India marks 76th Republic Day celebrations
Bilateral trade between India and Namibia has experienced significant growth, reaching U$813 million in 2024.
The High Commission of India to Namibia celebrated India’s 76th Republic Day in Windhoek last Friday.The event offered the chance to introduce High Commissioner of India to Namibia Rahul Shrivastava, who recently presented his credentials to Namibia’s president Nangolo Mbumba.
During the event, Shrivastava highlighted the deep-rooted bilateral relations between India and Namibia, strengthened through diplomatic engagements and developmental initiatives.
“India has played a significant role in supporting Namibia both before and after its independence,” he said.
In terms of its collaboration at sea, India reaffirmed its commitment with the visit of missile frigate INS Tushil to Walvis Bay in January.
Economic and trade partnerships
“A landmark agreement was signed between the National Payments Corporation of India and the Bank of Namibia for the adoption of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) technology. Namibia became the first country to enter into a central bank-level licensing agreement for real-time payment systems, with an official launch set for September 2025,” Shrivastava said Friday.
Bilateral trade between the countries has grown significantly, reaching US$813 million in 2024, a 192% increase from the previous year.
India’s exports to Namibia surged by 88% to U$453 million. Additionally, India has extended over 230 training and scholarship opportunities, benefiting more than 1 700 Namibians.
Entrepreneurship and development initiatives
An upcoming memorandum of understanding will establish the India-Namibia Entrepreneurship Development Centre, providing technical services, capacity-building programmes and SME support.
According to Namibia’s deputy minister of international relations and cooperation, Jenelly Matundu, both nations are committed to expanding cooperation across various sectors based on mutual trust and south-south cooperation.
Namibia and India continue their collaboration in ecological and biodiversity conservation. In September 2022, eight Namibian cheetahs were translocated to India, leading to the birth of four cubs in March 2023, symbolising strengthened conservation ties.
Moreover, India has donated 1 000 tonnes of rice and 1 000 tonnes of maize to Namibia for drought relief, Matundu said.
Matundu confirmed the arrival of the shipment and expressed gratitude for India’s support in addressing food insecurity.
She concluded by emphasising India’s key role in Namibia’s capacity-building and development efforts, aligning with Namibia’s Vision 2030 for sustainable growth and prosperity.