India, Angola Pledge To Fight Terror

New Delhi: Terming terrorism as the biggest threat to humanity, India and Angola on Saturday reaffirmed their commitment to fight the menace. In a media statement made after the bilateral talks with the visiting Angolan President Joao Manuel Goncalves Laurenco, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that during their talks, both nations committed to act firmly and decisively against terrorists and their backers. The assertion comes in the wake of the Pahalgam terror strike.

“We are committed to taking 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,” Mr Modi said while expressing gratitude towards Mr Laurenco for his condolences over the death of tourists in the Pahalgam terror attack.

India on Saturday announced a $200 million credit line to Angola for defence procurement for the modernisation of its armed forces. Mr Modi said the two sides also discussed repair, overhaul and supply of defence platforms.

The talks focused on ramping up overall bilateral ties, including in areas of digital public infrastructure. Mr Modi said Mr Laurenco's visit to India not only gives a new direction to the bilateral relations but also strengthens the India-Africa partnership.

“There has been substantial progress in India-Africa cooperation in the last decade. Our bilateral trade is nearly $100 million. There has been progress in defence cooperation and maritime security. Last month, India and Africa held the first naval exercise. India has opened 17 embassies in the last 10 years in Africa. Credit lines worth $12 billion have been extended to Africa in addition to a $15 million grant,” the PM said.

India will also share its capabilities with Angola in the areas of digital public infrastructure, space technology and capacity building, Mr Modi said. "We have also decided to further strengthen our relations in areas of healthcare, diamond processing, fertiliser and critical minerals."

India is one of the largest buyers of Angola's oil and gas. The PM said they have decided to expand their energy partnership. The two sides signed MoUs on cooperation in the field of Ayurveda and other traditional systems of medicine and in the fields of agriculture and culture.

Angola signed the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Framework Agreement and became the 123rd member of the ISA. India and Angola are celebrating the 40th anniversary of their diplomatic relations this year.