Windhoek/New Delhi, July 9 (UNI) India and Namibia today held discussions for strengthening cooperation in areas including defence, security, digital technology, agriculture, healthcare, education and critical minerals, among other things.
The matters were discussed at the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Namibian President Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah in the Namibian capital Windhoek. The Prime Minister is on a day-long visit to Namibia on the final leg of his five-nation visit.
“President Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and I reviewed the full range of India-Namibia relations during our talks today. Cooperation in areas such as digital technology, Defence, security, agriculture, healthcare, education and critical minerals figured prominently in our discussions,’’ the Prime Minister posted on X.
The two countries also signed four agreements. The agreements were signed by External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar in the presence of Prime Minister Modi and the Namibian President.
“We also discussed how to boost linkages in trade, energy and petrochemicals,’’ the Prime Minister added.
The Prime Minister expressed gratitude for assistance from Namibia in Project Cheetah and said the number of Cheetahs had gone up to 12 from eight and said he would welcome cooperation from Namibia in the Phase 2 of Project Cheetah.
Earlier the Prime Minister arrived in Windhoek on the final leg of his five-nation tour describing Namibia as a ‘’valued and trusted partner’’ in Africa with whom India seeks to boost bilateral cooperation.
This is the first visit of Prime Minister Modi to Namibia and the third-ever Prime Ministerial visit from India to the sub-Saharan African country.
The Prime Minister was received by Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, Minister of International Relations and Trade of Namibia, at the airport and accorded a traditional welcome on his arrival.
He was also given a warm welcome by the Indian diaspora and said the Indian community in Namibia is extremely optimistic about closer India-Namibia friendship and this reflected in the special welcome in Windhoek.
“I am extremely proud of our diaspora, particularly the manner in which they have retained a connect with their culture and traditions,’’ the Prime Minister said.
Earlier, the Prime Minister, who arrived here after concluding a two-day State visit to Brasilia and attended the BRICS Summit at Rio de Janeiro, thanked Brazilian President Lula da Silva and the people of Brazil for their kindness throughout the visit.
