Namibia will roll out India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) later this year, marking a significant step in enhancing digital cooperation between the two countries. The announcement came on Wednesday after talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah aimed at boosting bilateral relations.
The Modi-Ndaitwah meeting focused on enhancing cooperation in key sectors such as digital technology, defence, security, agriculture, healthcare, education, and critical minerals. The UPI rollout stems from a technology licensing agreement signed between the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and the Bank of Namibia in April last year.
During the bilateral discussions, India and Namibia signed several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), including one for establishing an Entrepreneurship Development Center in Namibia and another for cooperation in the field of health and medicine.
Namibia has also joined two major India-backed global initiatives — the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and the Global Biofuels Alliance. CDRI focuses on improving infrastructure resilience to climate and disaster-related risks, and includes participation from national governments, international organizations, and the private sector.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah watch a performance by artistes during the former’s ceremonial welcome, in Windhoek, Namibia. (PTI via PMO)
Following the delegation-level talks, Prime Minister Modi took to X and wrote, “President Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and I reviewed the full range of India-Namibia relations during our talks today. Cooperation in areas such as digital technology, defence, security, agriculture, healthcare, education and critical minerals figured prominently in our discussions.”
President Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and I reviewed the full range of India-Namibia relations during our talks today. Cooperation in areas such as digital technology, defence, security, agriculture, healthcare, education and critical minerals figured prominently in our… pic.twitter.com/PdpLFc2U29
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 9, 2025
He added, “We also discussed how to boost linkages in trade, energy and petrochemicals. Expressed gratitude for the assistance from Namibia in Project Cheetah.”
This visit marks Prime Minister Modi’s first to Namibia and is only the third-ever by an Indian Prime Minister. He arrived in Namibia from Brazil on the final leg of his five-nation tour.
During his visit, Modi paid tribute to Namibia’s founding father Sam Nujoma at the Heroes’ Acre memorial. “As the first President of free Namibia, Nujoma made inspiring contribution to the country’s nation-making. His legacy continues to inspire people across the world,” said the Ministry of External Affairs in a statement, describing Nujoma as a “great friend of India.”
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Modi, who was invited by President Nandi-Ndaitwah, referred to Namibia as a “valued and trusted partner” in Africa. Earlier, he received a ceremonial welcome, including a guard of honour and a 21-gun salute at the State House.
(With PTI inputs)
