Answer

Introduction

Indian Prime Minister’s visit to Namibia marks the first by an Indian PM in nearly three decades, reflecting a renewed focus on Africa. India has historically supported Namibia’s independence struggle and hosted the first SWAPO embassy in New Delhi in 1986. This visit builds on that legacy, aiming to deepen ties in minerals, energy, defence, and development cooperation.

Body 

Strategic Importance of Namibia for India

• Access to Critical Minerals and Energy Security: Namibia is rich in uranium, lithium, zinc, and rare earth metals, making it a key partner for India’s energy transition and green technology sectors.
  Eg: Namibia is the third-largest uranium producer and a major source of rare minerals vital for India’s clean energy goals.
• Economic and Trade Partnership Growth: India-Namibia trade reached $654 million in 2023 with 178% growth; Indian investments total around $800 million, mainly in mineral sectors.
  Eg: India’s key exports include machinery and pharmaceuticals; imports include mineral oil and zinc.
• Defence and Capacity-Building Cooperation: India has trained Namibian defence personnel and officials through ITEC, and engages with Namibia in joint military exercises and dialogues.
  Eg: Namibia participated in the Africa-India Field Training Exercise (AF-INDEX) and the India-Africa Defence Dialogue.
• Health and Humanitarian Assistance: India has extended aid during health crises and natural disasters, reinforcing goodwill and reliability.
  Eg: 30,000 Covishield doses sent in 2021; rice sent as drought relief in 2017 and 2019.
• Environmental and Wildlife Cooperation: Namibia helped India reintroduce cheetahs via a historic translocation project, showing deep collaboration in wildlife conservation.
  Eg: 2022 MoU for cheetah translocation marked the world’s first intercontinental movement of a major carnivore species.
  

How India’s Approach is Different from China’s in Africa

• People-Centric and Capacity-Building Focus: India invests in training, education, and public health rather than just infrastructure, emphasizing local empowerment.
  Eg: The India Wing at the University of Namibia (Ongwediwa campus)was established through a $12 million grant.
• Low-Dependency, High-Partnership Model: India avoids debt-based funding, focusing on co-created development models with local ownership.
  Eg: Unlike China’s majority control in Namibia’s uranium mines, India engages in transparent joint ventures.
• Moral Diplomacy over Strategic Control: India bases its Africa engagement on shared anti-colonial struggles and emotional bonds, not just geopolitical interests.
  Eg: India supported SWAPO in the UN as early as 1946, highlighting its ideological solidarity.
• South-South Cooperation over Infrastructure Dominance: India promotes equitable trade and development through AfCFTA and G20 engagement, not strategic dependence.
  Eg: India supported the African Union’s permanent membership in the G20 under its presidency.
• Transparency and Multilateralism: India uses open platforms and inclusive dialogues instead of unilateral initiatives like China’s BRI or FOCAC.
  Eg: India’s initiatives like SAGAR and ITEC build multilateral trust and long-term cooperation.
  

Way Forward for India

• Deepen Mineral and Energy Partnerships: Secure long-term access to Namibia’s critical minerals through joint ventures and responsible mining.
• Strengthen Development Diplomacy: Expand India’s capacity-building programs in education, digital innovation, and public health tailored to African needs.
• Enhance Diplomatic and Institutional Presence: Open more Indian cultural centres and technical hubs in Namibia to deepen engagement and visibility.
• Promote Green Technology and Climate Collaboration: Co-develop climate action initiatives including conservation, renewable energy, and eco-tourism.
  Eg: Build on the success of cheetah reintroduction to launch more wildlife and environmental partnerships.
• Position as a Strategic Alternative to China: Reinforce India’s image as a trusted partner offering sustainable, transparent, and inclusive development models across Africa.
  

Conclusion 

India’s evolving partnership with Namibia mirrors its broader, people-centric engagement with the African continent. By focusing on mutual growth, local capacity, and shared history, India offers a sustainable model of South-South cooperation. Strengthening this collaboration will be key to achieving inclusive global development and strategic stability.

DOWNLOAD PDF