theindianstatesman.com

“Cooperation, Not Competition”: PM Modi Reaffirms India-Africa Partnership in Historic Namibia Address

[Photo : ANI]

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a historic address to the Namibian Parliament on Wednesday, reaffirmed India’s unwavering commitment to Africa as a partner in growth, emphasizing cooperation over competition. He underscored that India’s engagement with Africa is rooted in respect, equality, and mutual benefit—guided by shared values and a common future.

“In 2018, I laid out ten principles for our engagement with Africa,” PM Modi said. “Today, I reaffirm our full commitment to them. We seek not to compete, but to cooperate. Our goal is to build together, grow together.”

India’s development partnership with Africa, valued at over $12 billion, has focused on building local skills, creating jobs, and supporting innovation. PM Modi backed Africa’s Agenda 2063 for industrialisation, expressing readiness to expand ties in defense, security, and value-added industries, moving beyond Africa being seen merely as a source of raw materials.

Key Announcements and Highlights:

Shared Values and Historical Ties:

PM Modi reflected on the parallel histories of India and Namibia—both having fought colonialism—and noted the shared commitment to liberty, dignity, and justice as enshrined in their Constitutions. “We are part of the Global South, and our people share the same hopes and dreams,” he said.

Concluding his address with a light-hearted nod to Namibia’s passion for cricket, he wished the country success in co-hosting the 2027 Cricket World Cup, evoking enthusiastic applause by offering India’s assistance if “your Eagles need cricket tips.”

PM Modi received a standing ovation from the Namibian Parliament. In a post on X, he described his speech as an honour and reflected on the “positivity and warmth” from Namibian MPs.

His visit to Namibia marked the final stop of a five-nation diplomatic tour, which also included Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, and Brazil—strengthening India’s global partnerships with the Global South.

Exit mobile version