India deepens Africa outreach with Murmu’s landmark Angola visit

President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday held wide-ranging bilateral talks with her Angolan counterpart João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, reaffirming India’s commitment to deepen cooperation with Angola across a broad spectrum of sectors, including energy, infrastructure, defence, health, agriculture and digital technologies.

The meeting, held in Luanda during Murmu’s first-ever state visit to Angola, came as both nations mark the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties. The leaders expressed satisfaction at the growing momentum in bilateral relations and agreed to further enhance collaboration through capacity-building and investment partnerships.

The President reiterated that India remains a reliable and long-term development partner for Angola — both bilaterally and under the framework of the India–Africa Forum Summit. She conveyed India’s support for Angola’s ongoing efforts in economic diversification, food security and digital transformation.

During the visit, two memoranda of understanding were exchanged, one on cooperation in fisheries, aquaculture and marine resources, and another on consular matters. These are aimed at expanding institutional ties and facilitating people-to-people contact.

The Indian delegation included Minister of State for Jal Shakti and Railways V Somanna, MPs Parbhubhai Nagarbhai Vasava and DK Aruna and senior officials from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

The President’s visit to Angola — the first ever by an Indian head of state — comes as part of her November 8-13 state tour to Angola and Botswana, reflecting New Delhi’s renewed diplomatic focus on Africa.

As per the MEA, the President will attend Angola’s 50th Independence Day celebrations on November 11 and address the Angolan parliament, underscoring India’s commitment to strengthening parliamentary exchanges and democratic cooperation.

On the second leg of her tour, the President will travel to Botswana from November 11-13 at the invitation of President Duma Gideon Boko. She will hold bilateral talks, address the National Assembly and meet members of the Indian community there.