Angola's President Makes Historic Visit to India After 38 Years: What to Expect?

Historic State Visit by Angola's President

New Delhi: The President of Angola, João Manuel Goncalves Lourenco, has landed in New Delhi for a significant four-day state visit, marking the first time an Angolan President has visited India in 38 years. This visit aims to enhance diplomatic, economic, and strategic relations between the two countries.

Upon his arrival, President Lourenco received a warm welcome at the airport from Kirti Vardhan Singh, the Minister of State for External Affairs. He is joined by a high-ranking delegation that includes various ministers, senior officials, and representatives from major business sectors.

Randhir Jaiswal, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), shared on X, "Warm welcome to President Mr. João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço of Angola as he lands in New Delhi on a State Visit. The president is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including several ministers, senior officials, and business leaders. On arrival, the President was accorded a special welcome and received by MoS @KVSinghMPGonda at the airport."

Minister Singh also expressed his pleasure in welcoming President Lourenco on his social media account, stating, "Pleased to welcome President Mr. Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco of Angola on a State Visit to India."

This visit is particularly noteworthy as it coincides with the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Angola, being the first visit by an Angolan leader since 1986.

During his time in India, President Lourenco is set to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu. On May 3, he will receive a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan, followed by bilateral discussions with President Murmu. He will also engage in talks with Prime Minister Modi, who is expected to host a luncheon in his honor.

The MEA has indicated that several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements are likely to be signed during this visit, which will further strengthen bilateral relations.

On May 4, President Lourenco will attend a business event in New Delhi aimed at fostering trade, investment, and commercial ties between the two nations. This event is anticipated to attract key players from sectors such as oil and gas, infrastructure, agriculture, and mining.

India and Angola have developed robust and growing relations, especially in the energy sector, with bilateral trade reaching $4.192 billion in the fiscal year 2023–24. Both countries also collaborate closely on international platforms, often supporting each other in forums like the United Nations.

Previously, in October 2015, Angola's Vice President Manuel Vicente visited India for the 3rd India-Africa Summit, where he met Prime Minister Modi. Additionally, during the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, President Lourenco met PM Modi on July 26, 2018.

This visit by President Lourenco is expected to be a pivotal moment in enhancing bilateral engagement, paving the way for a more dynamic and mutually beneficial partnership. Both nations are eager to deepen their collaboration and align their shared interests for sustainable strategic growth.