India Bolsters African Ties: Modi Pledges $200 Million Defence Credit to Angola
Prime Minister announces major defence package during Angolan President's visit, expanding cooperation beyond security to digital infrastructure and critical minerals;
In a strong push to deepen ties with Africa, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced a $200 million defence credit line for Angola, aimed at supporting the modernisation of its armed forces. The announcement came just days after the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, with PM Modi reaffirming India’s resolve to act firmly against terrorism and those who support it.
The announcement followed wide-ranging talks in New Delhi between PM Modi and Angolan President Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco, who is on a four-day official visit to India. Their discussions covered a broad spectrum of cooperation, from defence and digital infrastructure to healthcare and critical minerals.
“This visit not only gives new direction to India-Angola relations but also strengthens the broader India-Africa partnership,” PM Modi said in a media statement following the talks.
He emphasized that the $200 million credit line would help Angola upgrade its defence capabilities. “We also discussed cooperation in the repair, overhaul, and supply of defence platforms,” he added.
Beyond defence, the leaders explored collaboration in several key sectors including digital public infrastructure, space technology, and capacity building. PM Modi also announced plans to expand ties in healthcare, diamond processing, fertiliser production, and critical minerals—areas of strategic and economic importance to both countries.
Reaffirming India’s strong position on terrorism, PM Modi said, “We are committed to taking firm and decisive action against terrorists and those who support them.”
Highlighting the growing importance of India’s partnership with the African Union, he said, “We are partners in progress. We are pillars of the Global South.”
President Lourenco, who arrived in Delhi on Thursday, is visiting India to strengthen diplomatic and economic relations, as New Delhi continues to increase its engagement with Africa as a key partner in global development and security.