Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Namibia, the final stop on his five-nation tour, marked a significant milestone as the first by an Indian Prime Minister in almost 30 years. The ceremonial welcome was held at the State House, featuring the Indian national anthem.
A key part of the visit involved PM Modi’s tribute at the National War Memorial, ‘Heroes’ Acre,’ dedicated to Namibian national heroes. The memorial was established by President Sam Nujoma in 2002.
Discussions between PM Modi and President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah covered various aspects of the India-Namibia relationship. These included cooperation in sectors like digital technology, defense, security, agriculture, healthcare, education, and critical minerals. Both leaders aimed to enhance trade, energy, and petrochemical collaborations. PM Modi acknowledged Namibia’s support for the Project Cheetah.
PM Modi received a warm reception at Hosea Kutako International Airport. He also met with members of the Indian diaspora, expressing pride in their efforts to maintain cultural connections. The visit is expected to strengthen the historical bond between India and Namibia, a bond rooted in India’s support for Namibia’s independence.
Namibia’s rich mineral resources, including uranium, copper, and rare earth elements, make it a key player in global mining. Bilateral trade in 2023-24 reached USD 814 million, with India having a significant export share. Indian investments in Namibia are concentrated in the mining sector. The successful translocation of cheetahs from Namibia to India highlights the trust between the nations. Furthermore, the two countries are focused on expanding cooperation in sectors like mining, energy, health, agriculture, and infrastructure. Discussions continue regarding a Preferential Trade Arrangement with the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), with Namibia as the coordinator.