India and Angola to strengthen defence and energy cooperation

India is set to deepen its partnership with Angola in defence and energy sectors as President Droupadi Murmu prepares for her state visit to Angola and Botswana from November 8 to 13. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that discussions are underway to finalise a $200 million Line of Credit (LoC) for Angola’s defence modernisation programme, marking a new phase in bilateral ties.

Focus on defence and strategic partnerships

MEA Secretary of Economic Relations Sudhakar Dalela highlighted that both nations view defence cooperation as a priority. “We are in discussions with Angola to finalise the LoC agreement. India will support Angola’s requirements in the defence sector,” he said. The LoC, initially announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during Angolan President João Lourenço’s visit to India in May 2025, aims to strengthen Angola’s defence infrastructure and training systems.

Energy ties driving economic partnership

India’s trade with Angola currently stands at around $5 billion, with nearly 80% of it linked to the energy sector. Dalela emphasised Angola’s significance to India’s energy security strategy, noting that New Delhi seeks to add “more momentum and depth” to this collaboration. The two countries are exploring new joint ventures and investments in energy production, refining, and logistics to support sustainable growth.

Expanding cooperation in minerals and capacity building

Dalela revealed that India is also engaging Angola and other African nations in critical mineral exploration, aligned with the National Critical Minerals Mission. Joint ventures are being planned to process essential minerals used in renewable energy and electric vehicle manufacturing. He further noted India’s commitment to capacity building under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme, adding that over 750 professionals from Botswana have trained in India across various sectors, including defence and technology.

Exam Oriented Facts

• India is finalising a $200 million Line of Credit to Angola for defence modernisation.
• India–Angola trade totals about $5 billion, with 80% in the energy sector.
• India’s National Critical Minerals Mission seeks partnerships with African nations in mineral exploration.
• Over 750 Botswana professionals have trained in India through the ITEC Programme in the past decade.

President Murmu’s Africa visit and future roadmap

President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to Angola and Botswana is expected to reinforce India’s Africa policy, which emphasises sustainable development, skill building, and infrastructure cooperation. The agenda includes defence agreements, renewable energy projects, and partnerships in emerging domains like cybersecurity. The visit reflects India’s growing engagement with Africa as a strategic partner in economic, security, and technological cooperation.