India and Angola have begun celebrations marking 40 years of their political relations, although their connection goes back further. During Angola's struggle for independence, India supported the country with faith and friendship.

On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Angolan President Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco to India. This visit is the first by an Angolan president to India in 38 years. The visit shows a renewed commitment to strengthen bilateral relations and expand cooperation across multiple sectors.

PM Modi acknowledged 40 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. He praised their historical solidarity and outlined a future plan focused on energy, defence, digital public infrastructure, healthcare, and cultural exchange.

At the joint press statement, PM Modi said, “I welcome President Lourenco and his delegation. This is a historic moment. After 38 years, the President of Angola has arrived in India. His visit is not only going to give a new direction to the relationship between India and Angola but also going to strengthen India-Africa ties. India and Angola are celebrating the 40th anniversary of their political relations. However, our relationship goes way back. When Angola was fighting for its freedom, India was standing beside it with faith and friendship.”

PM Modi spoke about the scope of bilateral cooperation. “We are partnering across sectors. India is one of the largest buyers of oil and gas from Angola. We have decided to widen our energy partnership. India has approved a USD 200 million credit line for the modernisation of Angola’s defence forces. We will share our experience in digital public infrastructure, space tech and capacity building with Angola,” he said.

He continued, “We would be happy to assist in training Angola’s armed forces. Taking forward our development partnership, we will share our capabilities with Angola in digital public infrastructure, space technology and capacity building. Today, we have also decided to further strengthen our ties in healthcare, diamond processing, fertilizer and critical minerals.”

He added, “The popularity of yoga and Bollywood in Angola is a symbol of the strength of our cultural ties. To strengthen our people-to-people relations, we have decided to start a youth exchange programme among our youth.”

Earlier in the day, PM Modi met President Lourenco at Hyderabad House. PM Modi also held a bilateral meeting with President Lourenco at Hyderabad House. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri joined the meeting.