“Angola – India bilateral relations is robust and multifaceted, with collaboration in sectors such as trade, education, health, energy, oil, etc.”
In 2025 both the nations are celebrating its 40th year of Angola — India diplomatic relations (1985-2025). How would you describe the current state of bilateral relations between the two nations? What are some of the key areas where you see the most potential for growth?
Diplomatic relations between the Republic of Angola and the Republic of India were established on 27 July 1985 and cooperation relations began on 4 October 1986 with the signing of the General Agreement for Economic, Technical, Scientific and Cultural Cooperation in New Delhi.
The current state of bilateral relations is robust and multifaceted, with collaboration in sectors such as trade, education, health, energy, oil, etc. Angola has made significant progress in strengthening this co-operation, particularly in the fields of energy, agriculture and infrastructure development. Looking ahead, we see great potential to expand our co-operation in several other areas of interest. We are also exploring opportunities to increase people-to-people links through greater cultural exchange and academic partnerships.
Angola is known for its rich natural resources, including oil and minerals. Beyond these sectors, what other industries or sectors do you see as attractive for Indian investors? How is Angola working to diversify its economy?
Beyond these sectors, Angola has indeed made significant progress in transforming the country into a centre for global investors. The government has implemented various policies to attract foreign investment, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, energy, mining and infrastructure. We have simplified our regulatory framework to make it easier to do business in Angola and we offer various incentives, including tax exemptions and favourable conditions for the repatriation of profits. In addition, Angola is committed to improving the business environment by increasing transparency, reducing bureaucratic obstacles and investing in critical infrastructures that support economic growth.
On the other hand, the Angolan government has unilaterally decided to exempt citizens of 98 countries from around the world, including India, from visas to enter the country, with the aim of stimulating local tourism and facilitating private investment.
Angola has a variety of unique landscapes and cultural experiences. In your opinion, what are the top places or attractions that Indian tourists should visit in Angola? How is Angola promoting itself as a tourist destination for Indian travellers?
Tourism is a vital sector for Angola’s economic diversification. For this reason, we are actively working to promote our country as a leading tourist destination. We are focusing on developing our cultural heritage sites, improving tourist infrastructure and enhancing the visitor experience. To attract tourists from India and other countries, we are taking part in various international tourism fairs, promoting Angola’s attractions through targeted marketing campaigns and simplifying visa procedures to make travelling more accessible.
And the main places or attractions that we suggest Indian tourists visit in Angola are the following:
- Tundavala Rift in Huíla;
- Mayombe Forest in Cabinda;
- Nzenzo Caves in Uíge;
- Carumbo Lagoon in Lunda Norte;
- Môco Hill in Huambo;
- Kalandula Falls in Malanje;
- Chiumbe River Falls in Lunda Sul and also our Flora and Fauna.
We believe that Angola’s unique landscapes, rich culture and warm hospitality have a lot to offer Indian tourists.
With growing interest in Angola as both a business and leisure destination, can you provide an update on Angola’s visa policies for Indian nationals? Are there any upcoming plans to simplify or enhance the visa process for Indian tourists and entrepreneurs?
The Angolan government has unilaterally decided to exempt citizens from 98 countries around the world, including India, from visa requirements. All Indian citizens travelling to the country for tourist and business reasons are exempt from visa requirements, provided their stay does not exceed 30 days. This is a suberan decision by the Angolan government to promote this very promising sector of the country’s economy.
The Embassy of the Republic of Angola in India will continue with its motto of connecting and facilitating Indian and Angolan companies on their journey of business collaboration.
Can you share any details about recent high-level visits between Angola and India? How have these visits contributed to strengthening diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties between our two countries?
