Windhoek: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday arrived in Windhoek, Namibia, on the invitation of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, marking his first visit to the country. He was welcomed with a traditional ceremony and even played the local drums, showcasing his interest in Namibian culture.
This is only the third visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Namibia, the last one being by Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 1998.
#WATCH | PM Narendra Modi receives traditional welcome on his arrival in Windhoek, Namibia
The PM tries his hand at playing the Namibian traditional drums.
(video source: DD) pic.twitter.com/QnnoCeVLRx
— ANI (@ANI) July 9, 2025
India-Namibia relations
The visit is expected to strengthen relations between the two nations, focusing on areas like technology, health, development, infrastructure and security. India and Namibia have shared strong ties for decades. As early as 1946, India supported Namibia’s independence struggle at the United Nations. India also backed the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO) during its fight against apartheid-era South Africa.
After Namibia gained independence in 1990, India quickly set up a High Commission in the country. Namibia opened its embassy in Delhi in 1994. Former Namibian President Sam Nujoma visited India 11 times, and India’s former President Pranab Mukherjee visited Namibia in 2016, addressing its Parliament and praising the partnership.
Trade between India and Namibia
Namibia holds great importance for India due to its resources. It is the world’s third-largest producer of uranium and is rich in lithium and zinc, and other minerals for the future. The trade between India and Namibia is growing, reaching $654 million. India mainly exports pharmaceutical products, machines, mineral oil, and grains, and imports minerals from Namibia.
India has invested around $800 million in Namibia. It also built the India Wing at the University of Namibia’s Ongwediva campus with a $12 million grant. Indian training programs have helped Namibian defence personnel, diplomats, healthcare workers, and even sportspersons. In 2021, India donated 30,000 doses of Covishield vaccine to Namibia and has previously sent food aid during droughts.
Namibia has also supported India on the global stage, especially in its push for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. In 2022, Namibia helped India reintroduce cheetahs to its forests by sending eight cheetahs as part of a special agreement.
India sees Africa as a major partner in the coming years. While China remains the largest trading partner for Africa, India is currently the fourth, with trade worth $100 billion in 2023. India is the 10th largest investor in Africa, completing 206 infrastructure projects in 43 countries. Another 65 are underway. According to CII, Indian investments in Africa since 1996 total $76 billion and may reach $150 billion by 2030.
