India-Namibia Strategic Partnership
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Namibia in July 2025. This was the first Prime Minister of Indiaial visit to Namibia in nearly 30 years. The visit aims to boost cooperation in technology, health, infrastructure, development, and security. It reflects the growing importance of India-Africa relations, especially with resource-rich Namibia.
Historical Ties
India and Namibia share a long history of solidarity. India supported Namibia’s liberation from apartheid South Africa. In 1946, India raised Namibia’s independence issue at the United Nations. The South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO), Namibia’s liberation movement, opened its first embassy in New Delhi in 1986. India provided material aid and military training to Namibian freedom fighters. After Namibia’s independence in 1990, diplomatic relations were formalised with resident missions in both countries.
Modern Diplomatic and Development Cooperation
Since independence, India and Namibia have strengthened diplomatic links. Visits by leaders like Sam Nujoma and former Indian Presidents reinforced this bond. India’s support extends beyond diplomacy to development assistance. Namibia benefits from India’s capacity-building programmes such as the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC). India has trained Namibian defence personnel, diplomats, and health officials. India also provided Covid-19 vaccines and humanitarian aid during droughts and floods.
Economic and Strategic Interests
Namibia is rich in critical minerals like uranium, lithium, zinc, and rare earth metals. These resources are vital for India’s energy security and industrial growth. Bilateral trade surged to $654 million in 2023, with India exporting pharmaceuticals, machinery, and cereals. Indian investments in Namibia total around $800 million, mainly in mining and diamond processing. The establishment of an ‘India Wing’ at the University of Namibia marks educational cooperation.
Environmental and Wildlife Cooperation
India and Namibia collaborate on wildlife conservation. In 2022, a landmark memorandum of understanding enabled the translocation of cheetahs from Namibia to India. This project marked the world’s first intercontinental relocation of a major carnivore species. It reflects India’s commitment to biodiversity and ecological partnerships with African nations.
India’s Role in Africa Compared to China
China is Africa’s largest trading partner with over $200 billion in trade, while India ranks fourth with $100 billion in 2023. India has invested $76 billion in Africa since 1996 and plans to double this by 2030. India’s approach focuses on sustainable development, capacity-building, and moral diplomacy. In contrast, concerns exist about China’s debt diplomacy in Africa. India emphasises partnership based on mutual respect and long-term growth rather than dependency.
Strategic and Security Cooperation
India engages Africa through defence exercises like AF-INDEX and dialogues such as the India-Africa defence dialogue. Namibia’s participation puts stress on the growing security ties. India’s SAGAR initiative promotes security and growth in the Indian Ocean region, linking Africa and India strategically. Namibia supports India’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat, reflecting strong political alignment.
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