India and Angola Strengthen Ties with Key Agreements: What’s Next for Their Partnership?
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
New Delhi: On Saturday, India and Angola solidified their partnership by signing multiple significant agreements during a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Angolan President João Manuel Goncalves Lourenco at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi.
The two nations formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focusing on Ayurveda and other traditional medicinal practices, as well as a cooperative agreement in agriculture.
Additionally, they established a cultural cooperation program for the years 2025 to 2029.
Angola also joined the International Solar Alliance (ISA) by signing its Framework Agreement, marking its entry as the 123rd member. Furthermore, India granted Angola a Line of Credit amounting to $200 million for defense acquisitions.
During a joint press conference with President Lourenco, PM Modi highlighted the close collaboration between the two countries, noting that they are commemorating 40 years of diplomatic relations.
He emphasized the historical ties, recalling India's support for Angola during its struggle for independence.
“India is among the largest importers of Angola's oil and gas. We have agreed to enhance our energy collaboration. I am pleased to announce the approval of a $200 million defense credit line aimed at modernizing Angola's military. Discussions also included the maintenance and repair of defense equipment, and we are eager to assist in training Angola's armed forces,” PM Modi stated.
He welcomed Angola's participation in the International Solar Alliance and extended invitations for Angola to engage in India's initiatives such as the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Big Cat Alliance, and Global Biofuels Alliance.
Reiterating India's commitment to combat terrorism, PM Modi expressed gratitude to Angola for its support in addressing cross-border terrorism.
“We stand united against terrorism. I thanked President Lourenco and the Angolan people for their condolences regarding the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack,” he remarked.
“We are dedicated to taking strong actions against terrorists and their supporters. We appreciate Angola's backing in our fight against cross-border terrorism,” he added.
In response, President Lourenco conveyed that his visit to India symbolizes a message of respect and friendship.
“We aim for relations based on tangible, achievable goals that will positively affect our citizens' lives,” he stated, outlining Angola's vision for future cooperation.
He emphasized that Angola will focus on sectors such as agriculture, finance, health, defense, higher education, IT, energy, trade, and mineral resources in its collaboration with India.
This meeting represents a pivotal advancement in India-Angola relations, reinforcing mutual objectives in development, energy security, cultural exchange, and solidarity within the Global South.