India-Namibia Relations: (July 2025)
**I. Historical Context **
- Decolonization Support:
- India advocated for Namibia’s independence at the UN in 1946 (first few nations).
- Symbolizes India’s anti-colonial legacy and Global South solidarity.
II. Key Agreements & Initiatives
| Area | Agreement/Initiative | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Tech | UPI Adoption (NPCI-Bank of Namibia MoU) | First African nation to adopt UPI; boosts India’s digital diplomacy. |
| Multilateral | Namibia joined Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) | Expands climate-resilient infrastructure in Africa. |
| Green Energy | Joined Global Biofuel Alliance | Strengthens India’s leadership in sustainable energy. |
| Development | Entrepreneurship Development Centre | Supports skill development & SMEs in Namibia. |
| Health | Cooperation in medicine & healthcare | Builds on India’s "Vaccine Maitri" legacy. |
III. Strategic Importance
- Africa Policy:
- "Collaborative Growth": Africa-led value creation (vs. extractive models).
- Focus: Sustainable development, tech transfer, capacity building.
- Symbolic Gesture:
- PM awarded "Order of Welwitschia Mirabilis" (highest civilian honour).
Prelims Trigger:
- Welwitschia Mirabilis: Namibia’s national plant (lives 1,000+ years) → symbolizes endurance.
- CDRI HQ: New Delhi.