President Droupadi Murmu today praised Angola during bilateral talks with Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, stating that Angola's role in India's energy security has been extremely significant.
Relations between India and the African nation of Angola have reached new heights. President Droupadi Murmu, during her recent visit to Angola, praised the country, stating that Angola plays a crucial role in India's energy security. She also mentioned that India is a major buyer of Angola's oil and gas and is keen to increase investment in refinery and energy projects in the future.
This historic visit took place on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Angola. It marked the first state visit by an Indian Head of State to Angola, providing a new direction to bilateral cooperation.
Angola's Crucial Role in India's Energy Security
President Murmu, during bilateral talks with Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço in Luanda, stated that Angola's contribution to meeting India's energy requirements is extremely significant. She said,
'Angola has always played the role of a reliable partner in India's energy security. We are exploring long-term purchase agreements and investment opportunities with Angola.'
India is currently a major buyer of Angola's oil and gas. Indian companies are planning to invest in onshore and offshore upstream projects there. President Murmu stated that India is a leading petroleum refining country and is keen to partner in new refinery projects in Angola.
India to Send Vande Bharat-like Trains to Angola
Discussing technical cooperation, President Murmu cited the example of India-developed Vande Bharat high-speed trains. She stated that India has revolutionized its railway sector and such modern trains can also be supplied to developing countries like Angola. Vande Bharat trains are a symbol of India's self-reliance campaign. We are ready to assist in the modernization of Angola's railway network.
The President further added that both India and Angola possess the great strength of a young population, and it is essential that the youth of both nations acquire future skills to become part of global technological transformation.
Cooperation in Strategic Minerals and Emerging Technologies
Beyond energy cooperation, both countries also agreed to enhance partnership in strategic minerals and emerging technologies. Angola is one of the African nations where critical and rare minerals are found in abundance. President Murmu stated that Indian companies possess technical expertise in the exploration and processing of these minerals.
This partnership could pave the way for cooperation in areas such as Electric Vehicles (EVs), semiconductor manufacturing, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Green Energy in the future.
Diplomatic Significance of the Historic Visit
This visit marks a significant step towards further strengthening relations between India and Angola. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the visit was undertaken to give new impetus to 40 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Earlier, in May 2025, Angolan President Lourenço visited India, during which India announced a Line of Credit of 200 million US dollars to modernize Angola's defense forces.
President Murmu's visit further expands India's diplomatic outreach in Africa, reflecting India's policy towards becoming the voice of the “Global South.” Following her visit to Angola, President Murmu will travel to Botswana from November 11 to 13. This will also be the first state visit by an Indian President to Botswana.
