NEW DELHI, May 4 (ANI): In a significant move to deepen strategic ties with Angola and bolster India’s engagement with the African continent, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a $200 million line of credit for the modernization of Angola’s armed forces. The announcement came during the state visit of Angolan President Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenço to India.
Briefing reporters on the development, Secretary (Economic Relations) Dammu Ravi highlighted that defence cooperation has emerged as a key focus of the bilateral relationship.
“During this visit, the Prime Minister has offered $200 million worth of defence credit, denominated in Indian rupees. Angola will source defence equipment from India and is already in contact with both private and public sector companies for various items,” Ravi stated.
He noted that the cooperation is particularly meaningful as Angola maintains a significant inventory of Soviet-era defence equipment, which requires servicing, overhaul, and ongoing maintenance. “Expert-level engagements between the two sides will follow to discuss practical ways of advancing this cooperation,” Ravi added.
Prime Minister Modi held comprehensive delegation-level talks with President Lourenço and emphasized the historic nature of the visit—the first by an Angolan head of state in 38 years.
“This is a historic moment. The President’s visit not only gives fresh direction and momentum to India-Angola ties but also strengthens India-Africa relations. As we celebrate 40 years of diplomatic ties this year, we recall that India’s friendship with Angola dates back much earlier. India stood firmly by Angola during its freedom struggle,” PM Modi said in his remarks to the press.
He further noted that India is one of Angola’s largest buyers of oil and gas and expressed optimism about expanding the 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 agreed on collaboration in repairing and overhauling defence platforms and supplies. India is also willing to support training programs for Angola’s defence personnel,” he said.
PM Modi announced broader cooperation across sectors, including Digital Public Infrastructure, Space Technology, and Capacity Building. He said that India and Angola will deepen partnerships in healthcare, diamond processing, fertilizer production, and critical minerals.
Cultural ties were also highlighted, with PM Modi noting the popularity of Yoga and Bollywood in Angola. “To strengthen people-to-people ties, we have agreed to launch a Youth Exchange Programme,” he said.
India welcomed Angola’s decision to join the International Solar Alliance and extended invitations for Angola to join other major Indian-led initiatives such as the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Big Cat Alliance, and the Global Biofuels Alliance.
Addressing the issue of global terrorism, PM Modi expressed gratitude to President Lourenço for Angola’s solidarity following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam. “We are determined to take firm and decisive action against terrorists and their sponsors. We deeply appreciate Angola’s support in our fight against cross-border terrorism,” he said.
PM Modi extended best wishes to Angola as it assumes the chairmanship of the African Union. He expressed pride in the African Union’s permanent membership in the G20, achieved during India’s presidency of the group.
“India and African nations have a shared legacy of standing together against colonialism. Today, we are united in voicing the aspirations of the Global South,” Modi said.
The Prime Minister underscored that cooperation with Africa has significantly advanced over the past decade, with bilateral trade reaching nearly $100 billion. India has expanded its diplomatic presence in Africa with 17 new embassies and has allocated more than $12 billion in lines of credit to the continent. Additionally, $700 million in grant assistance has been provided, alongside vocational training centers established in eight African countries.
“India and the African Union are true partners in progress—pillars of the Global South. I am confident that under Angola’s leadership, our partnership will continue to scale new heights,” PM Modi concluded.
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