Latest news with #India-Angola
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First Post
07-05-2025
- Business
- First Post
How Angola-India partnership can become a blueprint for Delhi's Africa strategy
While the Angola-India ties had previously been transactional and narrow, the recent visit of President Lourenço has opened doors for a multidimensional partnership built on mutual respect, strategic alignment, and shared developmental goals. read more Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço's historic state visit to India from May 2 to May 4, 2025, marked a pivotal turning point in the bilateral relations between the two nations. This was the first visit by an Angolan head of state in nearly four decades and coincided with the 40th anniversary of India-Angola diplomatic relations. Despite the cloud cast by the tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam, the visit proceeded without delay, underscoring both nations' resolve to strengthen ties and expand their global engagement. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India and Angola, though geographically distant and linguistically diverse, are connected by historical threads of post-colonial solidarity, economic complementarity, and growing strategic convergence. Angola, located on the Atlantic coast of Africa, is rich in oil and minerals and forms part of the Lusophone African community. India, on the other hand, has long-standing relations with Angola's neighbours, such as Mozambique and Namibia, but its ties with Angola remained underdeveloped for much of the past two decades, especially during the tenure of former Angolan President José Eduardo dos Santos. During that period, Chinese engagement in Angola was dominant, leaving limited room for deeper Indo-Angolan interaction. However, since President Lourenço took office in 2017, Angola has increasingly recognised India's capabilities and potential contributions to its development journey. With Chinese investment in Angola declining and US tariffs beginning to bite, Angola is actively diversifying its international partnerships. India's development-centric foreign policy and its growing economic and technological clout make it a natural partner in this quest. During his visit to Johannesburg to attend the BRICS Summit, Lourenco met PM Modi on July 26, 2018, and discussed ways to enhance trade and investment between the two countries and also to deepen cooperation in sectors like energy, agriculture, food processing and pharmaceuticals. Energy and Economic Cooperation One of the major highlights of the visit was the reaffirmation of the centrality of energy cooperation in India-Angola relations. Angola is India's second-largest source of oil in Africa after Nigeria. Bilateral trade reached $4.2 billion in 2023–24, largely driven by oil exports to India. Both countries agreed to expand cooperation in oil exploration, refining, and energy infrastructure development. India also expressed a keen interest in participating in Angola's diamond sector, critical minerals exploration, and fertiliser production. Angola benefits from duty-free exports of oil to the US worth $700 million under the African Growth and Opportunity Act. Yet it faces 37 per cent new tariffs. China is its largest buyer of oil. As a Least Developed Country (LDC), Angola is entitled to access the Indian market under Duty Free Tariff Preference (DFTP) but lacks exportable items. Agricultural development and greater self-reliance in food security are among its aims. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The visit saw active participation from business leaders, with targeted meetings aimed at enhancing trade, investments, and joint ventures. The Angolan delegation included key ministers who arrived in India ahead of the president to facilitate focused bilateral talks, reflecting the seriousness with which Angola approached the visit. Defence and Strategic Engagement Another cornerstone of the visit was the deepening of defence ties. India approved a $200 million rupee-denominated line of credit for Angola to support its defence modernisation efforts. Discussions included the supply of military equipment, joint defence production, training for Angolan military personnel, and maintenance of existing Russian platforms. Angola's openness to Indian defence cooperation is a notable shift, signifying trust and alignment on strategic interests. In a symbolic and powerful gesture, Angola condemned the Pahalgam terror attacks, aligning itself with India's stance on terrorism and offering solidarity at a crucial moment. This move reflects a deeper understanding of India's security concerns and global worldview, contributing to the growing warmth in their bilateral relationship. