Calling India and the African Union “companions in progress” and “pillars of the International South”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral assembly with visiting Angolan President Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco at New Delhi’s Hyderabad Home on Saturday.
Addressing a joint press convention after the assembly, PM Modi reiterated India’s dedication to take agency motion in opposition to terrorism within the wake of the Pahalgam terrorist assaults. “Dedicated to taking agency, decisive motion in opposition to terrorists and people who assist them,” he stated. He additionally introduced India’s $200-million line of credit score for Angola’s defence power modernisation.
A number of memorandums of understanding have been signed between the 2 international locations within the fields of conventional drugs, agriculture, and cultural cooperation throughout Lourenco’s go to. Modi stated India would additionally share its capabilities in digital public infrastructure, area know-how and capability constructing with Angola.
“We now have additionally determined to additional strengthen our relationships in areas of healthcare, diamond processing, fertiliser and significant minerals,” stated the prime minister.
Earlier, Exterior Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated the assembly between PM Modi and Angolan president was anticipated not simply to strengthen cooperation between India and Angola but additionally to spice up India-Africa relations. Angola is the chair of the African Union for 2025.
Jaishankar wrote on X, “Honoured to call-on President Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco of Angola throughout his State Go to to India. Worth his heat sentiments for India and steering for taking ahead our partnership. Assured that his talks with PM Narendra Modi later right now will chart new avenues of development for India-Angola & India-Africa ties.”
Lourenco, earlier within the day, obtained a ceremonial welcome on the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan. In a publish on X, Ministry of Exterior Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal wrote, “A particular welcome for a International South associate. President of Angola Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco was given a 21-gun salute and Guard of Honour as he arrived on the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan. Warmly obtained by President Droupadi Murmu and PM Narendra Modi.”
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Lourenco paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat and signed the guests’ e-book.
A day earlier, Lourenco arrived in New Delhi, accompanied by a high-level enterprise delegation.
India established formal diplomatic relations with Angola in 1985 and has since maintained strong ties with the nation. This yr marks the fortieth anniversary of the relations.
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