PRESIDENT OF INDIA ADDRESSES INDIAN COMMUNITY IN ANGOLA

IN NEWS: PRESIDENT OF INDIA ADDRESSES INDIAN COMMUNITY IN ANGOLA

Analysis

The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, addressed members of the Indian community in Angola at a reception hosted by the Ambassador of India in Luanda.
The event was attended 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.
The President highlighted that India highly values its relationship with African nations, particularly Angola, which is based on mutual trust, equality, and shared aspirations.
She mentioned that the partnership has strengthened under the India–Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) framework, and India looks forward to hosting the next IAFS Summit soon.
Angola plays an important role in India’s energy security, while India is among Angola’s top trading partners.
In the last financial year, bilateral trade between India and Angola crossed USD 5 billion, marking a historic milestone.
India exports pharmaceuticals, food products, refined petroleum, automobiles, and machinery to Angola. Indian enterprises are also active in retail, tourism, energy, infrastructure, hospitality, and agriculture sectors.
The President appreciated that these business initiatives have contributed to Angola’s economic growth and employment generation.
She also noted the presence of nearly 8,000 people of Indian origin in Angola, whose entrepreneurial and professional excellence has helped in strengthening bilateral relations.
The President urged the Indian diaspora to actively contribute to realizing the shared prosperity of both India and Angola by deepening trade, investment, and cultural ties.

Static Part / Background

India–Angola Relations:
- Diplomatic relations were established in 1985, and India opened its Embassy in Luanda in 1986.
- Angola is India’s third-largest trading partner in Africa, primarily due to crude oil imports.
- India provides development assistance, capacity building, and lines of credit to Angola through EXIM Bank and IAFS initiatives.
India–Africa Forum Summit (IAFS):
- The first summit was held in New Delhi in 2008, followed by the second in Addis Ababa (2011) and the third in New Delhi (2015).
- It serves as a key platform for India–Africa cooperation in areas such as trade, technology, infrastructure, and human resource development.
Indian Community in Angola:
- Approximately 8,000 Indian nationals and persons of Indian origin live in Angola.
- They are engaged in diverse sectors like trade, medicine, teaching, and industry, contributing significantly to the local economy.

Updated – 10 Nov 2025 ; 10:57 PM | PIB