India and Angola today exchanged several agreements in various fields, including agriculture, traditional medicine, and culture. The agreements were exchanged following delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of Angola João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço in New Delhi. Addressing the media in New Delhi, Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (Economic Relations) Dammu Ravi informed that Defence is another area of cooperation. Underscoring that defence was one of the areas of cooperation during the meeting, Mr Ravi said that the Prime Minister offered a defence Line of Credit worth 200 million dollars in Indian Rupees. He said Angola will be sourcing defence equipment from India. Mr Ravi also mentioned that the discussions are already underway with Indian private and public sector companies regarding various items to be procured.
MEA Secretary also said that the President of Angola strongly condemned the terror attack on Indian soil and expressed solidarity with the people of India. He mentioned that the delegation-level talks between the two leaders covered a wide gamut of issues, including an assessment of the existing relationship as well as exploring new and futuristic areas of cooperation. Mr Ravi also highlighted that this is the first time that a VVIP visit on both sides has taken place after 38 years. He said Angola holds the chairmanship of the African Union, which is a very important area for us in the context of the India-Africa partnership. MEA Secretary added that this is the first visit of President Lourenco since he assumed office in 2017. The occasion also marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Angola and the 50th year since Angola’s independence. He also informed that today in the evening, there will be a banquet by President Droupadi Murmu.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, after meeting President João Lourenço of Angola, reaffirmed that terrorism is a serious threat to humanity and expressed gratitude for Angola’s condolences following the Pahalgam terror attack. In his joint press statement, PM Modi emphasised India’s commitment to taking firm and decisive action against terrorists and their supporters, thanking Angola for its support in combating cross-border terrorism. He said India and Angola are in agreement that terrorism is the greatest threat to humanity.
Prime Minister announced that a Defence Credit Line of 200 million dollars has been approved for the modernisation of Angola’s forces. He added that discussions were also held on the repair and overhaul of defence platforms and supplies. He said India will be happy to cooperate in the training of Angola’s armed forces.
Mr Modi said India and Angola are celebrating the 40th anniversary of their diplomatic relations this year but ties between India and Angola are older. He extended his best wishes to Angola for its presidency of the African Union. He termed it a matter of pride for India that during India’s G20 presidency, the African Union was granted permanent membership in the G20. Prime Minister emphasised that India and the African Union are partners in progress and pillars of the Global South.
President of Angola arrived in New Delhi yesterday on three-day State Visit to India. He is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including several Ministers, senior officials, business houses and media.
President Lourenço was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhawan in the National Capital this morning. President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi welcomed the President of Angola.
Speaking to the media, President Lourenço highlighted that this State visit marks the first in 38 years, making it a significant moment for Angola. He emphasised the importance of the visit in strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation between India and Angola. President Lourenço expressed his delegation’s deep appreciation for the warm and hospitable reception they received from the people of India.
President Lourenço also paid tribute to Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar called on President Lourenço this morning. In a social media post, Dr Jaishankar said he values his warm sentiments for India and guidance for taking forward the partnership. He expressed confidence that President Lourenco’s talks with Prime Minister Modi will chart new avenues of growth for India-Angola and India-Africa ties.
President Droupadi Murmu will hold discussions with her Angolan counterpart later today and will also host a banquet in honour of the visiting dignitary.
Tomorrow, President Laurenco will participate in a business event in New Delhi, aimed at promoting investment and commercial linkages between the two countries. India and Angola enjoy warm and friendly relations built over the years. Bilateral relations of the two countries are underpinned by a vibrant energy partnership. Bilateral trade between the two countries has been growing and reached over four billion dollars during 2023-2024. The Development Partnership, Capacity-Building Cooperation, and Defence relationship have also been expanding. Both countries support each other’s candidature at various multilateral fora, including in the United Nations.
