PM Modi Reaffirms India’s Support for Namibia’s Decolonisation During Global South Diplomacy Push

During his state visit to Namibia on July 9, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a special session of the Namibian Parliament, reaffirming India’s historical support for the country’s decolonisation.

He stated that India has always stood with Namibia “not just in words, but in action.” Recalling India’s efforts from the 1940s, he emphasized that India was among the first nations to raise the issue of Namibia’s independence at the United Nations in 1946.

In a symbolic reference, Modi compared the enduring India-Namibia friendship to the resilient national plant of Namibia, the Welwitschia mirabilis, which he said “only grows stronger with age and time.”

Strengthening Diplomatic and Technological Ties

The visit resulted in several key agreements, including Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to establish an Entrepreneurship Development Centre and cooperation in health and medicine.

Modi also announced that Namibia had completed the formalities to join the India-led Coalition of Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and the Global Biofuel Alliance.

One of the major highlights was the upcoming launch of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in Namibia. This follows a technology licensing agreement signed in April 2024 between the National Payments Corporation of India and the Bank of Namibia.

Recognition and Shared Vision for Global South

Namibia’s President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah conferred Prime Minister Modi with the Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis, the country’s highest civilian honour.

Modi, the first Indian prime minister to visit Namibia in 27 years, also paid tribute to Sam Nujoma, the founding father of Namibia, praising his role in fostering diplomatic relations between the two nations.

He recalled how India hosted the first diplomatic mission of SWAPO (South West Africa People’s Organisation), offering material support during Namibia’s liberation struggle.

Africa as a Hub for Growth, Not Just Resources

Modi underscored India’s broader Africa policy, asserting that Africa should not be seen merely as a provider of raw materials and minerals.

“Africa must lead in value creation and sustainable growth,” he said. “With Africa, we seek not to compete, but to cooperate. Our goal is to build together. Not to take, but to grow together.”

He reaffirmed India’s full support for Africa’s Agenda 2063, a 50-year development plan adopted by the African Union in 2013 to ensure inclusive and sustainable growth across the continent.

Ten Principles of Engagement and Future Cooperation

Highlighting India’s strategic vision, Modi referenced the ten principles he outlined in 2018 for India’s engagement with Africa. These principles, he said, are based on “respect, equality, and mutual benefit.”

The Prime Minister also expressed India’s readiness to expand cooperation in the fields of defense and security.

He emphasized India’s ongoing commitment to the progress of the African continent, as demonstrated during India’s G-20 presidency, when the African Union was granted permanent membership in the grouping.

A Call to Unity Across the Global South

Modi concluded his address by calling for stronger ties between India and Namibia as part of a broader push for the upliftment of the Global South. “We seek not to compete, but to cooperate,” he said. “Our goal is to build together. Not to take, but to grow together.”