How Will India and Namibia Strengthen Their Ties During PM Modi's Visit?

New Delhi, June 30 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a historic visit to Namibia, marking the first trip since President Netumbo Nandi Ndaitwah took office. This visit signifies a pivotal move to revitalize the bilateral relationship and enhance economic collaboration between the two nations, as stated by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

This will be Prime Minister Modi's inaugural trip to Namibia and the third instance of an Indian Prime Minister visiting the country.

It also marks the first bilateral State Visit that Nandi-Ndaitwah will host since assuming the presidency in March. The MEAs announcement emphasized that PM Modi's visit on July 9, occurring early in the Namibian leader's administration, will be instrumental in revitalizing ties and fostering economic cooperation.

Namibia will serve as the final destination on PM Modi's five-nation tour, which includes stops in Ghana (July 2-3), Trinidad and Tobago (July 3-4), Argentina (July 4-5), and Brazil (July 5-8).

During his stay, PM Modi will engage in bilateral discussions with President Nandi-Ndaitwah and pay tribute to Dr. Sam Nujoma, the Founding Father and first President of Namibia. Additionally, he is anticipated to deliver an address at Namibia's Parliament.

As per the MEA Secretary (Economic Relations) Dammu Ravi, "The bilateral relations are extensive. Trade stands at $600 million, slightly favoring India, while investments amount to $800 million, primarily in mineral resources such as zinc and diamond processing."

India and Namibia share profound historical ties, with New Delhi recognizing the South West African nation before it gained independence in 1990.

The issue of Namibia, previously known as ‘South West Africa’, was raised by India at the inaugural United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 1946. Furthermore, India facilitated the establishment of Namibia's first diplomatic mission in New Delhi in 1986.

The MEA also highlighted India's relocation of cheetahs from Namibia to Kuno National Park, noting the successful execution of this initiative.

Moreover, a crucial agreement on Unified Payments interoperability technology has been signed between the Central Bank of Namibia and the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), which will be advanced during PM Modi's visit.

According to Secretary Ravi, "Namibia is abundant in natural resources and minerals, including uranium, copper, cobalt, and rare earth elements. Recently, new oil fields have been discovered in Namibia, signaling potential partnerships in hydrocarbons. The nation is also eager to collaborate with India in agriculture and pharmaceuticals."

The Prime Minister's visit underscores India's long-standing and multifaceted ties with Namibia.

India and Namibia cultivate a warm relationship and engage across various sectors, including environmental conservation, trade, mining, energy, healthcare, defense, agriculture, and education. PM Modi's visit is anticipated to further solidify the bilateral relationship between these two vibrant democracies.