In a landmark moment for India-Africa relations, President Droupadi Murmu touched down in Luanda, Angola on Sunday, becoming the first Indian head of state to ever visit the Southern African nation. This historic visit comes as both countries celebrate four decades of diplomatic relations.
Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation
The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the President's arrival through an official post on X, formerly Twitter, emphasizing that this visit will significantly enhance India-Angola bilateral cooperation. President Murmu's three-day stay in Angola from November 8 to 11 forms the initial segment of her two-nation African tour, undertaken at the invitation of Angolan President João Lourenco.
This diplomatic mission underscores India's growing commitment to strengthening partnerships with African nations and the Global South. The visit builds upon recent high-level engagements, including President Lourenço's trip to New Delhi in May earlier this year.
Key Areas of Discussion
The agenda for President Murmu's visit includes comprehensive bilateral talks at the Presidential Palace in Luanda. Defence cooperation emerges as a crucial focus area, with both nations working to finalize a $200 million Line of Credit approved by India to modernize Angola's defence forces. This agreement could potentially open avenues for Angola to source defence equipment from India.
According to MEA Secretary of Economic Relations Sudhakar Dalela, the discussions will span multiple dimensions including political, economic, developmental, and cultural cooperation. In a unique environmental initiative, the leaders will also discuss translocating cheetahs from Botswana as part of India's Project Cheetah.
Comprehensive Engagement Agenda
President Murmu's schedule in Angola includes several significant engagements:
She will attend the 50th anniversary celebrations of Angola's independence on Tuesday, November 11, demonstrating India's solidarity with the nation's historical milestones.
The Indian President is set to address the Angolan Parliament and interact with members of the Indian community, strengthening people-to-people connections.
Cooperation in healthcare, space technology, and digital public infrastructure features prominently in the discussion agenda.
Both nations are expected to enhance partnerships under global initiatives including the International Solar Alliance, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, the Global Biofuel Alliance, and the International Big Cat Alliance.
Next Destination: Botswana
Following her engagements in Angola, President Murmu will proceed to Botswana from November 11 to 13, responding to an invitation from President Duma Gideon Boko. This leg of her journey also marks the first state visit by an Indian head of state to Botswana.
The Botswana visit will focus on expanding cooperation across multiple sectors including trade, investment, technology, energy, agriculture, health, pharmaceuticals, defence, and cultural exchanges. Botswana has expressed readiness to collaborate with India on Project Cheetah, potentially facilitating cheetah translocation to India.
President Murmu's African tour represents a significant step in India's foreign policy, emphasizing stronger ties with African nations and positioning India as a reliable partner in the Global South's development journey.
