India, Namibia forge stronger ties as Modi seals key agreements

Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India’s visit to Namibia marked a significant moment in the longstanding diplomatic, economic and cultural relations between Namibia and India.

During his stay, Prime Minister Modi held high-level talks with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and other senior government officials, with the two nations reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation across several key sectors, including defence, education, health, trade, culture, energy and technology. Prime Minister Modi described the bond between the two nations as strengthened by shared democratic values and common dreams of a brighter future. “In the times ahead, we will continue to walk together, hand in hand, on the path of development,” said Modi. The visit marked the signing of a series of bilateral agreements focusing on enhanced collaboration in various sectors.

Addressing members of parliament, Prime Minister Modi announced a major step in digital cooperation with Namibia, which became one of the first countries in the region to adopt India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system. In the health sector, Namibia has welcomed India’s proposal to establish a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in the country under the Pharmacy of the World initiative. The proposed facility is expected to enhance regional health security and aligns with Namibia’s broader goal of strengthening domestic health production capacities. Equally significant was India’s proposal to establish a Namibia-India Entrepreneurship Development Centre in Namibia. “We believe this centre will serve as a motivation for innovation, skills development and entrepreneurship, especially for youth and women,” said President Nandi-Ndaitwah.

The president called for the two nations to stand firm in their call for multilateralism to remain at the centre of global affairs. “It is also important for our two countries to maintain regular consultations on vital issues such as the need for the reform of the United Nations Security Council and other multilateral institutions,” she noted.

The two leaders emphasised the importance of sustainable development and mutual investment as drivers of inclusive economic growth. Modi also engaged with members of the Indian diaspora and visited cultural and historical sites such as Heroes’ Acre. The visit also marked the conferment of Namibia’s highest civilian order award, the Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis, on Modi. In acceptance, Modi reflected on the symbolism of the Welwitschia plant, describing it as no ordinary plant, but rather a representation of resilience and heritage. “It is like the elders of the family, who have seen times change. It is a symbol of the struggles, courage and culture of the Namibian people,” he said. Modi’s visit formed part of a historic eight-day tour across five nations, namely Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil and Namibia, showcasing India’s deepening ties with the Global South. The prime minister called for collaborative action to create a future defined not by power, dominance or exclusion but by partnership, dialogue and equity.

Maggie Forcelledo Paz