Context:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Namibia marks a significant milestone in the relations between the two countries. As the first Indian Prime Minister visiting Namibia in almost three decades, Modi's trip is expected to strengthen cooperation in technology, health, infrastructure, development, and security.

About India-Namibia Relations:

• India and Namibia share a colonial past and a post-colonial partnership. India was one of the first countries to raise the question of Namibia's independence in the United Nations General Assembly in 1946.
• The South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO), which led Namibia's liberation struggle, established its first embassy in New Delhi in 1986.
• India provided material assistance and military training to Namibian fighters, and after independence in 1990, the Indian Observer Mission was upgraded to a High Commission.

Why Namibia is Significant for India:

• Namibia is a significant player in the African continent, and India has important stakes in the region. India hopes to deepen ties of trade, development, and security and energy cooperation with Africa.
• Namibia offers great potential for a mutually beneficial energy security and critical minerals partnership.
• The country is the third-largest producer of uranium in the world and one of the largest producers of lithium, zinc, and rare earth metals.

Economic and Commercial Ties:

• India-Namibia economic and commercial ties have grown stronger in recent years. Two-way trade touched $654 million between April and November 2023, registering a 178% growth.
• India's exports were at $418 million, and imports from Namibia at $235 million. India's investments in Namibia are in the order of $800 million, mostly in mineral resources such as zinc and diamond processing.

Capacity Building and Development Assistance:

• India has been providing capacity-building and development assistance to Namibia through various programs.
• An 'India Wing' has been established at the University of Namibia's Ongwediwa campus through a grant of about $12 million by India.
• India has also provided training to Namibian defence personnel, diplomats, public health officials, and cricketers under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program.

Cheetah Diplomacy:

India and Namibia have also collaborated on a unique initiative - the translocation of cheetahs from Namibia to India. In 2022, eight cheetahs were flown from Namibia to India, marking the world's first intercontinental translocation of a major carnivore species.

India's Engagement with Africa:

India's engagement with Africa is driven by a humanitarian and expansive view of its relationship with the continent. Unlike China's strategic and economic-driven approach, India prioritizes the needs and aspirations of African countries. India has invested $76 billion in Africa since 1996 and aims to increase this investment to $150 billion by 2030.

Conclusion:

PM Modi's visit to Namibia is a significant step in strengthening ties and cooperation between the two countries. The visit is expected to enhance bilateral relations and explore new areas of mutual interest. With its focus on technology, health, infrastructure, development, and security, the visit is likely to have a positive impact on the relationship between India and Namibia.