Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Namibia marks a significant step in strengthening the long-standing relationship between the two nations. This is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Namibia in nearly three decades, highlighting the importance India places on its partnership with the southern African nation.
India and Namibia share a history of friendship and collaboration, dating back to Namibia's struggle for independence. India was among the first countries to raise the issue of Namibian independence at the United Nations in 1946 and has since been a consistent supporter of Namibia's development. The first embassy of the South West Africa People's Organisation (SWAPO), which led Namibia's liberation struggle, was established in New Delhi in 1986.
During his visit, PM Modi addressed a joint session of the Namibian Parliament, a gesture that underscores the mutual respect and strong ties between the two countries. He also held bilateral talks with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, focusing on strengthening cooperation in various sectors such as energy, healthcare, digital infrastructure, education, and capacity building.
One of the key highlights of the visit was the signing of a technology agreement to enable unified payment interoperability between India and Namibia. This agreement aims to enhance cooperation in the fintech and digital sectors, promoting ease of transactions and boosting economic ties.
Namibia's rich reserves of uranium, copper, cobalt, and rare earth minerals, along with its recent oil discoveries, have garnered global attention. As the world's fourth-largest producer of uranium oxide, Namibia holds significant potential in the clean energy sector. India has expressed interest in collaborating with Namibia in mining, energy, and infrastructure development.
Bilateral trade between India and Namibia stood at approximately $814 million in 2023-24, with Indian exports accounting for over half of that figure. Indian investments in Namibia are estimated at nearly $800 million, primarily in the mining sector, including zinc and diamonds.
India has also been providing development assistance and capacity-building support to Namibia through scholarships, defense training programs, and technical cooperation. Over 1,000 Namibian candidates have received training in India under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program. India has also supported Namibia in times of natural calamities, such as drought and floods, by providing humanitarian assistance.
PM Modi also lauded the role of the Indian diaspora in Namibia, recognizing their contribution to preserving Indian culture and strengthening ties between the two nations. The Indian community in Namibia expressed optimism about the growing friendship between India and Namibia.
The Prime Minister's visit to Namibia is expected to further strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries, paving the way for enhanced cooperation in various fields. The two nations also continue to collaborate in multilateral forums such as the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement, and the Commonwealth of Nations. Namibia has also been a supporter of India's bid for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council.
