On Friday, Angolan President Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco paid a solemn tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat in New Delhi, marking a key moment in his ongoing State Visit to India. He laid a wreath at the Mahatma’s memorial and signed the visitors’ book in honor of Gandhi’s legacy.
Earlier the same day, President Lourenco was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan, where he was greeted by President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and other dignitaries.
President Lourenco arrived in New Delhi on Thursday, accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising ministers, senior officials, and business leaders. He was welcomed at the airport by Minister of State Kirti Vardhan Singh, who represented the Government of India.
Sharing the moment on X, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal wrote:
“Warm welcome to President Mr. Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco of Angola as he lands in New Delhi on a State Visit. President is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including several Ministers, senior officials and business houses.”
Remembering Bapu and his ideals.
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) May 3, 2025
President Mr. João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço of Angola paid respects to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. pic.twitter.com/oRB7VLA7dr
During this visit, several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) are expected to be signed between India and Angola in key sectors such as traditional medicine, agriculture, and cultural cooperation.
The visit coincides with the 40th anniversary of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between India and Angola in 1985. Over the decades, the two countries have maintained robust bilateral engagement through regular high-level visits, joint projects, and economic cooperation.
Notably, President Lourenco last met PM Modi in July 2018 on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg. Prior to that, Angola’s then Vice President Manuel Vicente visited India for the 3rd India-Africa Forum Summit in October 2015.
In January 2024, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Angolan Foreign Minister Tete Antonio in Kampala, Uganda during the NAM Ministerial Meeting, further solidifying diplomatic channels.
This year, Angola chairs the African Union (AU), making President Lourenco’s visit even more significant in the context of India-Africa strategic engagement.
India has actively invested in capacity building, education, infrastructure, and energy projects in Angola, positioning itself as a key development partner. The current visit is expected to deepen ties and open new avenues for cooperation in both bilateral and multilateral platforms.