India Namibia Sign Strategic Agreements to Boost Bilateral Ties in Energy Health and Digital Sectors

New Delhi July Nine Twenty Twenty Five — India and Namibia have taken a major step forward in their diplomatic relationship by signing four key agreements aimed at strengthening cooperation in energy healthcare digital infrastructure and entrepreneurship The agreements were formalized during a high level meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Namibian President Netumbo Nandi Ndaitwah in Windhoek

Strengthening South South Cooperation

Prime Minister Modi described Namibia as a valued and trusted partner in Africa emphasizing the shared democratic values and development goals that unite the two nations President Nandi Ndaitwah received a ceremonial welcome including a guard of honor and a traditional reception reflecting the importance of the visit

Key Agreements Signed

The four agreements signed include

• Establishment of an Entrepreneurship Development Center in Namibia
• Cooperation in the field of Health and Medicine
• Namibia joining the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure
• Namibia joining the Global Biofuels Alliance

These agreements are expected to enhance bilateral trade promote sustainable development and deepen institutional linkages between the two countries

Digital and Financial Innovation

A major highlight of the visit was the announcement that Namibia will adopt Indias Unified Payments Interface UPI technology later this year This move follows a licensing agreement signed in April Twenty Twenty Four between the National Payments Corporation of India and the Bank of Namibia The initiative aims to boost digital financial inclusion and modernize Namibias payment systems

Focus on Critical Sectors

The leaders discussed expanding cooperation in several strategic areas including

• Digital technology and cybersecurity
• Defence and security collaboration
• Agriculture and food security
• Education and skill development
• Critical minerals and energy transition

India also expressed interest in supporting Namibias efforts in renewable energy and infrastructure development

Wildlife Conservation and Project Cheetah

The two countries reaffirmed their commitment to wildlife conservation building on the success of Project Cheetah Namibia had previously transferred eight cheetahs to India as part of a rewilding initiative Prime Minister Modi thanked Namibia for its support and invited further collaboration in the second phase of the project

Economic and Trade Opportunities

Bilateral trade between India and Namibia currently stands at approximately three hundred million US dollars with significant potential for growth India imports minerals and semi precious stones from Namibia while exporting pharmaceuticals machinery and textiles The new agreements are expected to open up investment opportunities in renewable energy agribusiness and digital services

Cultural and Diaspora Engagement

The visit also included cultural exchanges and interactions with the Indian diaspora in Namibia Prime Minister Modi announced plans to establish a cultural center in Windhoek to promote language learning yoga and academic collaboration

Global Cooperation and Shared Vision

In a joint statement both leaders emphasized the importance of multilateralism climate action and equitable global governance They called for reform of international institutions to better represent the Global South and expressed support for a permanent African seat on the United Nations Security Council

Looking Ahead

This visit marks a turning point in India Namibia relations transitioning from symbolic gestures to strategic collaboration With follow up mechanisms in place and high level engagement expected to continue the agreements signed today lay the foundation for a long term partnership focused on mutual growth and global cooperation