Angola joins Solar Alliance, praised by India

New Delhi

Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi has welcomed Angola's decision to join the International Solar Alliance (ISA), marking a strong step in the global push for clean energy. Angola signed the ISA Framework Agreement during President Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco’s state visit to India. Minister Joshi called Angola's entry a key milestone in strengthening global cooperation in renewable energy. The ISA, led by India, promotes solar energy use across member nations, especially in developing countries. During the visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with President Lourenco at Hyderabad House in Delhi. India announced a $200 million defence credit line for Angola and pledged to expand ties in defence, space, public infrastructure, and more. Both nations agreed to boost cooperation in agriculture, traditional medicine, diamond processing, fertilisers, and critical minerals. A Youth Exchange Programme was also launched, highlighting the popularity of Yoga and Bollywood in Angola. President Lourenco called his visit historic, as India and Angola celebrate 40 years of diplomatic ties this year. His visit is also significant since he now chairs the African Union. PM Modi congratulated him and noted that the African Union became a permanent G20 member during India’s G20 presidency. He emphasized India and Africa’s shared fight against colonialism and support for the Global South. Both leaders strongly condemned terrorism, calling it the biggest threat to humanity. PM Modi thanked Angola for backing India’s stand against cross-border terrorism. The meeting strengthened Indo-Angolan ties in energy, diplomacy, and global cooperation.