PM Modi Pledges $200 million defence credit to Angola, strengthens India-Africa ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a $200 million line of credit to Angola aimed at supporting the modernisation of its armed forces, reaffirming India’s growing defence and development partnership with Africa.

The announcement came after extensive discussions in New Delhi with Angolan President Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenço, who is on a four-day state visit to India. The two leaders held wide-ranging talks that spanned defence cooperation, digital infrastructure, and future avenues for bilateral engagement.

“This visit not only brings new energy to India-Angola relations but also deepens the broader India-Africa partnership,” Modi said in a joint media statement. “I am pleased to announce a USD 200 million defence credit line to assist Angola in upgrading its military capabilities.”

The leaders also discussed collaboration in the maintenance, repair, and supply of defence equipment. In addition to defence, Modi highlighted India’s readiness to share expertise in digital public infrastructure, space technology, and capacity building.

Further expanding the scope of cooperation, India and Angola will work closely in sectors such as healthcare, diamond processing, fertiliser production, and the development of critical minerals.

Amid rising concerns over terrorism, especially in light of the recent Pahalgam terror attack, Modi stressed India’s firm stance: “We are committed to taking strong and decisive action against terrorists and their sponsors.”

Touching on India’s broader ties with Africa, Modi reaffirmed the shared vision and solidarity between the two nations. “India and the African Union are natural partners in progress. We are pillars of the Global South,” he noted.