India, Angola deepen strategic ties during President Lourenço’s visit

New Delhi, May 3: India and Angola on Saturday elevated their bilateral partnership with the signing of a series of key agreements during the State Visit of Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, hosting the President in New Delhi, announced deepened cooperation across defence, energy, agriculture, digital innovation, and cultural exchange, reflecting the two nations' growing alignment as leading voices of the Global South.

President Lourenço, who is on a three-day visit, was earlier accorded a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where he was received by President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi. “A special welcome for a Global South partner,” noted Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on X, highlighting the 21-gun salute and Guard of Honour presented to the visiting leader. In a gesture of respect, President Lourenço also paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, underlining the shared historical legacies of anti-colonial struggle.

“This is a historic moment,” said Prime Minister Modi during a joint press statement. “After 38 years, the President of Angola is visiting India.

His visit is not only giving new direction and momentum to India-Angola relations, but also strengthening the India-Africa partnership.” The leaders jointly witnessed the exchange of several MoUs spanning agriculture, traditional medicine, defence cooperation, and cultural exchange. These agreements aim to strengthen ties in sectors of mutual priority and deepen the developmental and strategic engagement between the two nations. In one of the most strongly worded sections of his remarks, Prime Minister Modi condemned terrorism and praised Angola for its solidarity with India. “India is committed to take firm and decisive action against terrorists and those who support them,” Modi said. “We are unanimous that terrorism is the biggest threat to humanity. I thank Angola for supporting us in our fight against cross-border terrorism.” President Lourenço echoed these concerns, emphasising the shared responsibility of global partners to maintain peace and stability, particularly in the developing world.

Reaffirming India's commitment to Africa’s development, Modi announced a $200 million Defence Credit Line for the modernisation of Angola’s armed forces. He also offered Indian support for the repair and overhaul of defence platforms, supply of equipment, and training of Angolan military personnel.

Highlighting the vitality of the economic partnership, Modi said: “India is one of the largest buyers of Angola’s oil and gas. We have decided to expand our energy partnership.” In 2023–24, bilateral trade between India and Angola reached over $4 billion, underpinned by a vibrant energy relationship. Cooperation is also expanding in digital public infrastructure, space technology, diamond processing, fertilizers, and critical minerals. Additionally, Angola will now join the International Solar Alliance, and has been invited to participate in India-led global initiatives including the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, the Big Cat Alliance, and the Global Biofuels Alliance. In a gesture to further cultural ties, both sides agreed to initiate a Youth Exchange Programme. PM Modi noted the popularity of yoga and Bollywood in Angola as evidence of growing people-to-people connections.

President Lourenço, speaking to the media, described the visit as “a significant moment” for Angola. “This is the first Presidential visit to India in 38 years,” he said. “We deeply appreciate the warmth and hospitality of the Indian people.” External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar also called on President Lourenço, describing the Angolan leader’s sentiments as “valuable guidance for taking forward our partnership.”

Global South and Multilateral Engagement

Looking ahead to Angola’s presidency of the African Union, PM Modi extended his best wishes, expressing pride in India’s successful push to secure permanent membership for the African Union in the G20 during its presidency. India and the African Union are partners in progress. We are pillars of the Global South,” said Modi. “We had inspired each other during the struggle against colonialism. Today we stand together, voicing the aspirations of the Global South.” The visit will continue with a high-level business event in New Delhi tomorrow, aiming to foster investment and commercial linkages. Several Angolan ministers, officials, business leaders, and media personnel are accompanying President Lourenço.