President Droupadi Murmu’s first-ever visit by an Indian President to Angola marks a new chapter in bilateral relations, focusing on trade, development, and shared prosperity.
Luanda, Angola | November 10, 2025:
The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, arrived in Luanda, Angola, on November 8, 2025, marking the first State Visit by an Indian President to the country. She was accompanied by Minister of State for Jal Shakti and Railways Shri V. Somanna and Members of Parliament Shri Parbhubhai Nagarbhai Vasava and Smt D. K. Aruna. President Murmu was warmly received at Luanda International Airport by Angola’s Minister of External Relations, Mr. Tete Antonio.
On November 9, 2025, President Murmu held bilateral talks with the President of Angola, H.E. João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, at the Presidential Palace in Luanda. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the long-standing friendship between India and Angola, describing it as a partnership built on mutual trust, respect, and a shared vision for prosperity.
During their meeting, the leaders discussed ways to deepen cooperation in trade, energy, technology, agriculture, health, defence, infrastructure, and people-to-people exchanges. Two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed — one on cooperation in fisheries, aquaculture and marine resources, and another on consular matters.
President Murmu also welcomed Angola’s decision to join the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) and the Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA). Later, President Lourenço hosted a banquet lunch in honour of the Indian President at the Presidential Palace.
Address to the National Assembly of Angola
On November 10, 2025, President Droupadi Murmu addressed the National Assembly of Angola, where she was received by H.E. Carolina Cerqueira, President of the Assembly. Cerqueira hailed the visit as historic, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Angola’s independence, and praised India’s transformation journey as a model of progress.
In her address, President Murmu highlighted the shared history of anti-colonial struggle and democratic values between the two nations. She encouraged stronger parliamentary exchanges and commended Angola’s inclusive governance, noting that 39% of Angolan parliamentarians are women.
Emphasizing India’s commitment to peace and development in Africa, President Murmu said, “We must continue working together under the broader framework of the India–Africa Forum Summit to achieve shared prosperity.” She recognized Angola’s role in Africa’s growth story and as Chair of the African Union, applauding its development in infrastructure, agriculture, and energy.
Earlier that day, President Murmu paid tribute at the memorial of Dr. Antonio Agostinho Neto, Angola’s first President, and visited the Fortaleza de São Miguel, which houses the Museum of the Armed Forces.
Meeting with the Indian Community
In the evening, President Murmu met with members of the Indian community in Angola at a reception hosted by the Ambassador of India to Angola. She praised the contributions of the 8,000-strong Indian diaspora to Angola’s economic development and urged them to play an active role in strengthening India–Angola relations.
President Murmu highlighted that India-Angola trade has crossed USD 5 billion, with India being a key supplier of pharmaceuticals, machinery, food products, and petroleum to Angola. She reaffirmed India’s commitment to hosting the next India–Africa Forum Summit, furthering cooperation across sectors.
President Droupadi Murmu’s visit has set a strong foundation for the future of India–Angola relations, emphasizing collaboration in energy, technology, and development while reinforcing the deep people-to-people ties between the two nations.
Source: President of India
