In a landmark diplomatic engagement, President Droupadi Murmu has identified energy cooperation as the cornerstone of trade relations between India and Angola during her inaugural visit to the African nation as India's head of state.
Historic Bilateral Engagement in Luanda
President Murmu held comprehensive bilateral discussions with her Angolan counterpart President João Lourenço in Luanda on November 10, 2025. The Indian President received a grand ceremonial welcome complete with a Guard of Honour at the Presidential Palace in Luanda, marking the significance of this diplomatic occasion.
This visit represents a historic milestone as it constitutes the first state visit by an Indian President to Angola. The timing holds special significance as Angola celebrates its 50th Independence Day anniversary on November 11, while both nations commemorate 40 years of established diplomatic relations in 2025.
Expanding the Partnership Beyond Energy
While emphasizing that energy partnership forms the bedrock of economic relations, President Murmu outlined plans to diversify cooperation into multiple new sectors. "Our economic partnership is based on a vibrant energy partnership. We agreed to further diversify trade and investment relations in new areas," the President stated in her official communication.
The leaders identified several promising areas for enhanced collaboration, including technology transfer, agricultural development, healthcare initiatives, defense cooperation, infrastructure projects, and people-to-people connections. Specific focus areas mentioned during the talks included sharing parliamentary best practices, agricultural cooperation particularly in seeds and fertilizers, oil exploration and refining capabilities, connectivity and transport infrastructure development, rare earth minerals exploration, and diamond processing technologies.
Formalizing Cooperation Through Agreements
The two nations solidified their enhanced partnership through the signing of multiple Memoranda of Understanding. Three key MoUs were signed in defense, cultural exchange, and Ayurveda, while two additional agreements focused on fisheries, aquaculture, marine resources, and consular matters.
Both countries also decided to advance the Air Services Agreement, which promises to improve connectivity and facilitate easier movement of people and goods between the two nations. Several additional MoUs are scheduled for signing and exchange to formalize cooperation in the identified sectors.
President Murmu specifically highlighted India's expertise in various development domains and communicated India's readiness to collaborate closely with Angola in leveraging these opportunities for mutual growth and prosperity. The discussions also covered capacity building programs, training initiatives, digital public infrastructure development, defense cooperation, and the ongoing reforms of the United Nations Security Council.
Global Environmental Initiatives and Trade Significance
In a significant environmental commitment, President Murmu applauded Angola's decision to join two major global initiatives championed by India – the Global Biofuels Alliance and the International Big Cat Alliance. This move underscores Angola's proactive approach to addressing global environmental challenges and biodiversity conservation.
The trade relationship between India and Angola has demonstrated remarkable strength, with India consistently ranking among Angola's top three trading partners for several years. According to official statistics from the Ministry of External Affairs, India currently holds the position of Angola's second-largest trading partner after China, accounting for approximately 10% of Angola's external trade.
This comprehensive engagement during President Murmu's four-day state visit signals a new chapter in India-Angola relations, moving beyond traditional energy trade toward a multifaceted strategic partnership that addresses contemporary global challenges while fostering mutual economic growth.
