India and Angola have agreed to significantly expand their strategic partnership, signing multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) covering energy, defence, digital infrastructure, space technology, and more.
The agreements coincided with Angolan President João Lourenço’s landmark state visit to India—the first by an Angolan head of state in 38 years.
During delegation-level talks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the visit as “historic,” noting its importance in deepening not just India-Angola relations, but also broader India-Africa cooperation.
The visit comes as the two countries celebrate the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
“India stood firmly with Angola during its struggle for independence. Today, we are building on that enduring friendship,” said Prime Minister Modi in a joint statement.
A key outcome of the visit was the announcement of a $200 million Line of Credit from India to support the modernisation of Angola’s armed forces.
This will cover defence procurement, training, and cooperation in the repair and supply of defence platforms.
India also offered its technical expertise in digital public infrastructure, capacity building, and space technology, while identifying additional areas of cooperation such as healthcare, diamond processing, fertiliser production, and critical minerals.
A youth exchange programme is being developed to foster closer people-to-people ties.
On the multilateral front, Angola became the 123rd country to sign the Framework Agreement of the International Solar Alliance (ISA).
India also invited Angola to join other global initiatives including the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), the Big Cat Alliance, and the Global Biofuels Alliance.
Prime Minister Modi welcomed Angola’s upcoming chairmanship of the African Union and recalled the bloc’s permanent induction into 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 message against terrorism, PM Modi thanked Angola for its solidarity following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam.
“Terrorism is the biggest threat to humanity. We are committed to taking decisive action against terrorists and their supporters,” he affirmed.
Secretary (Economic Relations) Dammu Ravi noted that bilateral trade between India and Angola currently stands at $4.2 billion, with oil and gas comprising 90% of the trade. Angola is India’s second-largest supplier of crude oil and liquefied natural gas from Africa, following Nigeria.
India exports approximately $700 million in goods to Angola, including pharmaceuticals, vaccines, automobile parts, plastics, and refined petroleum products.
Angola has also requested Indian support in developing infrastructure for refining and processing its recently discovered oil reserves, including the construction of both onshore and offshore refineries.
India’s engagement across Africa has grown significantly, with 17 new embassies opened in the past decade and over $12 billion in credit extended, alongside $700 million in grant aid.
Vocational training centres have been established in eight African countries, and India is actively supporting digital infrastructure projects in five others.
Last month, India and Africa conducted their first joint naval maritime exercise, “AIKEYME,” highlighting the growing importance of defence and maritime collaboration.
“India and Angola are natural partners in progress,” said Prime Minister Modi. “I am confident that under Angola’s leadership, India’s engagement with the African Union will reach new heights.”
