Angola, chair of African Union, condemns Pahalgam terror attack, backs India on tackling cross-border terrorism

United News of India

04-05-2025

New Delhi, May 3 (UNI) Angola, the current chair of the 55-member African Union, today condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and expressed solidarity with India in tackling terrorism in all its forms, including cross-border terrorism, during the New Delhi visit of Angolan President João Goncalves Lourenço, who held bilateral talks with PM Modi.
Prime Minister Modi, in his address following the talks with the Angolan President, said referring to the Pahalgam terror attacks:
'We both agree that terrorism is the biggest threat to humanity. I thanked President Lourenço and the people of Angola for their condolences on the loss of lives in the terrorist attack in Pahalgam.'
PM Modi also reiterated that India is determined to hunt down the perpetrators and backers of the April 22 terror attack.
'We are committed to take firm and decisive action against the terrorists and those who support them. We thank Angola for their support in our fight against cross - border terrorism.'
Secretary ER Dammu Ravi, briefing newspersons on the talks, said that during the press briefing by the two leaders 'there was a very strong message, and also during the delegation level talks. President Lourenço condemned the heinous cowardly act … terrorist act in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir. And there was condemnation of it, expressed condolences to the bereaved families and solidarity with India in tackling terrorism in all its forms, including the cross-border terrorism.'
PM Modi in his other remarks said that both nations have close cooperation in various sectors. India is one of the largest buyers of Angola's oil and gas. India has decided to expand the energy partnership. 'I am pleased to announce the approval of a $200 million defense credit line for the modernization of Angola's armed forces. We have also discussed the repair and overhaul of defense platforms and supplies. India would be glad to cooperate in the training of Angola's armed forces,' he said.
He said India will share its capabilities with Angola in Digital Public Infrastructure, Space Technology, and Capacity Building.
'Today we have also decided to further strengthen our relations in the sectors of Healthcare, Diamond processing, fertilizer and Critical minerals. The popularity of Yoga and Bollywood in Angola reflects the deep cultural connection between our two countries. To strengthen our people-to-people relations, we have decided to start a Youth Exchange Programme among our youth.'
He congratulated Angola on assuming chair of the African Union.
'It is a matter of great pride for us that the African Union was granted permanent membership of the G20, during India's G20 presidency. India and African countries raised their voices in unison against colonial rule, inspiring one another in the process. Today, we stand united in advocating for the interests, hopes, expectations, and aspirations of the Global South,' the PM said.
He said India's cooperation with African countries has gained momentum in the last decade, with the mutual trade reaching nearly $100 billion. There has been progress in defence cooperation and maritime security.
'Last month, the first naval maritime exercise between India and Africa, 'AIKEYME' was conducted. Over the past decade, we have established 17 new embassies across Africa. Credit lines worth more than $12 billion have been allocated for Africa. Apart from this, grant assistance of $700 million has been given to African countries. Vocational training centres have been opened in eight African countries. We are collaborating with five African countries in the development of Digital Public Infrastructure. In times of disaster, we have been privileged to serve as 'First Responders', standing shoulder to shoulder with the people of Africa.'
He expressed confidence that under Angola's leadership, the relationship between India and the African Union will reach new heights.
The two sides inked some agreements following the talks:
MoU on cooperation in the field of Ayurveda and other Traditional Systems of Medicine; MoU between on Cooperation in the Field of Agriculture; Cooperation in the Domain of Culture for the period 2025 -29; Angola signed the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Framework Agreement and became the 123rd member of the ISA; The Government of India has approved the Angolan request of Line of Credit of US$ 200 Million for defence procurement.
UNI RN