Calling India and the African Union “partners in progress” and “pillars of the Global South”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with visiting Angolan President Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco at New Delhi’s Hyderabad House on Saturday.
Addressing a joint press conference after the meeting, PM Modi reiterated India’s commitment to take firm action against terrorism in the wake of the Pahalgam terrorist attacks. “Committed to taking firm, decisive action against terrorists and those who support them,” he said. He also announced India’s $200-million line of credit for Angola’s defence force modernisation.
Several memorandums of understanding were signed between the two countries in the fields of traditional medicine, agriculture, and cultural cooperation during Lourenco’s visit. Modi said India would also share its capabilities in digital public infrastructure, space technology and capacity building with Angola.
“We have also decided to further strengthen our relations in areas of healthcare, diamond processing, fertiliser and critical minerals,” said the prime minister.
Earlier, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the meeting between PM Modi and Angolan president was expected not just to strengthen cooperation between India and Angola but also to boost India-Africa relations. Angola is the chair of the African Union for 2025.
Jaishankar wrote on X, “Honoured to call-on President Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco of Angola during his State Visit to India. Value his warm sentiments for India and guidance for taking forward our partnership. Confident that his talks with PM Narendra Modi later today will chart new avenues of growth for India-Angola & India-Africa ties.”
Lourenco, earlier in the day, received a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan. In a post on X, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal wrote, “A special welcome for a Global South partner. President of Angola Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco was given a 21-gun salute and Guard of Honour as he arrived at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan. Warmly received by President Droupadi Murmu and PM Narendra Modi.”
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Lourenco paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat and signed the visitors’ book.
A day earlier, Lourenco arrived in New Delhi, accompanied by a high-level business delegation.
India established formal diplomatic relations with Angola in 1985 and has since maintained robust ties with the country. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the relations.
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
