Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Namibia, the last leg of his five-nation tour, was marked by a ceremonial welcome in Windhoek. This visit is a milestone, being the first by an Indian PM to Namibia in almost 30 years. Modi laid a wreath at the National War Memorial, ‘Heroes’ Acre’. Talks with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah covered various aspects of collaboration, including digital technology, defense, security, agriculture, healthcare, education, and critical minerals. Trade, energy, and petrochemical sectors were also highlighted. PM Modi expressed his appreciation for Namibia’s support in Project Cheetah. At the airport, the Prime Minister was greeted by the Namibian Minister of International Relations and Trade, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, and members of the Indian diaspora. The visit is poised to enhance India-Namibia relations further, building on India’s historical backing of Namibia’s independence. With bilateral trade reaching USD 814 million and substantial Indian investment in the mining sector, the countries are exploring further avenues for cooperation including expanding cooperation in mining, energy, health, agriculture and infrastructure. The successful cheetah translocation from Namibia to India stands as a symbol of the strong relationship between the two nations. Ongoing negotiations for a Preferential Trade Arrangement between India and the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) are also underway.
