In a momentous gathering that blended historical symbolism with future ambition, Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh, Minister of State for External Affairs, addressed the India–Angola Business Forum on 4th May 2025 in New Delhi. With warmth and resolve, he welcomed Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço and his delegation to what he called a “historic and transformative” visit—the first bilateral State Visit from Angola to India in nearly three decades.
“We regard your visit as both historic and transformative—a powerful reaffirmation of our shared aspirations, and a renewed commitment to deepen our longstanding friendship,” Singh declared, striking a chord with both Indian and Angolan stakeholders who see untapped potential in this South-South partnership.
Both India and Angola are undergoing profound national transformations. While Angola, under President Lourenço’s leadership, is pursuing economic diversification and democratic reforms, India is powering ahead as the world’s fastest-growing major economy. As Minister Singh put it, “This transformation is people-centric, purpose-driven, and inclusive.”
India’s own model of growth, driven by innovations like Digital Public Infrastructure, sectoral reforms, and a reimagined agricultural economy, is being closely watched by global South nations. “In agriculture… India has embraced innovation: from drone-enabled crop monitoring and digital agri-credit to advanced cold chain logistics,” Singh noted, positioning India as not just a technology partner but a knowledge partner for Angola.
The forum was not just a ceremonial gathering—it marked a defining pivot in bilateral ties, underscored by five major outcomes. These included the signing of Memorandums of Understanding in key areas such as agriculture, traditional medicine (including Ayurveda), and cultural cooperation; Angola’s entry into the International Solar Alliance as its 123rd member; and the approval of a USD 200 million Line of Credit from the Government of India to enhance Angola’s defence and security capacity.
These developments are not merely transactional. They reflect an alignment of vision. “India accounts for approximately 10% of Angola’s total exports and is the second-largest importer of Angolan oil,” Singh pointed out, adding that India is ready to move “from being just a buyer to becoming a strategic development partner.”
His remarks laid out a forward-looking roadmap for bilateral engagement. Singh outlined priority areas where both countries could harness mutual strengths—from energy and critical minerals to healthcare, infrastructure, and fintech. He emphasised that India’s digital platforms could help Angola “meet its fintech, e-governance, and digital education goals.”
Healthcare, in particular, emerged as a transformative area. “India’s renowned healthcare ecosystem—including pharmaceuticals, telemedicine, and capacity-building—can play a transformative, humanitarian role,” Singh highlighted, recognising the pressing healthcare needs in Africa.
Similarly, the Minister made a compelling case for traditional medicine and sustainable agriculture. “There is strong scope for cooperation in farmer training, agricultural value chains, and joint research in climate-resilient crops and eco-friendly practices,” he said, underscoring India’s commitment to blending tradition with modernity.
In closing, Minister Singh invoked the spirit of shared values. “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together,” he said, quoting an African proverb before reaffirming India’s own guiding philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world is one family.
In Singh’s words, “Let us walk together, dream together, and rise together—for our people, our regions, and our shared future.”
As Angola marks 50 years of independence and both countries celebrate 40 years of diplomatic relations, this forum has opened a new chapter—one written not in ink alone, but in intent, action, and partnership.
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