India, African Union Are Pillars Of Global South, Says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday reaffirmed India’s strategic and economic commitment to Africa, describing both India and the African Union as ‘partners in progress and pillars of the Global South’.

He made the remarks during a joint press briefing with Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, who is on a state visit to India.

The leaders met at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, where they discussed growing bilateral cooperation.

Trade, Defence, And Digital Ties Take Centre Stage

Highlighting India’s deepening engagement with African nations, Prime Minister Modi noted that bilateral trade has reached nearly USD 100 billion.

He pointed out that India has extended USD 12 billion in credit lines and USD 700 million in grants to countries across the continent.

“In the last 10 years, we have intensified our cooperation with Africa,” PM Modi stated.

Also Read: India Approves USD 200 Million Credit Line To Angola For Defence Modernisation

“We have opened 17 new embassies, improved defence ties, and boosted maritime security. Last month, India and Africa conducted their first joint naval maritime exercise,” the Prime Minister further added.

India is also assisting African nations in developing digital public infrastructure in five countries and has established vocational training centres in eight others.

PM Modi Applauds Angola’s Role And G20 Milestone

PM Modi congratulated Angola on assuming the chairmanship of the African Union, expressing confidence in the continent’s rising global influence.

“On behalf of 1.4 billion Indians, I extend my best wishes to Angola,” he said. “It is a matter of great pride that during India’s G20 presidency, the African Union secured permanent membership of the group.”

United Stand Against Cross-Border Terrorism

Addressing regional and global security concerns, the Prime Minister thanked Angola for standing with India in the fight against terrorism.

“We are committed to taking firm and decisive action against terrorists and their supporters,” PM Modi said. “We deeply appreciate Angola’s support and its condolences for the lives lost in the recent terror attack in Pahalgam.  agree that terrorism remains the gravest threat to humanity.”

Leaders Hold Bilateral Talks

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi formally welcomed President Lourenço at Hyderabad House.

The two leaders, accompanied by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, held detailed bilateral discussions covering trade, security, and regional cooperation.