Luanda/Angola: During her first-ever state visit to Angola, President Droupadi Murmu highlighted opportunities for Indian firms to engage in long-term oil contracts and investments in energy, mining, defence, and health sectors. President Murmu began her four-day visit with a delegation-level meeting with Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço at the Presidential Palace in Luanda.
Energy and Refinery Cooperation on Agenda
President Murmu emphasized the strategic role of Angola in India’s energy security, noting that Indian oil and gas companies are keen to enter into long-term purchase contracts with Angola. She also highlighted Indian interest in upstream oil exploration projects, onshore and offshore refinery investments, and petroleum refining partnerships, leveraging India’s expertise in the sector.
Murmu added that Indian firms are exploring opportunities in fertiliser and urea production to meet domestic and export demands, as well as in diamond processing, combining Angola’s raw diamond resources with India’s global leadership in diamond cutting and polishing.
Investments in Critical Minerals, Defence, and Technology
President Murmu underscored Indian companies’ capabilities in critical and rare earth mineral exploration, with potential collaboration in electric vehicles, semiconductor technology, and artificial intelligence. On defence, she reaffirmed India’s readiness to meet Angola’s equipment requirements, referencing the defence line of credit extended during the Angolan President’s visit to India in May 2025.
Health, Agriculture, and Infrastructure Support
Highlighting India as the “pharmacy of the world”, Murmu offered support for Angola’s health sector, including medicines, vaccines, health infrastructure, and paramedical training. She also proposed assistance in agriculture through expert services, quality seeds, and contract farming opportunities, and in transport infrastructure, including the potential deployment of high-speed Vande Bharat trains.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties and Celebrating 40 Years of Diplomatic Relations
During the visit, multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were exchanged in areas such as fisheries, aquaculture, marine resources, and consular cooperation. President Murmu expressed gratitude for the ceremonial welcome, including a 21-gun salute and guard of honour, and acknowledged the Indian community in Angola as a cultural and economic bridge.
Murmu also sought Angola’s continued support for United Nations reforms and highlighted the ongoing celebration of 40 years of India-Angola diplomatic ties, coinciding with Angola’s 50th independence anniversary on November 11.
Next Steps in the State Visit
President Murmu is scheduled to address the Angolan National Assembly on November 11. After concluding her visit to Angola, she will travel to Botswana for the second leg of her state visit, from November 11 to 13.
