India, Africa Must Work Side by Side: PM Modi in Namibia – Summary and Analysis
Prime Minister Modi’s Visit to Namibia
- PM Modi addressed the Namibian Parliament in Windhoek.
- Reaffirmed India’s historic support for Namibia’s independence since 1946.
- Conferred with Namibia’s highest civilian honour – Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis.
Key Highlights of the Visit
- India’s engagement in Africa is based on cooperation, not competition.
- Emphasized that Africa must be seen as a partner in value creation, not just a source of raw materials.
- Namibia will adopt India’s UPI system – first African country to do so.
- Agreements signed:
- Entrepreneurship Development Centre to be established in Namibia.
- Cooperation in health and medicine.
- Namibia joins:
- Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).
- Global Biofuel Alliance.
- PM Modi paid tribute to Sam Nujoma, Namibia’s freedom leader.
- Recalled India’s support to SWAPO and anti-colonial struggles in Africa.
India–Africa Relations: Broader Context
Historical Background
- Shared legacy of anti-colonial movements and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
- India supported liberation movements in various African nations.
Economic and Strategic Ties
- India–Africa trade crossed $100 billion in 2023–24.
- Indian investment in Africa exceeds $75 billion.
- Digital diplomacy through:
- e-Vidya Bharati and e-Aarogya Bharati.
- Pan-African e-Network.
- Defence and maritime cooperation through:
- India-Africa Defence Dialogue.
- People-to-people engagement via scholarships and training programs under ITEC and ICCR.
Namibia’s Strategic Importance for India
- Rich in strategic minerals like uranium, copper, and diamonds.
- Long Atlantic coastline – potential for maritime cooperation.
- Politically stable and friendly towards India.
- Open to adopting Indian digital technologies like UPI.
Way Forward for India–Africa Cooperation
- Deepen Digital Cooperation
- Extend UPI and India Stack to more African countries.
- Promote Development Partnerships
- Focus on skilling, health, agriculture, and start-up support.
- Utilize Lines of Credit (LoCs) to finance sustainable projects.
- Enhance Strategic Diplomacy
- Revive the India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS).
- Support African Union’s permanent seat at the UN Security Council.
- Counterbalance China’s Influence
- Provide transparent financing.
- Prioritize people-centric development and long-term partnerships.
