New Delhi- Prime Minister Narendra Modi made history on Wednesday by becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Namibia in 27 years. He was warmly received by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah at the State House in Windhoek, marking her first bilateral state visit since taking office in March this year.
During their meeting, PM Modi extended congratulations to President Nandi-Ndaitwah on her recent election and conveyed heartfelt condolences on the passing of Namibia’s founding father and first president, Dr. Sam Nujoma.
The two leaders held wide-ranging talks, focusing on deepening cooperation across sectors such as defence, maritime security, digital payments, agriculture, energy, pharmaceuticals, and critical minerals. A major highlight was Namibia becoming the first country to sign a licensing agreement to implement India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system—marking a new chapter in digital collaboration.
Both sides expressed satisfaction with growing trade relations and agreed to accelerate negotiations on an India-SACU Preferential Trade Agreement to unlock further economic opportunities.
PM Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to Namibia’s development, offering support for Quick Impact Projects in agriculture, cybersecurity, education, women and child welfare, and healthcare. He also suggested using Indian drone technology to improve Namibian agricultural practices.
The leaders discussed regional and global challenges, especially joint efforts to combat terrorism. PM Modi thanked Namibia for its solidarity following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam and emphasized India’s commitment to raising the voice of the Global South on global platforms.
Two significant Memorandums of Understanding were signed during the visit—one to establish an Entrepreneurship Development Centre in Namibia and another to enhance cooperation in health and medical research.
Namibia also formally joined the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and the Global Biofuels Alliance, strengthening its partnership with India on sustainability and resilience.
A state banquet was hosted in PM Modi’s honour by President Nandi-Ndaitwah, who was invited to visit India at a mutually convenient time to continue the momentum of bilateral ties.
