Context:
President Droupadi Murmu recently visited Angola — the first-ever visit by an Indian Head of State to the southern African nation. During the visit, Angola agreed to partner with India in several critical areas of cooperation, marking a new chapter in bilateral relations between two countries.
Key Outcomes of the Visit:
1. New Areas of Collaboration:
o Angola has joined two major India-led global initiatives:
§ International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) – to protect big cat species and their habitats through collaboration, research, and funding.
§ Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA) – established during India’s G20 Presidency (2023) to promote clean and sustainable biofuel adoption globally.
o Angola had earlier joined the International Solar Alliance (ISA), strengthening cooperation in renewable energy and green transition.
2. Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs):
o Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Marine Resources – to enhance sustainable marine development.
o Consular Matters – to facilitate better coordination between diplomatic and diaspora services.
3. Private Sector Engagement:
Both sides emphasized private sector participation in driving economic cooperation — particularly in infrastructure, agriculture, health, trade, and capacity building.
Strategic Significance
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For India:
- Strengthens its presence in Southern Africa, an energy-rich region with vast natural resources.
- Advances India’s energy diplomacy, especially through renewable and biofuel cooperation.
- Expands the reach of India-led global platforms (ISA, IBCA, GBA), reflecting New Delhi’s leadership in sustainable development diplomacy.
- Strengthens its presence in Southern Africa, an energy-rich region with vast natural resources.
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For Angola:
- Diversifies partnerships beyond traditional Western and Chinese influence.
- Gains access to India’s technology, training, and green energy expertise.
- Enhances environmental and wildlife conservation capacities.
- Diversifies partnerships beyond traditional Western and Chinese influence.
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India–Angola Relations:
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- Diplomatic Relations: Established in 1985, with a shared vision of South–South Cooperation.
- Economic Ties: India is Angola’s 3rd largest trading partner, accounting for nearly 10% of Angola’s total exports, mostly crude oil.
Angola is India’s 2nd largest African oil supplier after Nigeria.
- Diplomatic Relations: Established in 1985, with a shared vision of South–South Cooperation.
About Angola:
Angola is in Southern Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean. It shares borders with Namibia (south), Zambia (southeast), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (north and northeast), and the Republic of the Congo (northwest).
