President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on Wednesday welcomed Indian prime minister Narendra Modi to Namibia.
This marks a historic state visit that celebrates 35 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
The visit, held at State House in Windhoek, highlighted the deepening of strategic, economic and political cooperation under the theme of mutual respect and shared democratic values.
“This visit is a significant milestone in our journey of friendship and solidarity,” said president Nandi-Ndaitwah during official talks.
She praised India’s principled support during Namibia’s liberation struggle and reaffirmed the shared commitment to democracy, peace and the rule of law.
Key focus areas of the talks included trade and investment, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, defence and human capital development.
Nandi-Ndaitwah expressed confidence in the potential of Namibia and India expanding cooperation, especially in sectors such as green hydrogen, oil and gas, mining, infrastructure development and tourism.
“India remains one of Namibia’s largest trading partners,” she said. “We must do more to capitalise on opportunities that can drive economic development, reduce poverty and improve the lives of our people.”
Among notable developments is India’s proposal to establish a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Namibia under its ‘Pharmacy of the World’ initiative, which Nandi-Ndaitwah said would bolster regional health security.
Discussions also included plans for a Namibia–India entrepreneurship development centre aimed at promoting youth and women-led innovation.
Reflecting on symbolic milestones, the president referenced the successful translocation of cheetahs from Namibia to India, calling it “a global symbol of innovative south-south cooperation and sustainable partnership.”
In the realm of international cooperation, Nandi-Ndaitwah said there is a need for reform of multilateral institutions, particularly the United Nations Security Council, to better reflect current global realities and include permanent representation for the Global South.
“We must reinvigorate multilateralism to tackle today’s challenges, from poverty to climate change, and technological disruption,” she said, while also condemning terrorism and reaffirming Namibia’s support for peoples’ right to self-determination.
