India, Angola decide to expand energy partnership

New Delhi [India], May 4 (ANI): India and Angola have decided to expand their energy partnership with New Delhi also offering to share its experience in digital public infrastructure, space tech and capacity building with the African nation.
The two countries on Saturday signed MoUs in several areas to boost bilateral cooperation, and the government also approved Angola's request for a Line of Credit of US$200 million for defence procurement.
Angola signed the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Framework Agreement and became the 123rd member of the ISA.
Briefing reporters about the visit, Secretary (Economic Relations), Dammu Ravi said he bilateral trade between India and Angola is $4.2 billion.

"Much of it is in the favor of Angola, about $3.5 billion. But 90% of the trade is in oil and gas. We import a lot from Angola, both oil and LNG. It is the second largest supplier of oil and gas from Africa after Nigeria. India exports about $700 million worth of items, but varied items, including pharma, medicines, vaccines, automobile components, engineering products, plastics and refined oil," he said.
"During the visit ... a lot of coverage on the energy security aspect from India's point of view. As you know, Angola has discovered new oil fields ... and where they sought India's support, particularly Indian companies, to help them in the refinery processing, to set up refinery units there, and also exploration of onshore and offshore oil fields," he added.
PM Modi held delegation-level talks with the visiting leader.
In his remarks during the press statements, PM Modi said it is a historic moment and that President of Angola is visiting India after 38 years.
"His visit is not only giving a new direction and momentum to India-Angola ties, but also strengthening India-Africa partnership.
This year, India and Angola are celebrating the 40th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. But our ties are much older and deeper than that. When Angola was fighting for its freedom, India stood by it with unwavering faith and friendship," PM Modi said.
"Today, we have close cooperation in various sectors. India is one of the largest buyers of Angola's oil and gas. We have decided to expand our energy partnership. I am pleased to announce the approval of a $200 million defence credit line for the modernization of Angola's armed forces. We have also discussed the repair and overhaul of defence platforms and supplies. India would be glad to cooperate in the training of Angola's armed forces," he added.
PM Modi said India will share its capabilities with Angola in Digital Public Infrastructure, Space Technology, and Capacity Building.
"Today we have also decided to further strengthen our relations in the sectors of Healthcare, Diamond processing, fertilizer and Critical minerals. The popularity of Yoga and Bollywood in Angola reflects the deep cultural connection between our two countries. To strengthen our people-to-people relations, we have decided to start a Youth Exchange Programme among our youth," PM Modi said.
He said India welcomes Angola's decision to join the International Solar Alliance.
"We have also invited Angola to join India's initiatives Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Big Cat Alliance and Global Biofuels Alliance," PM Modi said.
He said both agree that terrorism is the biggest threat to humanity.
"I thanked President Lourenco and the people of Angola for their condolences on the loss of lives in the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. We are committed to take firm and decisive action against the terrorists and those who support them. We thank Angola for their support in our fight against cross-border terrorism," he said.
PM Modi extended his best wishes to Angola for its chairmanship of the African Union.
"It is a matter of great pride for us that the African Union was granted permanent membership of the G20, during India's G20 presidency. India and African countries raised their voices in unison against colonial rule, inspiring one another in the process. Today, we stand united in advocating for the interests, hopes, expectations, and aspirations of the Global South," he said.
"Our cooperation with African countries has gained momentum in the last decade. Our mutual trade has reached nearly $100 billion. There has been progress on defence cooperation and maritime security," he said.
Last month, the first naval maritime exercise between India and Africa, "AIKEYME" was conducted.
PM Modi said that over the past decade, India has established 17 new embassies across Africa.
"Credit lines worth more than $12 billion have been allocated for Africa. Apart from this, grant assistance of $700 million has been given to African countries. Vocational training centres have been opened in 8 African countries. We are collaborating with five African countries in the development of Digital Public Infrastructure. In times of disaster, we have been privileged to serve as 'First Responders', standing shoulder to shoulder with the people of Africa," PM Modi said.
"India and the African Union are partners in progress. We are pillars of the Global South. I am confident that under Angola's leadership, the relationship between India and the African Union will reach new heights," he added. (ANI)