Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday reiterated India’s commitment to taking a firm action against terrorists and those who support them in the wake of Pahalgam attack in which 26 people were killed with Angola President Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco strongly condemning the “heinous cowardly act” during bilateral talks between the two leaders. During a joint press conference with Lourenco, PM Modi said, “We are committed to taking firm, decisive action against terrorists and those who support them”, and thanked Angola for its support in India’s fight against cross-border terrorism. Angola is currently the chair of the African Union. “We are unanimous that terrorism is the biggest threat to humanity. I thank President Lourenco and the people of Angola for expressing their sympathies towards those killed in the Pahalgam terror attack,” the PM said. India also announced $200 million defence credit line for Angola's defence force modernisation. Calling India and the African Union as “partners in progress” and “pillars of global south”, Modi said, “We have also decided to further strengthen our relations in areas of healthcare, diamond processing, fertiliser and critical minerals.” Several MoUs were signed between the two countries in the fields of traditional medicine, agriculture, and cultural cooperation during Lourenco's visit. Modi said India will also share its capabilities with Angola in the areas of digital public infrastructure, space technology and capacity building. Angola has also signed up for the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Framework Agreement initiated by India. Briefing about President Lourenco's visit, MEA Secretary (Economic Relations) Dammu Ravi said the delegation-level talks between PM Modi and President Lourenco covered a wide gamut of relationship and made an assessment of the existing ties as well as the futuristic scenario in terms of new areas of cooperation. “During the (joint) press briefing, there was a very strong message. And also during the delegation-level talks, President Lorenzo condemned the heinous cowardly act, terrorist act in Pahalgam. And there was condemnation of it, expressed condolences to the bereaved families and solidarity with India in tackling terrorism in all its forms, including cross-border terrorism,” he said. President Lorenzo is visiting India for the first time after assuming office in 2017. Ravi said, “Angola is holding the chair of the African Union, which is a very important area for us too in the context of India-Africa partnership. So we are seeking their support in deepening our relationship with Africa.” On Sunday, President Lourenco will participate in a business event in New Delhi, with an aim to promote investment and commercial linkages between the two countries. Bilateral trade between the two countries has touched $4 billion during 2023-24, as per MEA officials. Earlier, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that the meeting between the leaders is expected to strengthen cooperation not just between India and Angola, but also boost India-Africa relations. In a post on X, Jaishankar said, “Honoured to call-on President Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco of Angola during his State Visit to India. Value his warm sentiments for India and guidance for taking forward our partnership. Confident that his talks with PM Narendra Modi later today will chart new avenues of growth for India-Angola & India-Africa ties.” Earlier in the day, Lourenco received a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan. He also paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat. India had established formal diplomatic relations with Angola in 1985 and has maintained robust ties with the country since then.
