India-Namibia bilateral trade has exceeded N$14.2 billion (US$ 800 million), Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced during an address to the Namibian Parliament, reaffirming his country’s commitment to strengthening cooperation across key sectors.
Speaking in Windhoek on Tuesday, Modi described India and Namibia as “partners from freedom to future”, referencing shared anti-colonial struggles, democratic values, and solidarity within the Global South.
“Our bilateral trade has crossed 800 million dollars. But, like on the cricket field, we are just warming up. We will score faster and score more,” he told lawmakers and dignitaries.
Modi also announced India’s readiness to supply Namibia with a Bhabhatron radiotherapy machine, a piece of advanced equipment for cancer care, and extended an invitation for Namibia to join India’s Jan Aushadhi initiative, which provides access to low-cost generic medicines.
“This programme has already helped over 1 million Indians daily, reducing medicine costs by up to 80%,” he said.
In the area of enterprise development, Modi launched a new Entrepreneurship Development Centre in Namibia, aimed at mentoring and funding young businesspeople.
“We are honoured to support Namibia’s youth through the new Entrepreneurship Development Centre. It will be a place where business dreams can get mentorship, funding and friends too,” he said.
Healthcare cooperation was also a focus. Modi cited India’s Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme, which covers nearly 500 million people, as a model of affordable care and said India’s concern for health “is not limited to Indians alone”.
Namibia’s recent adoption of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) was another key development highlighted by the Prime Minister. He said the system will allow citizens, including those in rural areas, to make fast and secure digital payments.
“This will bring the digital economy closer to every Namibian’s doorstep,” he noted.
Modi further emphasised India’s investment in Namibian human capital, pointing out that over 1,700 Namibians have already benefitted from Indian scholarships and training programmes. He commended Namibia for joining India-led global efforts such as the Global Biofuels Alliance and the International Big Cats Alliance, and thanked the country for its earlier support in helping reintroduce cheetahs to India.
Looking ahead, Modi urged a move from extractive models of cooperation to value-driven partnerships, in line with Africa’s Agenda 2063 and efforts to amplify the continent’s voice in global forums.
“We believe that Africa must not be just a source of raw materials. Africa must lead in value creation and sustainable growth,” he said.
He also reaffirmed India’s support for Africa’s inclusion in multilateral institutions such as the G20, underscoring a broader call for equitable global governance.
