India, Namibia Strengthen Ties in Key Sectors

PM Modi Highlights Partnership, Not Competition, with Africa

As Prime Minister Modi concluded his five-nation tour in Windhoek, India and Namibia committed to strengthening their relationship across defense, digital technology, and energy, signaling a deepening partnership.

Areas of Cooperation

During a bilateral meeting with **President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah**, PM Modi discussed enhancing cooperation in sectors like maritime security, UPI, and critical minerals. The leaders also addressed the global fight against terrorism after the Pahalgam attack, expressing a commitment to amplify the voice of the Global South.

Notably, India’s focus on digital infrastructure and payment systems aligns with a broader trend. According to a 2024 report by McKinsey, digital financial services in Africa could add $3.7 trillion to the continent’s GDP by 2025 (McKinsey).

PM Modi‘s Vision for Africa

Addressing Namibia’s Parliament, PM Modi outlined India’s vision for Africa, emphasizing cooperation over competition. He stated India seeks “to cooperate, not compete, and not take but to build and grow together.” He further added, “Let us create a future defined not by power, but by partnership, not by dominance, but by dialogue, not by exclusion, but by equity.”

The Prime Minister stressed Africa’s potential beyond being a mere source of raw materials, stating, “We believe that Africa must not be just a source of raw materials. Africa must lead in value creation and sustainable growth. Let our children not only inherit the freedom we fought for, but the future we will build together,” remarks seen by some as a subtle reference to China’s extensive presence on the continent.

Conservation and Trade

PM Modi expressed gratitude for Namibia’s support in the cheetah conservation project in India and extended an invitation to join the International Big Cat Alliance. He welcomed Namibia’s adoption of India’s UPI payment system. PM Modi said the cheetahs “are happy and have adapted well in their new home. They have grown in numbers as well. Clearly, they are enjoying their time.”

Furthermore, India plans to scale up development cooperation through capacity building programs for Namibian experts, while also exploring partnerships in establishing manufacturing facilities in Namibia. He urged expediting the preferential trade agreement with the Southern African Customs Union. Two MoUs were also signed.

Namibia Honors PM Modi

PM Modi received Namibia’s highest civilian honor, the Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis, becoming the first Indian leader to receive this award. The award, established in 1995, symbolizes endurance and recognizes distinguished service. This marks the 27th international award Modi has received, and the fourth during his current tour.

In addition, PM Modi addressed the Namibian Parliament, marking his 17th address to a foreign parliament, equalling the combined total of all the Congress PMs over seven decades.