Long before the formal protocols of modern diplomacy took shape, the hearts of Indians and Namibians beat in a common rhythm of liberation, hope and unyielding courage.
India’s solidarity with Namibia’s liberation struggle began as early as 1946, when India became one of the first countries to raise the issue of Namibian independence at the United Nations.
From hosting the first Swapo embassy abroad in New Delhi in 1986 to witnessing the birth of a free Namibia in 1990, our partnership has always been defined by aligned goals and profound mutual respect.
Today, this relationship is scaling new heights as we prepare for the Fourth India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-IV) in New Delhi from 28 to 31 May.
The business, senior officials and foreign ministerial meetings will culminate in the meeting of the leaders on 31 May.
This summit represents a season of renewal for a partnership that has grown more ambitious, inclusive and future-oriented.
It aligns India’s ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ (Developed India 2047) with Africa’s ‘Agenda 2063’, which creates a complementary roadmap for prosperity and sustainable growth.
The India-Africa Forum Summit has served as the apex institutional mechanism for our engagement since its inception in 2008.
It has evolved through a journey of constant growth and transformative achievements.
The inaugural 2008 summit in New Delhi established the foundational Africa-India Framework for Cooperation, backed by US$5.4 billion in concessional credit and the pioneering Pan-African e-Network Project for telemedicine and e-learning.
This momentum was sustained during the 2011 Summit in Addis Ababa, which prioritised institutional building through a US$5 billion commitment, alongside a US$300 million investment in infrastructure projects and the expansion of 22 000 scholarships.
The historic 2015 summit in New Delhi reached an unprecedented scale by representing all 54 African nations.
Prime minister Modi significantly deepened the partnership by announcing a further US$10 billion in concessional credit and US$600 million in grant assistance.
With a pledge to provide 50 000 scholarships for African youth over five years, that gathering solidified a people-centric approach to diplomacy.
This consistent history of concrete results has turned the IAFS into a global model for south-south cooperation, ensuring that the upcoming fourth summit begins from a position of immense strength and mutual trust.Namibia has been a stalwart participant in every single edition of the IAFS.
Whether it was the late president Hage Geingob’s impactful presence at the 2015 summit or the collaborative spirit shown in earlier years, Namibia has always been a key voice in shaping the Global South narrative alongside India.
The theme for IAFS-IV, ‘IA Spirit: India-Africa Strategic Partnership for Innovation, Resilience and Inclusive Transformation’, perfectly captures the essence of our bond.
It moves beyond simple transactions to a partnership grounded in congruent ideals and enduring appreciation. India’s relationship with Africa is anchored in centuries of civilisational linkages and a shared history of solidarity in the struggle against colonialism.
Today, this partnership has evolved into a strategic vision for prosperity through sustainable and inclusive growth.
This commitment is backed by India’s expanded diplomatic presence across the African continent and a consistent push for a more representative global order – a goal most notably realised through India’s successful advocacy for the African Union’s permanent membership in the G20.
Moving beyond traditional trade, this cooperation now pushes new frontiers in digital transformation, fintech and green energy with an emphasis on co-creation and mutual investment.
India remains a steadfast partner in Africa’s development, providing extensive concessional credit and grant assistance that supports critical infrastructure in agriculture, healthcare and education.
This people-centric approach is further strengthened by extensive scholarship and capacity building training programmes aimed at nurturing the talent and resilience of the Global South.
India looks forward to welcoming the Namibian leadership to New Delhi once again to explore deeper integration and align our long-term development strategies.
Beyond attending a summit, India and Namibia are actively co-authoring a global future defined by greater stability, fairness and prosperity for all our people.
– Rahul Shrivastava is the Indian high commissioner to Namibia.
