Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Namibia, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in nearly three decades, has been marked by significant milestones in strengthening the relationship between the two nations. A key highlight of the visit was the conferral of Namibia's highest civilian honor, the Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis, upon PM Modi. This prestigious award, named after a unique and resilient desert plant endemic to Namibia, symbolizes endurance, strength, and timeless leadership.
PM Modi expressed his gratitude for the honor, dedicating it to the 1.4 billion people of India and highlighting the deep-rooted friendship between the two countries. He emphasized that the India-Namibia bond is one of trust, shared values, and mutual respect, forged through shared struggles and common dreams.
During his visit, PM Modi held bilateral talks with Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, during which they reviewed the full range of India-Namibia relations. Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in various sectors, including digital technology, defense, security, agriculture, healthcare, education, and critical minerals. Both leaders expressed their commitment to boosting linkages in trade, energy, and petrochemicals.
Four significant agreements were signed during the visit, paving the way for enhanced collaboration. These include:
These agreements demonstrate the commitment of both nations to deepen their cooperation in key areas of mutual interest.
PM Modi also expressed his appreciation for Namibia's support for Project Cheetah, an ambitious wildlife initiative to reintroduce cheetahs to India. He noted that the cheetah population in India has increased to 12 from the initial eight translocated from Namibia in 2022, marking the world's first intercontinental transfer of a major carnivore species. He welcomed further cooperation from Namibia in the second phase of the project.
The Prime Minister's visit underscores India's growing engagement with Africa, where it seeks to deepen ties of trade, development, security, and energy cooperation. Namibia holds significant importance for India due to its rich reserves of uranium, lithium, zinc, rare earth metals, copper, and cobalt, offering potential for a mutually beneficial energy security and critical minerals partnership.
Bilateral trade between India and Namibia stood at approximately $814 million in 2023-24, with Indian investments in Namibia estimated at nearly $800 million, largely in the mining sector. Negotiations for a Preferential Trade Arrangement between India and the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), with Namibia as the coordinator, are ongoing, which would further boost economic ties.
PM Modi's historic visit to Namibia and the conferral of the country's highest civilian award reflect the strong and growing partnership between the two nations. With enhanced cooperation in various sectors and a shared commitment to mutual growth and development, the India-Namibia relationship is poised to "shine like a diamond" in the years to come.
