New Delhi: India and Angola deepened their diplomatic engagement on Friday by exchanging a series of key agreements across sectors such as agriculture, traditional medicine, and culture. The announcements followed delegation-level talks held between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Angolan President Joao Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, who is on a three-day State visit to India.
In a joint press statement, Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s strong stance against terrorism, thanking Angola for its continued support in India’s efforts against cross-border terror. “India and Angola share the view that terrorism is the biggest threat to humanity,” Modi asserted.
Highlighting the growing defence ties, PM Modi announced a $200 million Defence Line of Credit to support the modernization of Angola’s military forces. The leaders also discussed cooperation in the maintenance and training of defence personnel.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Angola, a milestone acknowledged by both nations. Modi also extended best wishes to Angola on its African Union presidency, emphasizing the strengthened voice of the Global South—especially after the African Union’s inclusion as a permanent member of the G20 during India’s presidency.
President Lourenço, who received a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan earlier in the day, hailed the visit as a landmark—being the first State visit from Angola to India in 38 years. He praised the enduring friendship between the two nations and expressed gratitude for India’s warm hospitality. He also paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar met President Lourenço, calling the interaction meaningful and optimistic for future India-Angola cooperation. President Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to hold talks and host a banquet in his honour later today.
On Saturday, President Lourenço will attend a business event in New Delhi aimed at bolstering trade and investment between the two countries.
India and Angola enjoy a robust relationship anchored in energy cooperation, growing trade—surpassing $4 billion in 2023–24—and mutual support at multilateral platforms, including the United Nations. Their expanding collaboration in development, defence, and capacity-building underscores the shared vision for a stronger Global South.
