India, Namibia bolster ties, sign pacts on defence, critical minerals

India and Namibia on Wednesday signed four key agreements and strengthened bilateral cooperation across sectors ranging from defence to critical minerals, following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah in Windhoek.

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The two sides inked Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) on setting up an Entrepreneurship Development Centre in Namibia and enhancing collaboration in health and medicine. Other agreements covered cooperation in biofuels and disaster-resilient infrastructure.

Modi, who arrived in Namibia’s capital from Brazil on the final leg of his five-nation tour, held delegation-level talks with President Nandi-Ndaitwah at the State House. The leaders reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral ties, including digital technology, security, agriculture, education and healthcare.

Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude to Namibia for its condolences and support following the Pahalgam terror attack and the Ahmedabad flight crash. He also acknowledged Namibia’s role in ‘Project Cheetah’, which reintroduced cheetahs to India.

“Our historical ties are rooted in mutual trust and shared values. India is proud to have supported Namibia’s struggle for independence, raising its voice at the UNGA as early as 1946. Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals continue to inspire both our nations,” Modi said during the talks.

Highest civilian honour for PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Wednesday conferred the Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis, Namibia’s highest civilian honour. The award, instituted in 1995 — five years after Namibia gained independence —recognises distinguished service and leadership. It is named after the Welwitschia Mirabilis, a rare and ancient desert plant endemic to Namibia, symbolising resilience, longevity and the enduring spirit of the Namibian people. This marks the 27th international award conferred on PM Modi and the fourth during his ongoing five-nation tour.

Namibia, rich in natural resources such as uranium, copper, cobalt and rare earths, is an important partner for India’s mineral security. Trade between the two countries largely centres on mineral resources, including zinc and diamond processing.

Modi highlighted India’s National Critical Minerals Mission and invited Namibia to partner in the initiative. “We can work towards a Critical Minerals Partnership Agreement,” he said.

This marks PM Modi’s first visit to Namibia, and only the third by an Indian PM to the country in the past 27 years. He was accorded a traditional welcome at Hosea Kutako International Airport and an official ceremonial reception ahead of the talks.

Addressing a Joint Session of Parliament of the Republic of Namibia, the PM said, “Africa must not be just a source of raw material, it must lead in value creation and sustainable growth.”

Underlining that India values Africa’s role in world affairs, he said the two sides must act together to create a future defined not by power and dominance, but by partnership and dialogue. This marked his third address to a national Parliament in a week, during which he received a standing ovation and sustained applause from members of Namibian Parliament.

He also paid tributes to founding president of Namibia Sam Nujoma and the country’s freedom fighters. “It was an Indian Lieutenant General, Dewan Prem Chand, who led the UN peacekeeping force in Namibia,” he said.