PM Modi’s Namibia Visit to Focus on Uranium Imports, Trade and Defence Ties

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s State visit to Namibia, India’s High Commissioner to the country, Rahul Shrivastava, said New Delhi is looking at importing uranium from Namibia. He also pointed out that recent oil and gas discoveries in the African nation are of growing interest to India.

In an interview with ANI, Shrivastava highlighted that India is also keen on accessing critical minerals in Namibia. Praising the relationship between the two countries, he called their ties “good” and recalled how India was among the first to support Namibia’s independence.

Long-Standing Ties and a Historic Visit

When asked about the goals of PM Modi’s visit, Shrivastava said, “The relationships between India and Namibia are very good because we started long before Namibia got independence in 1946 when India was one of the first countries to support Namibia’s independence and thereafter when Namibia got independence, this good relations have transformed into good economic relations.”

He added that the Prime Minister’s visit is especially significant because it comes after a 27-year gap. During the visit, both sides plan to discuss a wide range of topics, mainly trade and investment.

“We are interested in critical minerals in Namibia and some of our PSUs would want to invest here,” he added.

Focus Areas: Energy, Defence, and Minerals

India is exploring the possibility of importing uranium and is watching Namibia’s new oil and gas discoveries with great interest. Defence is another key area.

“We are looking at export of uranium from Namibia to India and there have been recent oil and gas discoveries in Namibia, that is also an area of interest. We will be discussing about defence cooperation because Namibia wants to procure defence items from India,” Shrivastava said.

He also mentioned that capacity building will remain an important part of India-Namibia relations and will be further strengthened during the visit.

PM Modi’s One-Day State Visit: Packed Agenda

According to Shrivastava, PM Modi will arrive early Wednesday morning for a one-day State visit, which includes a full day of events.

“Prime Minister Modi, he comes tomorrow early morning, and the visit is for one day. It’s a state visit, but the programme is very full,” he explained.

Apart from ceremonial welcomes at the airport and the State House, Modi will:

• Hold delegation-level talks with Namibian President Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah

• Visit Heroes Acre, a national memorial, to pay tribute to Dr. Sam Nujoma, Namibia’s founding father

• Address Namibia’s Parliament

• Meet with the Indian community in Namibia

India-Namibia Cheetah Partnership May Expand

Shrivastava also confirmed that discussions on cheetah conservation will take place. India had earlier brought cheetahs from Namibia under Project Cheetah, and now there’s a possibility of launching Project Cheetah 2.

“Discussions will yes surely take place, and the cheetahs are thriving well in India, but the numbers that are there are not enough to have a good ecological balance. We need more of cheetahs, so at some point in time, and I’m sure the Prime Minister’s visit will surely lead to Project Cheetah 2 from Namibia,” he said.

India’s Leadership in the Global South Recognised

Shrivastava emphasized India’s growing leadership among developing nations.

“India’s leadership in the Global South is well recognised, and Africa is a very strong partner for India in this. The Prime Minister is a great supporter of support to the Global South,” he said.

He added that Namibia has been a consistent participant in India’s Voices of the Global South summits under India’s G20 presidency.

Final Stop in a Five-Nation Tour

Namibia is the last destination on PM Modi’s current five-nation diplomatic tour. He began his journey in Ghana, then visited Trinidad and Tobago, followed by Argentina and Brazil.

Before leaving India, PM Modi said, “I look forward to meeting President H.E. Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and chart a new roadmap for cooperation for the benefit of our peoples, our regions and the wider Global South. It will be a privilege to also address the Joint Session of Namibian Parliament as we celebrate our enduring solidarity and shared commitment for freedom and development.”