Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s landmark visit to Namibia, India’s High Commissioner to the country, Rahul Shrivastava, confirmed that New Delhi is exploring the possibility of importing uranium from Namibia and investing in the country’s emerging oil and gas sector.
Highlighting Namibia’s rich reserves of critical minerals, Shrivastava said India is also keen on deepening cooperation in defence, trade, and capacity building during PM Modi’s first visit to the country.
“We are looking at the export of uranium from Namibia to India, and there have been recent oil and gas discoveries in Namibia that are also an area of interest,” Shrivastava told ANI.
PM Modi’s one-day State Visit comes at the invitation of Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. During the visit, he will:
- Hold delegation-level talks with President Nandi-Ndaitwah
- Visit Heroes Acre to pay homage to Namibia’s founding father, Dr. Sam Nujoma
- Address Namibia’s Parliament
- Interact with the Indian diaspora
Shrivastava noted that PM Modi’s trip marks the third-ever Prime Ministerial visit from India to Namibia and the first in 27 years, underscoring its strategic significance.
Shrivastava also confirmed that cheetah conservation would be a key topic of discussion, hinting at a possible “Project Cheetah 2” collaboration.
“Cheetahs are thriving in India, but the numbers are not enough for ecological balance. PM Modi’s visit will surely lead to Project Cheetah 2 from Namibia,” he said.
Recalling India’s early support for Namibia’s independence, Shrivastava said the bilateral relationship is grounded in historical solidarity and is now evolving into robust economic and strategic cooperation.
“India’s leadership in the Global South is well recognized, and Africa, including Namibia, is a strong partner in this,” Shrivastava added.
India also welcomed Namibia’s participation in the Voices of Global South summits held under India’s G20 presidency.
PM Modi is on the final leg of his five-nation diplomatic tour, which included visits to Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, and Brazil. In his departure statement, PM Modi said he looks forward to charting a new roadmap for India-Namibia cooperation and addressing the Namibian Parliament to celebrate the two countries’ “enduring solidarity and shared commitment to freedom and development.”
