Why is it so important and how has India always supported namibia

News India Live, Digital Desk: PM Modi’s Visit to Namibia: After a recent BRICS Summit and Greece visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also visited Namibia as the last stop of his foreign trip. Even though he is not in Namibia at the time of publication of this article (because the news is old), this journey was important because Namibia has been a prominent ally in the African continent for India. This tour was not only to strengthen future relations, but also reminds India’s significant help to Namibia in the past.

Namibia’s freedom struggle and India’s cooperation:

Namibia is an African country that fought a long and tough struggle against the rule of apartheid (South Africa) and illegal occupation. Namibia was independence in 1990. Throughout this struggle, India continuously supported Namibia.

International Support: India was one of the early countries that raised the freedom struggle of Namibia in international forums.

Sawapo’s support: India openly supported the ‘South West African People’s Organization’ (SWAPO), which was the leading force of Namibia’s liberation movement. India also provided political, moral and some extent to materials related to SWAPO leaders and workers.

Role in the United Nations: India also played an important role for Namibia’s freedom in the United Nations and continuously advocated it as an independent nation.

Modern relations and forward path:

Even today there are strong bilateral relations between India and Namibia. This journey was an opportunity to further strengthen these relationships.

Trade and investment: Both countries want to carry forward cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, energy (especially uranium, which India can get from Namibia for its nuclear power needs), mining and pharmaceuticals.

Capacity Building: India has also played an important role in providing capacity building, education and technical assistance in Namibia, including programs such as ITEC.

United Nations and International Forum: Both countries share similar views on many global issues and support each other on the United Nations and other multilateral forums.

Prime Minister Modi’s stay in Namibia (or travel during that time) was a part of India’s ‘Africa first policy’ policy. This is proof that India is not limited to economic relations only, but wants to have deep relations with African countries based on historical friendship and shared values. The tour was an opportunity to take relations between the two countries to a new level and move forward on the path of shared development.