In fact, high-level visits play a crucial role in strengthening political and diplomatic relations between states. To commemorate the 40th anniversary, we intend to organize several high-level visits from Angola to India and vice versa. These visits will include senior government officials and business leaders, with the aim of deepening our economic and strategic partnerships. We are also planning a series of bilateral meetings to discuss new avenues of co-operation, particularly in the areas of energy, technology and health. However, the success of this action does not depend solely on Angola and we hope that India will see these visits as an opportunity to strengthen our bilateral relations.
To this end, we are negotiating various legal instruments that will be signed to boost and diversify other areas of our co-operation.
The first India-Angola Foreign Office Consultations took place recently. Could you elaborate on the key outcomes of these discussions? What new areas of cooperation emerged from this meeting?
The first round of Political Consultations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Angola and the Ministry of External Affairs of the Republic of India was held on 11 August 2023 in Luanda, Angola, with the aim of strengthening cooperation and promoting friendship between the two countries.
Both sides reviewed bilateral relations, with emphasis on political and commercial aspects, capacity building in their respective countries and the reforms underway in Angola, aimed at improving the business environment and ensuring the diversification of the economy. It was also agreed to exploit the immense potential available in the field of defence and security.
India and Angola share strong trade ties, especially in sectors like oil and diamonds. How do you see the future of trade relations evolving? What steps is Angola taking to encourage more balanced trade between the two nations, especially in non-traditional sectors?
India has become an important economic partner for Angola, not only through its financial investments, but also through the provision of technical assistance, professional training and collaboration in various sectors of mutual interest, namely: agriculture, industry, trade, health, oil and gas and technical co-operation. This partnership has been fundamental to Angola’s development and to strengthening its economic and social capacities.
With regard to our bilateral trade relations, in 2023 Angola’s exports reached USD 1,744,993,899.41, while imports from India totalled USD 1,084,091,060.31, resulting in a trade surplus that, although favourable to our country, India is Angola’s largest trading partner, mainly due to the purchase of crude oil and natural gas. This situation urgently needs to be changed by diversifying our exports, with the participation of the private sector of both countries, thus increasing the volume of our trade which, as we have already said, is still below its potential.
We therefore urge the Indian business sector to familiarise itself with our market, taking into account the continuous improvements introduced by our government to facilitate private investors’ access to economic activity and to support projects aimed at diversifying the economy.
Angola celebrating its 5Oth Independence Day in 2025. How did Angola commemorate this significant day?
The 50th anniversary of Angola’s independence is indeed an important occasion. To this end, we are planning a series of events to celebrate this milestone here in India. This includes cultural exhibitions showcasing Angola’s art, music and dance, as well as conferences that will focus on Angola’s long journey from independence to the present day. We also plan to engage the Angolan and Indian community through talks and debates about Angola’s history and future. These initiatives are intended not only to celebrate our independence, but also to strengthen the bonds of friendship between our two nations.
Angola is committed to sustainable development and improving the quality of life for its citizens. What initiatives is your government undertaking to promote sustainable economic growth, especially in areas such as renewable energy, infrastructure, and agriculture?
In fact, the Angolan government is committed to sustainable development and improving the quality of life of its citizens and the initiatives that have been put in place are driving economic growth, such as agriculture, which is family farming with the PIIM Plan and much more. With regard to renewable energies, 68% of Angolan energy is clean and ecosystem-friendly, infrastructures across the country are seeing the light of day with projects such as the Lobito corridor, the new international airport, the hydroelectric plant, the solar plant, the photovoltaic plant, the ports, hospitals with the latest technologies, such as robotic surgery 2nd in sub-Saharan Africa, tele-surgery, roads and much more. All these initiatives are aimed as empowering and creating jobs for the Angolan population.
Would you like to give any message to our Envoy Excellency readers?
I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the readers of Envoy Excellency for their continued interest in promoting understanding between nations. Angola and India share a rich history of co-operation and friendship, and I am confident that our partnership will be further strengthened in the years to come. I encourage everyone to explore the opportunities that Angola offers, whether in business, culture or tourism, and to continue to support the spirit of diplomacy that brings our two great nations closer together.