India and Angola deepen ties through multiple agreements

In a significant move to strengthen bilateral relations, India and Angola have agreed to enhance their energy partnership and expand collaboration in various sectors including digital infrastructure, space technology, and defence. This agreement, marked by several signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), coincided with the historic visit of Angolan President João Lourenço to India, the first by an Angolan leader in 38 years. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the importance of this visit, framing it as a pivotal moment that not only revitalizes India-Angola relations but also fortifies broader India-Africa ties. During the visit, Modi announced a Line of Credit worth $200 million to support the modernisation of Angola's armed forces, which underscores India's commitment to assist Angola in areas such as defence. This partnership includes cooperation on the repair, overhaul, and supply of defence platforms, along with training support. Furthermore, India has proposed sharing its expertise in digital public infrastructure and space technology to bolster Angola's development goals. Both nations are keen on exploring collaborative efforts in sectors such as healthcare, diamond processing, fertilisers, and critical minerals, indicating a well-rounded approach to their partnership. The discussions were not confined to bilateral cooperation alone; notable multilateral initiatives were also brought to the table. Angola officially joined the International Solar Alliance (ISA) during the visit, becoming the 123rd member and highlighting a commitment to renewable energy. Additionally, India has invited Angola to participate in other global initiatives such as the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and the Global Biofuels Alliance, showcasing India's diplomatic strategy to engage with African nations in various developmental endeavors. As Angola prepares to assume the chairmanship of the African Union, Modi's remarks emphasize the importance of this partnership within the context of Global South solidarity. By recalling Angola's historical ties with India, particularly during Angola's struggle for independence, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to address mutual challenges, including terrorism. With Angola playing a crucial role as India's second-largest supplier of crude oil and liquefied natural gas in Africa, the agreements reached during this visit are expected to pave the way for enhanced cooperation, demonstrating a robust future for India-Angola relations.