Unlocking Cooperation: How Defence Has Become a Vital Foundation for India and Angola’s Partnership

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New Delhi’s Growing Defense Ties with Angola

In a significant move for India-Angola relations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Angolan President João Lourenço met in New Delhi for talks centered on defense cooperation. This meeting sets the stage for deeper military ties, including joint training, enhanced maritime security, and advancements in defense technology.

During the discussions, India approved a $200 million credit line to help Angola modernize its armed forces. Modi expressed enthusiasm, stating, "We are committed to assisting Angola in the training of its military."

Dammu Ravi, Secretary for Economic Relations, highlighted that defense cooperation marks a fresh chapter in the partnership. "The training of Angolan forces and the credit line are key components of our new collaboration," he noted.

India and Angola have a long-standing friendship rooted in shared history. In the 1990s, India supported Angola during its civil war, contributing troops to United Nations peacekeeping efforts. This foundation laid the groundwork for current military cooperation.

As both nations see the strategic importance of this partnership, Angola aims to diversify its international relations beyond traditional allies like China. In contrast, India is looking to enhance its presence in Africa, and sees Angola as a gateway to the resource-rich Gulf of Guinea.

India’s experience in military training is appealing to Angola. Indian forces have a strong record of equipping international military personnel, especially through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program. This collaboration aids Angola in strengthening military professionalism and logistics—crucial factors for a nation recovering from decades of conflict.

Maritime security is particularly critical due to Angola’s lengthy coastline and its strategic location in the Gulf of Guinea. This region has ongoing issues with piracy and illegal fishing, making India’s growing navy a valuable partner for Angola. Already, Indian naval vessels have visited Luanda’s ports.

According to Abhishek Mishra, an expert at the Manohar Parrikar Institute, Africa is a promising market for India’s defense exports, mainly due to the reliability and cost-effectiveness of Indian equipment. It’s notable that the Gulf of Guinea is considered the most piracy-plagued area globally, emphasizing the need for cooperation in maritime security.

Another noteworthy factor in India-Angola relations is the proposed Lobito Corridor. This ambitious railway project aims to connect resource-rich regions in Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo with Angola’s port, opening new avenues for international collaboration.

Defense cooperation is evolving as a vital aspect of India and Angola’s partnership, driven by geographical strategy, the need for capacity building, and shared values. The growing connection not only strengthens bilateral ties but also contributes to regional peace and stability along Africa’s Atlantic coast.

Both leaders see this partnership as a unique opportunity to reduce reliance on China, which currently holds significant influence in Angola through substantial loans. The Angolan government is exploring alternatives to diversify its foreign partnerships.

In conclusion, India and Angola’s defense collaboration reflects a pragmatic approach to mutual benefit. This is a step toward a more secure and interconnected future for both nations.

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PRIME MINISTER NARENDRA MODI, ATLANTIC CORRIDOR, JOAO LOURENçO, MILITARY TRAINING, INDIA AND ANGOLA TIES, WHY DEFENCE HAS EMERGED AS A KEY PILLAR OF COOPERATION BETWEEN INDIA AND ANGOLA