Angola President Visit to India: Key Outcomes

Historic Visit:
– President João Lourenço’s visit to India in May 2025 was the first visit by an Angolan head of state in 38 years, symbolizing a new chapter in bilateral relations.
– The visit also marked the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties between India and Angola.

Mutual Trade Growth:
– Trade between India and Africa has reached nearly $100 billion, showcasing robust economic engagement.
– Angola is a key partner, especially in the energy and natural resources sector, and India is among Angola’s top trading partners.

Diplomatic Expansion:
– In the last decade, India has opened 17 new embassies across Africa, expanding its diplomatic outreach and deepening political and developmental ties with African nations.

Defense Cooperation – “AIKEYME” Exercise:
– The first-ever India-Africa Naval Maritime Exercise, “AIKEYME,” was conducted, highlighting a new era of defense collaboration.
– It reflects a shared focus on maritime security, counter-piracy, and regional stability.

Development Assistance via Lines of Credit:
– India has extended 196 Lines of Credit worth over US$12 billion to African countries.
– These credits have supported infrastructure, energy, agriculture, water projects, and capacity-building in over 42 African countries.

Shared Vision as Pillars of the Global South:
– India and Africa are both seen as pillars of the Global South, advocating for fairer global governance, sustainable development, and inclusive multilateralism.
– They cooperate closely on global platforms such as the UN, G77, and BRICS.