The Impressive TimesNew Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold delegation-level talks with the President of Angola, Joao Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, in New Delhi today. The high-level discussions are expected to culminate in the signing of several agreements aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors.
President Lourenço arrived in the Indian capital yesterday on a three-day State Visit, marking a significant milestone as this is the first presidential-level visit from Angola to India in 38 years. The visit also coincides with the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two nations. The Angolan leader was warmly received at the airport by Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh. He is accompanied by a high-profile delegation comprising cabinet ministers, senior officials, business representatives, and media personnel.
This morning, President Lourenço will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan. He will subsequently hold talks with President Droupadi Murmu, who will also host a state banquet in his honour later in the evening.
In addition to his meeting with Prime Minister Modi, the Angolan President will interact with several key Indian leaders, including External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda.
The visit is expected to further energize India-Angola relations, which are built on a foundation of mutual respect and shared development goals. Both nations enjoy a strong energy partnership, and Angola has emerged as one of India’s important oil suppliers in Africa.
Bilateral trade between India and Angola crossed the $4 billion mark during the fiscal year 2023–24. In recent years, cooperation has expanded beyond energy to include defence, development partnership, and capacity building. India has been actively involved in human resource development and infrastructure support in Angola through lines of credit and technical training programs.
Both countries also coordinate closely on international platforms and support each other’s candidatures at multilateral fora, including the United Nations.
Tomorrow, President Lourenço is scheduled to participate in a high-level business event in New Delhi aimed at strengthening commercial ties and exploring new investment opportunities.
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