Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI:
INDIA and Angola have agreed to expand their energy partnership while also enhancing cooperation in digital infrastructure, space technology, and defence. The two countries signed several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) on May 3 aimed at boosting bilateral ties, coinciding with the visit of Angolan President João Lourenço to India — the first such visit in 38 years.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, following delegation-level talks, described the visit as “historic” and said it was not only giving new direction to India-Angola relations but also strengthening India-Africa ties. The two nations are currently marking the 40th anniversary of their diplomatic relationship. “India stood firmly with Angola during its struggle for independence. Today, we continue to build on that foundation of friendship,” PM Modi said during a joint press statement.
The Prime Minister announced the approval of a Line of Credit worth $200 million for defence procurement to support the modernisation of Angola’s armed forces. “We have also discussed cooperation in repair, overhaul, and supply of defence platforms, as well as training support,” he said.
India also offered to share its expertise in digital public infrastructure, capacity building, and space technology with the southern African nation. Further areas of collaboration include healthcare, diamond processing, fertilisers, and critical minerals. A youth exchange programme is also being planned to strengthen people-to-people ties.
On the multilateral front, Angola signed the Framework Agreement of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), becoming its 123rd member. India also invited Angola to join other global initiatives such as the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), the Big Cat Alliance, and the Global Biofuels Alliance.
PM Modi welcomed Angola’s upcoming chairmanship of the African Union and recalled the bloc’s induction as a permanent member of the G20 during India’s presidency. “India and the African Union are pillars of the Global South. We stand united in representing the hopes and aspirations of developing countries,” he said. In a strong statement against terrorism, the Prime Minister thanked Angola for its solidarity following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam.
