By Hilja Shikongo

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has reaffirmed Namibia’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations with India, highlighting strategic cooperation including the opportunities that exists within the green hydrogen, oil and gas sectors. 

The head of State made these remarks during official talks with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in the country on a historic State visit.

Nandi-Ndaitwah singled out key areas of cooperation, which further include mining, pharmaceuticals, infrastructure development, ICT, agriculture and tourism. 

She welcomed India’s proposals to establish both a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility and an entrepreneurship development centre in Namibia, initiatives, she said would strengthen local health systems and boost youth as well as women empowerment.

Nandi-Ndaitwah also commended the successful translocation of cheetahs from Namibia to India as a symbol of innovative South-South cooperation and biodiversity preservation.

She called for stronger multilateral collaboration, particularly in reforming the United Nations Security Council to better reflect global realities and the interests of the Global South. She also reiterated Namibia’s stance against terrorism and in support of peoples' right to self-determination.

The President praised India for the long-standing support for Namibia’s liberation struggle and emphasized the importance of strong diplomatic ties as the two nations mark 35 years of diplomatic relations.