Angolan President Lourenco urges India’s support in doctors, medicines, and digital innovation as PM Modi offers defence credit and low-cost space tech during high-level talks in Delhi.
New Delhi, May 4:
During delegation-level talks in New Delhi, Angolan President Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco made a direct appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, asking for India’s support in building Angola’s healthcare infrastructure, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on Saturday.
“President Lourenco specifically asked for India’s support in healthcare, doctors, and paramedical forces,” said Dammu Ravi, MEA Secretary (Economic Relations), in a press briefing.
“They are rapidly expanding their hospital network and require manpower and support.”
In response, PM Modi highlighted the possibility of supplying vaccines, medicines, and establishing Jan Aushadhi units—affordable generic medicine outlets—across Angola.
India Offers Space & Digital Cooperation
In addition to healthcare, discussions expanded into new-age sectors, including space technology and digital infrastructure.
“Angola already operates a satellite mission control centre with Russian and French support. India, known for low-cost satellite launch capabilities, offered its space expertise to Angola,” Ravi said.
On the digital front, India offered to help Angola explore Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) — a transformative governance tool that enhances public service delivery and ease of living.
“It’s a new concept for Angola, but PM Modi explained its benefits clearly. President Lourenco welcomed it, and there’s strong potential to collaborate in this area,” Ravi added.
Defence Partnership Strengthened with $200 Million Credit Line
Further strengthening bilateral ties, India also offered $200 million in lines of credit to Angola for defence cooperation, signifying a deepening strategic relationship between the two nations.
Growing Bilateral Synergy
The visit underscores a broader India-Angola partnership rooted in development, diplomacy, and technological progress. From healthcare and space tech to digital governance and defence, both countries are exploring multifaceted cooperation that blends capacity-building with innovation.