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Technological Collaboration and Capacity Building India also showcased its leadership in digital and technological domains during the visit. Offers to share expertise in digital public infrastructure, space technology, and e-governance were welcomed by the Angolan side. A youth exchange programme was proposed to strengthen people-to-people contacts and foster cultural understanding between the two nations. Capacity-building initiatives in healthcare, agriculture, and education also featured prominently. Angola expressed interest in India's affordable healthcare solutions, pharmaceutical industry, and vocational training programmes. The two countries are expected to collaborate on skilling, which could significantly benefit Angola's young population. Environment and Sustainability The visit saw Angola joining the International Solar Alliance (ISA) as its 123rd member, signalling a shared commitment to sustainable energy. India extended invitations to Angola to participate in the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), the Big Cat Alliance, and the Global Biofuels Alliance. These engagements reflect the broadening of bilateral cooperation into climate action and environmental conservation—areas of increasing global importance. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Diplomatic and Regional Significance The ceremonial welcome accorded to President Lourenço at Rashtrapati Bhavan, delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and his meeting with President Draupadi Murmu underscored the high-level nature of this engagement. A business forum brought together investors and stakeholders from both sides, focusing on oil, gas, mining, agriculture, and infrastructure. Besides EAM, the President also met health minister Nadda, but a meeting with Raksha Mantri fell through due to scheduling issues in the context of the Pakistan situation. Importantly, Angola currently holds the rotating chair of the African Union (AU). In a significant diplomatic signal, India reinstated the tradition of inviting the AU Chair for a state visit. Angola's position as AU Chair adds weight to its call for an early convening of the fourth India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-IV). Angola is expected to lobby within the AU to ensure the summit takes place during its chairmanship, potentially co-chairing the event with India. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This visit thus has regional and continental implications. Angola is a member of several African regional economic blocs like the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). Its support for deeper India-Africa engagement could create new momentum for multilateral cooperation across the continent. The Road Ahead President Lourenço's visit to India has ushered in a new era of strategic partnership between the two countries. It highlighted mutual interests, ranging from energy and defence to the digital economy and climate resilience. While the relationship had previously been transactional and narrow, this visit has opened doors for a multidimensional partnership built on mutual respect, strategic alignment, and shared developmental goals. India's efforts to re-engage Africa, especially Lusophone Africa, are gaining traction. With Angola's renewed openness to diversifying its partnerships, the bilateral relationship is now poised to enter a new phase—one that reflects the evolving contours of South-South cooperation in a multipolar world. If follow-through measures match the diplomatic optimism, the India-Angola partnership will not only deepen but also emerge as a model for India's broader engagement with Africa. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The author is a former ambassador to Germany, Indonesia, Ethiopia, ASEAN and the African Union. He tweets @AmbGurjitSingh. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost's views.
The Print
04-05-2025
- Business
- The Print
Banquet hosted for Angolan President by PM Modi highlights fraternal ties
New Delhi [India], May 5 (ANI): In a celebration of shared heritage and growing goodwill, a medley of Angolan Zimbho songs and Indian music was played during a banquet hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in honour of visiting Angolan President Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco at Hyderabad House. During the Banquet hosted by PM @narendramodi for President H.E. Mr. João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço @jlprdeangola in Hyderabad House, a medley of Angolan Zimbho songs and Indian music was played… — Indian Diplomacy (@IndianDiplomacy) May 4, 2025 In a post on X, the official account for India's Public Diplomacy, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), shared the glimpses, stating, 'Strengthening people-to-people ties & promoting cultural understanding. During the Banquet hosted by PM Narendra Modi for Angolan President Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco in Hyderabad House, a medley of Angolan Zimbho songs and Indian music was played, highlighting the fraternal ties between the two countries.' The banquet, held as part of President Lourenco's ongoing state visit to India, reflected the mutual appreciation and cultural diplomacy that underpins the India-Angola relationship. The event brought together dignitaries and senior officials from both nations, aiming to reinforce bilateral ties across sectors. Earlier, Union Health Minister and BJP National President JP Nadda on Sunday met with the President of Angola, Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco. Angolan President Lourenco, during his state visit to India, emphasised a renewed vision for India-Angola ties, calling for a deeper economic partnership. Lourenco, on Saturday, received a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan. President Droupadi Murmu, PM Modi, EAM Jaishankar and others were also present. Lourenco also paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat by laying a wreath at Mahatma Gandhi's memorial. The Angolan President also signed the visitors' book after laying a wreath, paying homage at Mahatma Gandhi's memorial. During the visit, both countries also discussed the upcoming 4th India-Africa Forum Summit. Angola, as chair of the African Union, assured India of its commitment to facilitate the summit and work with other African leaders to finalise mutually convenient dates. (ANI) This report is auto-generated from ANI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
