo Joy Kenewendo, who participated in Explore Botswana, a strategic business engagement event organised by the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI).

Botswana contributes nearly 30% of the global rough diamond supply, most of which is routed to Surat for cutting and polishing, as the city processes nine out of every ten diamonds worldwide. SGCCI President Nikhil Madrasi said the Botswana President and his cabinet have accepted an invitation to attend SGCCI Global Village 2026, scheduled from January 24 to 26, 2026. “We have received confirmation of their visit to Surat. Meetings were held with Minister Kenewendo and senior officials to finalise the agenda and programmes for the President’s visit,” he said.

Trade and industry bodies in Surat are upbeat over the announcement of a proposed visit by Botswana President Duma Boko, along with his cabinet, in January, seeing significant business opportunities across the diamond, solar and textile sectors.

Earlier, an SGCCI delegation representing the diamond, solar, energy, and textile sectors visited Botswana during President Droupadi Murmu’s visit. The delegation proposed a Twin City initiative between Surat and Gaborone, focusing on urban development, technology and talent exchange, medical tourism, education, student exchange programmes, and regular business delegations and exhibitions. The proposal received a positive response, and an MoU for the Twin City partnership is expected to be signed during the President’s visit.