President Droupadi Murmu has reached Angola for the first leg of her two-nation State Visit to Africa. She landed in the capital city of Luanda last evening (11 PM IST). This is the first-ever State Visit by an Indian Head of State to Angola.
The visit assumes special significance as India and Angola are celebrating 40 years of diplomatic relations this year. It also marks the second high-level meeting between the two countries in 2025. Earlier in May, the President of Angola visited New Delhi.
Today, President Murmu will hold bilateral talks with the Angolan President, João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, at the Presidential Palace in Luanda. The two countries are expected to sign and exchange MoUs on issues of mutual interest following the talks. The deliberations are likely to take forward the agenda discussed during the previous high-level meeting held in New Delhi in May this year.
Our correspondent reports that earlier this year, when the President of Angola met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India approved a $200 million Line of Credit to help Angola modernise its defence forces. Both countries are now holding talks to finalize this agreement, which could also facilitate Angola in sourcing defence equipment from India.
Angola is already India’s second-largest energy supplier from Africa. With the discovery of new oil fields, India can support Angola in refining and oil exploration projects. India can also assist Angola in achieving food security by sharing agricultural technology and equipment.
During the ongoing visit, both sides are also expected to discuss cooperation in healthcare, space technology, and digital public infrastructure. They may further strengthen partnerships under global initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, the Global Biofuel Alliance, and the International Big Cat Alliance.
President Murmu will be in Angola until Tuesday (11th November), when she will attend the 50th anniversary celebrations of Angola’s Independence. She will also address the Parliament of Angola and interact with members of the Indian community. Several Angolan dignitaries are also expected to call on the President during her stay.
From 11th to 13th November, President Murmu will visit Botswana for the second leg of her African tour. She will hold bilateral talks with her counterpart, President Duma Boko of Botswana. The discussions will explore new avenues for enhancing bilateral cooperation in areas such as trade and investment, technology, energy, agriculture, health, pharmaceuticals, defence, and people-to-people ties. Botswana has also indicated its readiness to collaborate with India on Project Cheetah and the possible translocation of Cheetahs from Botswana to India.
This is the first-ever State Visit by an Indian Head of State to these two African nations. The visit underscores the importance India places on deepening its engagement with Africa and strengthening partnerships with countries of the Global South.