India Gazette
04-05-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
Union Minister JP Nadda presents 'Modi@20' book to Angolan President Joao Lourenco
New Delhi [India], May 4 (ANI): Union Minister and BJP National President JP Nadda on Sunday met with the President of Angola, Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco. During the meeting, Nadda presented the Angolan President with a traditional shawl and a bouquet. He also gifted the President a book titled 'Modi@20: Dreams Meet Delivery,' authored by Finance Commission Chairperson Arvind Panagariya, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murty. Angolan President Lourenco, during his state visit to India, emphasised a renewed vision for India-Angola ties, calling for a deeper economic partnership. During a joint press meeting with Prime Minister Modi on Saturday, President Lourenco said, 'Both our nations combined can help establish a significantly expanded foundation for business opportunities.' He added, 'I have come to India, to convey a message of admiration and friendship that will hold with your country. I have also come to India with the intention of showcasing a new vision for relations between our countries.' Meanwhile, PM Modi reaffirmed India's deepening strategic and economic engagement with Africa, describing Angola's leadership of the African Union as pivotal to advancing the shared goals of the Global South. Speaking during the Angolan President's State visit to India, PM Modi outlined India's expanding cooperation with African nations--highlighting USD 100 billion in trade, USD 12 billion in credit lines, and growing collaboration in defence, maritime security, and digital infrastructure. PM Modi, along with External Affairs Minister Jaishankar and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, also held a bilateral meeting with President Lourenco at Hyderabad House on Saturday. Lourenco on Saturday received a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan. President Droupadi Murmu, PM Modi, EAM Jaishankar and others were also present. Lourenco also paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat by laying a wreath at Mahatma Gandhi's memorial. The Angolan President also signed the visitors' book after laying a wreath, paying homage at Mahatma Gandhi's memorial. (ANI)
Time of India
04-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
India, Angola decide to expand energy partnership
India and Angola have decided to expand their energy partnership with New Delhi also offering to share its experience in digital public infrastructure, space tech and capacity building with the African nation. The two countries on Saturday signed MoUs in several areas to boost bilateral cooperation, and the government also approved Angola's request for a Line of Credit of $200 million for defence procurement. Angola signed the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Framework Agreement and became the 123rd member of the ISA. Briefing reporters about the visit, Secretary (Economic Relations), Dammu Ravi said he bilateral trade between India and Angola is $4.2 billion. "Much of it is in the favor of Angola, about $3.5 billion. But 90per cent of the trade is in oil and gas. We import a lot from Angola, both oil and LNG. It is the second largest supplier of oil and gas from Africa after Nigeria. India exports about $700 million worth of items, but varied items, including pharma, medicines, vaccines, automobile components, engineering products, plastics and refined oil," he said. "During the visit ... a lot of coverage on the energy security aspect from India's point of view. As you know, Angola has discovered new oil fields ... and where they sought India's support, particularly Indian companies, to help them in the refinery processing, to set up refinery units there, and also exploration of onshore and offshore oil fields," he added. PM Modi held delegation-level talks with the visiting leader. In his remarks during the press statements, PM Modi said it is a historic moment and that President of Angola is visiting India after 38 years. "His visit is not only giving a new direction and momentum to India-Angola ties, but also strengthening India-Africa partnership. This year, India and Angola are celebrating the 40th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. But our ties are much older and deeper than that. When Angola was fighting for its freedom, India stood by it with unwavering faith and friendship," PM Modi said. "Today, we have close cooperation in various sectors. India is one of the largest buyers of Angola's oil and gas. We have decided to expand our energy partnership. I am pleased to