India, Africa Must Work Side by Side: PM Modi in Namibia – Summary and Analysis

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.

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

Shared legacy of anti-colonial movements and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
India supported liberation movements in various African nations.

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.

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.