PM Modi’s Namibia Visit: A Warm Welcome and Focus on Bilateral Ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a ceremonial welcome in Windhoek, Namibia, marking the final stop of his five-nation tour and the first visit by an Indian PM in nearly three decades. The event included the playing of the Indian national anthem. He subsequently laid a wreath at the National War Memorial, ‘Heroes’ Acre.’ Discussions with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah focused on cooperation in areas such as digital technology, defense, security, agriculture, healthcare, education, and critical minerals. Discussions also explored avenues for boosting trade, energy, and petrochemical linkages. PM Modi expressed gratitude for Namibia’s assistance in Project Cheetah. Upon arrival, PM Modi was greeted by the Namibian Minister of International Relations and Trade, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, and members of the Indian diaspora. The visit aims to deepen ties, with India being an early supporter of Namibian independence. Bilateral trade reached USD 814 million in 2023-24, and Indian investments are nearly $800 million, mainly in the mining sector. The translocation of cheetahs from Namibia to India exemplifies the strong bilateral relationship. Cooperation in mining, energy, health, agriculture, and infrastructure is being explored, and negotiations for a Preferential Trade Arrangement are ongoing.