announce the approval of a $200 million defence credit line for the modernization of Angola's armed forces. We have also discussed the repair and overhaul of defence platforms and supplies. India would be glad to cooperate in the training of Angola's armed forces," he added. PM Modi 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," PM Modi said. He said India welcomes Angola's decision to join the International Solar Alliance. "We have also invited Angola to join India's initiatives Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Big Cat Alliance and Global Biofuels Alliance," PM Modi said. He said both agree that terrorism is the biggest threat to humanity. "I thanked President Lourenco and the people of Angola for their condolences on the loss of lives in the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. 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," he said. PM Modi extended his best wishes to Angola for its chairmanship 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," he said. "Our cooperation with African countries has gained momentum in the last decade. Our mutual trade has reached nearly $100 billion. There has been progress on defence cooperation and maritime security," he said. Last month, the first naval maritime exercise between India and Africa, "AIKEYME" was conducted. PM Modi said that over the past decade, India has 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 8 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," PM Modi said. "India and the African Union are partners in progress. We are pillars of the Global South. I am confident that under Angola's leadership, the relationship between India and the African Union will reach new heights," he added.
Times of Oman
04-05-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
India announces $200 million defence credit line for modernisation of Angola's armed forces
New Delhi: India and Angola have decided to boost their defence cooperation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi offering $200 million worth of lines of credit in defence sector during the visit of Angolan President Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco. Briefing reporters about the visit, Secretary (Economic Relations), Dammu Ravi said defence is another area of cooperation that has attracted a lot of attention. 'During this visit, the Prime Minister has offered 200 million dollars worth of lines of credit, defence line of credit in Indian rupees. They will be sourcing defence equipment from India. Already they are in touch with the private companies and also public sector companies for various items to be sourced from India,' he said. 'Important aspect is there is a commonality. They have a large number of Soviet equipment, defence equipment, which needs to be serviced, overhauled, and do the maintenance. So in the days to come, both sides will be engaging, expert-level interactions as to how to take forward this particular cooperation,' he added. PM Modi held delegation-level talks with the visiting leader. In his remarks during the press statements, PM Modi said it is a historic moment and that President of Angola is visiting India after 38 years. 'His visit is not only giving a new direction and momentum to India-Angola ties, but also strengthening India-Africa partnership. This year, India and Angola are celebrating the 40th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. But our ties are much older and deeper than that. When Angola was fighting for its freedom, India stood by it with unwavering faith and friendship,' PM Modi said. 'Today, we have close cooperation in various sectors. India is one of the largest buyers of Angola's oil and gas. We have decided to expand our energy partnership. I am pleased to announce the approval of a $200 million defence credit line for the modernization of Angola's armed forces. We have also discussed the repair and overhaul of defence platforms and supplies. India would be glad to cooperate in the training of Angola's armed forces,' he added. PM Modi 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,' PM Modi said. He said India welcomes Angola's decision to join the International Solar Alliance. 'We have also invited Angola to join India's initiatives Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Big Cat Alliance and Global Biofuels Alliance,' PM Modi said. He said 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. 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,' he said. PM Modi extended his best wishes to Angola for its chairmanship 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,' he said. 'Our cooperation with African countries has gained momentum in the last decade. Our mutual trade has reached nearly $100 billion. There has been progress on defence cooperation and maritime security,' he said. Last month, the first naval maritime exercise between India and Africa, "AIKEYME' was conducted. PM Modi said that over the past decade, India has 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 8 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,' PM Modi said. 'India and the African Union are partners in progress. We are pillars of the Global South. I am confident that under Angola's leadership, the relationship between India and the African Union will reach new heights,' he added.
