May 12, 2026
For centuries, India and the African continent have maintained close ties through trade, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people interactions, which have played a key role in strengthening the friendship they enjoy in modern times.
India has steadfastly supported African countries’ struggle against colonialism, inspired by its own experience in fighting foreign domination. Today, the African continent occupies a central position in India’s foreign policy. Our relationship with Africa is rooted in the principles of equality, mutual respect, and shared progress.
The fundamental principles guiding India’s engagement with Africa were articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Ugandan Parliament in 2018. Guided by these principles, India has intensified its interactions with African countries across all sectors.
The vision of Developed India 2047 (Viksit Bharat-2047) also aligns well with Africa’s “Agenda 2063,” both of which are geared toward promoting progress and prosperity through sustainable development and inclusive growth.
A defining feature of India-Africa relations is the commitment to a more inclusive and representative global order. The country firmly believes that the voice of the Global South should shape global governance in the coming years. Based on this conviction, India has worked proactively to secure the African Union’s permanent membership in the G20 during the group’s presidency in 2023.
African nations are also active members of global initiatives led by India, such as the International Solar Alliance, the Global Biofuels Alliance, the International Alliance for Big Cats, and the Coalition for Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure.
India is currently one of Africa’s largest trading partners and leading investors. Our cooperation spans a broad spectrum, including energy, infrastructure, connectivity, health, education, agriculture, science and technology, capacity building, and development assistance.
The African continent is one of the largest beneficiaries of India’s external development support through concessional credit lines, financial assistance, skills enhancement initiatives, and scholarship programs.
Our collaboration is venturing into new areas, such as fintech, innovation, emerging technologies, critical minerals, and rare earths, where co-creation, joint innovation, and local ownership are the guiding principles.
Cooperation with Angola
Angola plays a crucial role in India’s energy security. Over the years, economic relations have diversified into other fields, such as diamonds, agriculture, power transmission, infrastructure, health and pharmaceuticals, education, tourism, and hospitality, among others.
In May 2025, President João Lourenço made a historic state visit to India, marking the first high-level exchange between the two countries in 38 years.
Subsequently, the President of India visited Angola in November 2025, during which she also participated in a meeting with Angolan representatives.
The celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of Angola’s independence saw the signing of several memorandums of understanding during these visits, covering key areas and laying the groundwork for the consolidation of India’s relations with Angola.
As part of efforts to further intensify engagement with African countries, the Indian government is organizing the 4th edition of the India-Africa Forum (IAFS-IV), from May 28 to 31, 2026, in New Delhi.
Launched in 2008, this flagship event brings together African leaders and policymakers with their Indian counterparts. The upcoming IAFS will provide a platform to shape the next phase of the India-Africa partnership—a phase that is more ambitious, inclusive, and future-oriented.
The theme of IAFS-IV is “IA-SPIRIT – India-Africa Strategic Partnership for Innovation, Resilience, and Inclusive Transformation.”
The event will provide an opportunity to exchange best practices and successful experiences, as well as to discuss common challenges in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
The India-Africa partnership seeks not only economic growth, but also the empowerment of people, the strengthening of institutions, the building of ambitious and resilient societies, and the creation of pathways for meaningful change.
It conveys a message not only of stability in a turbulent world, but also of reliability in times of uncertainty and solidarity in difficult times. Together, India and Africa will build a better world for all.
Angola, as a key member of the AU, also stands to gain from this forward-looking and mutually beneficial partnership.