By Staff Reporter

Namibia and India have strengthened their longstanding diplomatic relationship through the signing of multiple cooperation agreements during the recent State visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Namibia. 
The visit, which marked 35 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
During an official luncheon in honour of the visit prime minister, Nandi-Ndaitwah described the visit as reaffirming the enduring and strategic partnership between the two countries. 

Several key agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were signed and exchanged during the visit. These includes the formal handover of the Framework Agreement on the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and the signing and handover of the Global Biofuels Alliance Framework Agreement.

An MoU on the establishment of an entrepreneurship development centre (EDC) in Namibia was signed between the two countries. In addition, an MoU on cooperation in the field of health and medicine was signed.
Other areas of cooperation were include cybersecurity, digital innovation, agriculture and education. These were formalised through additional agreements, such as an MoU on cybersecurity and digital solutions to support secure digital governance, and an MoU between Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology and the Namibian University of Science and Technology, focusing on collaboration in agricultural science and technology.

Nandi-Ndaitwah noted that implementation of these agreements would be overseen through the existing Joint Commission of Cooperation between the two countries.

The president also acknowledged India’s contribution to Namibia’s public health systems. She highlighted India’s support in the form of anti-malaria medications and the expected delivery of a Bhabhatron Radiotherapy Machine, which will enhance cancer treatment capabilities in the country. 

She emphasised that the health MoU would help strengthen technical cooperation and knowledge exchange in the field of medicine and health services.

Namibia’s commitment to multilateral partnerships was also reinforced during the visit. 
Nandi-Ndaitwah announced Namibia’s intent to participate in Indian-led global platforms such as the Global Biofuels Alliance, aligning with the country’s development and climate resilience goals. “Namibia remains fully committed to enhancing agricultural productivity while mitigating the impacts of climate change by exploring climate-smart practices which are critical to building resilience and improving food security,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.

On education and digital development, the president referenced India’s role in training 
Namibians in the areas of diplomacy, public service and information technology. She acknowledged the significance of the India–Namibia Centre of Excellence in Information Technology (INCEIT), launched in partnership with the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), to help close Namibia’s digital divide.