India-Namibia Bilateral Cooperation
Following talks between the Indian prime minister and the Namibian president, significant developments were announced to enhance bilateral ties between India and Namibia.
Key Announcements
- Unified Payments Interface (UPI): Namibia will implement the UPI system later this year, following a technology licensing agreement between NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India) and the Bank of Namibia.
- Entrepreneurship Development Center: An MoU was signed to establish this center in Namibia.
- Health and Medicine Cooperation: Another agreement was inked focusing on cooperation in health and medicine.
- CDRI Membership: Namibia has joined the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, which aims to improve infrastructure resilience to climate and disaster risks.
- Global Biofuels Alliance: Namibia is now part of this India-backed initiative.
Focus Areas of Discussion
- Digital technology
- Defence and security
- Agriculture
- Healthcare
- Education
- Critical minerals
- Trade, energy, and petrochemicals
Recognition
The Prime Minister of India was also honored with Namibia’s highest civilian award, the Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis, symbolizing Namibia’s struggle, courage, and culture.