India,Botswana sign two pacts during Ansari’s visit

The two leaders also discussed United Nations reform and the need for “differentiated responsibilities for developing countries” in tackling climate change.

While the first agreement was on “cooperation in agricultural research,machinery,livestock,crops,and horticulture”,the second was on cooperation in education.

Katju said the talks did not cover trade in diamonds. Ansari had earlier stated that he wished to discuss sourcing of uncut diamonds directly from Botswana,instead of having to buy these at prices set by the diamond “monopoly”. The South African conglomerate De Beers dominates mining and trade in diamonds,and is often accused of monopolistic practices.

The Vice-President is scheduled to visit the Diamond Trading Corporation,owned by De Beers.

The economy of Botswana,widely considered one of Africa’s success stories,is heavily dependent on the production of diamonds. The Indian diamond industry  is the world’s largest net importer of uncut diamonds,and the fall in global demand has badly affected the Surat-based business.

Botswana is the final leg of the Vice-President’s tri-nation tour of southern Africa. He had previously visited Zambia and Malawi where the Indian government agreed to loan $50 and 55 million respectively. Ansari’s trip is part of India’s renewed focus on Africa.