How are India and Angola Strengthening Their Energy Partnership?

Synopsis
Explore the pivotal agreements signed between India and Angola that are set to bolster their bilateral relations, marking a significant milestone in energy collaboration and cultural exchange. This partnership not only celebrates the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties but also aims to create a future focused on mutual development and security.
Key Takeaways
- India and Angola signed multiple key agreements to strengthen ties.
- Significant focus on cooperation in Ayurveda and agriculture.
- Angola joins the International Solar Alliance as its 123rd member.
- A defense credit line of $200 million was approved for Angola.
- Both nations reaffirm their commitment against terrorism.
New Delhi, May 3 (NationPress) On Saturday, India and Angola formalized several important agreements after a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Angolan President Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi.
Both nations established a Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) targeting the fields of Ayurveda and other traditional medicinal practices, as well as a framework for collaboration in agriculture.
An agreement on a cultural cooperation program for the years 2025-29 was also signed.
In addition, Angola joined the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Framework Agreement, marking its status as the 123rd member of the ISA, while India approved an Angolan request for a Line of Credit amounting to US$ 200 million for defense procurement.
During a joint press conference with President Lourenco, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the close cooperation between the two nations across various sectors, noting that India and Angola are commemorating the 40th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.
He underscored that their relationship extends back to Angola's struggle for independence when India stood in solidarity, providing unwavering support.
“India is one of the largest consumers of Angola's oil and gas. We have decided to broaden our energy collaboration. I am pleased to announce that a defense credit line of $200 million has been sanctioned for modernizing Angola's military forces. Discussions also covered maintenance of defense platforms and supply chains. We are eager to assist in training Angola's armed forces,” stated PM Modi.
“We welcome Angola's entry into the International Solar Alliance. We have also extended invitations for Angola to participate in India's initiatives like the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Big Cat Alliance, and Global Biofuels Alliance,” he added.
Reiterating India's strong commitment to decisively combat terrorism, PM Modi expressed gratitude to Angola for its support in India's fight against cross-border terrorism.
“We stand united against terrorism. I conveyed my thanks to President Lourenco and the Angolan populace for their sympathy towards the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack,” said PM Modi.
“We are dedicated to undertaking firm and resolute actions against terrorists and their backers. We appreciate Angola's support in our efforts against cross-border terrorism,” he continued.
Meanwhile, President Lourenco expressed that his visit to India symbolizes a message of admiration and friendship.
“We aim for relations rooted in tangible, achievable goals that will positively affect our peoples' lives,” he remarked, outlining Angola's aspirations for future bilateral collaboration.
He emphasized that Angola will focus on sectors such as agriculture, finance, health, defense, higher education, IT, energy, trade, and mineral resources in its collaboration with India.
This meeting represented a pivotal advancement in India-Angola relations, reinforcing shared objectives in development, energy security, cultural exchange, and solidarity within the Global South.