From Oil Fields To Rare Earths – Why Namibia Just Became India’s Biggest Bet Amid China Concern | World News

WindhoekThe capital of Namibia did not sleep late. One morning, the sun divided the dry Namibia sky as an Indian Air Force jet that shifted to Hosea Kutako International Airport. Outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The cameras are whirered. Traditional dancers acted in rhythm. In the crowd, the sounds of diaspora rose like a hymn that turned home. A 27 -year -old gap was closed with a single footprint.

Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, the Minister of International Relations and Trade of Namibia, greeted him first. Then the state’s grasping came-the president Netumbo nandi-nandaitwah with handshake at the State House. The official smiles were changed with heavy meanings and a new page began to return.

A valuable, reliable African partner

PM Modi did not speak on the puzzles. “Namibia is a valuable and reliable African partner,” he said. Later, it lists the upcoming instructions – digital technology, defense, security, agriculture, health, education and critical minerals. He did not read the possibilities. He was reading the plans.

Later, in X, the discussions between India and Namibia were cooperated in areas such as digital technology, defense, security, agriculture, health, education and critical minerals. ”

He recently landed in Windhoek. Namibia is a valuable and reliable African partner that we are trying to increase bilateral cooperation. President Dr. I am looking forward to meeting Netumbo nandi-nandaitwah and addressing the Namibian Parliament today.@Swapopres pic.twitter.com/ox6leqhoba– Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 9, 2025

President Dr. Netumbo nandaitwah and I have examined all of the Indian-Namibian relations during today’s meetings. Cooperation in areas such as digital technology, defense, security, agriculture, health services, education and critical minerals … pic.twitter.com/pdplc2u29– Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 9, 2025

The message landed calmly, but hit deeply. “Discussions also investigated ways to increase connections in trade, energy and petrochemicals.”

Wreaths, wars and commemoration

Convoy heroes fought against Acre. A white obelisk against the Auas ​​Mountains. Underneath, 174 grave lands listened – a name engraved in the struggle for freedom of Namibia.

PM Modi quietly put a wreath. Then he spoke with respect. “I have devoted this dignity to the people of Namibia and India, their constant progress and development and our unbreakable friendship.”

There was more. “Our friendship was born of struggle, cooperation and mutual trust, not politics,” he said.

A civilian honor and an old plant

Namibya gave him more than warmth. He gave him the highest civilian award – the order of the oldest Welwitschia Mirabilis. A decoration based on history and bearing the name of a desert plant that lives for a thousand years. The plant is a symbol of survival.

PM Modi responded with humbleness. “Like the harsh and elegant plants of Namibia, our friendship tested the time. And like your national plant, like Welwitschia Mirabilis, it strengthens only over age and time.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave the highest civilian honor of Namibia – the oldest order of Welwitschia Mirabilis’.#Pmmodiinnamibia @Indiainnamibia | #Namibia | #IndianamibiArections | @Pmointiia L @Meaindia |… pic.twitter.com/cjfo9atnck– All India Radio News (@AirNewsalerts) July 9, 2025

“This witnesses the endless friendship between India and Namibia, and today I am proud to be associated with it,” Prime Minister Modi said.

#WRISTWATCH | The oldest civilian award in Namibia, the oldest Welwitschia Mihabilis, the oldest Welwitschia Mihabilis given to PM Narendra Modi.

President of Namibia Netumbo Nandaitwah said, “By the power given to me by the Namibia Constitution … pic.twitter.com/6oqczwpwoh– Ani (@ani) July 9, 2025

Video | NAMIBYA: In the highest civilian honor of Namibia-It is to address a meeting after the order of the old Welwitschia Mirabilis. Netumbo nandi-nandaitwah:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi (@Narendramodi) He says, “Namibya … pic.twitter.com/tg5wiri1fz– India Press Trust (@PTI_News) July 9, 2025

PM was honored with the highest award in Namibia

The oldest Welwitschia Mirabilis

27th prize for PM Modi and the 4th prize in this ongoing round. https://t.co/qlfrjbnrr pic.twitter.com/4RWucifmbk– Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) July 9, 2025

The Parliament of the Republic of Namibia addresses the Joint Session. https://t.co/dvfaakdyvx– Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 9, 2025

‘We are part of the Global South…’

He stood in front of the deputies in the Namibian Parliament – solid, open and grounded. Slogans did not deliver. He gave the spirit.

“This is a great privilege to address this August house, a temple of democracy. Thank you for giving me this honor. I stand in front of you as a representative of democracy mother and I bring hot greetings from 1.4 billion people of India.”

Then came the yarn that tied both. “There is a common point of India and Namibia. We both fought with the colonial rule. We both value dignity and freedom. Our constitution leads us to protecting equality, freedom and justice. We are a part of the global South and our people share hope and dreams.”

During my address to the Namibian Parliament, it was an honor to talk about our connection with the Global Goodness of Africa and India during my address. pic.twitter.com/gqmb6cpDax– Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 9, 2025

He shook his head towards the moment of pride of Namibia: “A few months ago, you celebrated a historical moment – Namibia chose the first female president. We understand and share your pride and joy because we proudly call the lady in India.”

After his address to parliaments, he interacted with MPs from Namibia. Their positivity against India can be clearly seen! pic.twitter.com/bxa8pr6bey– Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 9, 2025

And then his voice turned personally. “The fact that the daughter of a poor tribal family is the president of the world’s largest democracy is the power of the Indian Constitution and the power of the same constitution that gives a person an opportunity to become a prime minister.”

Trust roaring fence

This was not the first sign of trust. In 2022, Namibia sent eight fences to India’s Kuno National Park. A symbolic gesture. Living someone. He pointed to the first intercontinental translocation of a large type of carnivores.

PM Modi did not forget. Orum I am grateful for the help of Namibia in Project Cheetah, ”he said.

‘He is extremely proud of our diaspora’

In the hotel courtyard, the energy changed outside the official halls. Diaspora families gathered. The kids shook the flag. The elderly came with portraits. There were handshakes, tears and warmth.

PM did not withdraw your modi pride. “The Indian community in Namibia is extremely optimistic about the friendship of India-Namibia, and this is reflected in the special welcome in Windhoek.

#WRISTWATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a ceremony and honor protector at the State House in Windhoek.

The Prime Minister received 21 armed greetings in the ceremony in Namibia.

(Video: Memorial/DD News) pic.twitter.com/bqrot9nddui– Ani (@ani) July 9, 2025

The Indian community in Namibia is extremely optimistic about the closer India-Namibian friendship and this is reflected in the private welcome in Windhoek. I am extremely proud of our diaspora, especially they have connected with their cultures and … pic.twitter.com/95ejsda510– Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 9, 2025

Signed agreements, foundations put

During this visit, two mouss were changed. One to establish an entrepreneurship development center in Namibia. Another is on cooperation in health and medicine.

Namibya also joined the disaster -resistant infrastructure coalition (CDRI) and Global Biofuels Alliance. Two signatures that seal future footprints.

And then fintech came. A UPI Technology License Agreement signed in April will now help Namibia to start its own digital payment system by the end of this year.

A race under the world

This trip was not just about paper and photo-ops. India came to Namibia because Namibya is rich where it is important. Uranium. Oil. Copper. Diamonds. Rare soils. The world’s fourth largest uranium oxide manufacturer. Reserves that feel like a gold ticket in a world that moves away from carbon.

India’s interests were cleaned. “We are interested in exploring uranium exports and cooperation in oil and gas, Prime Prime Minister said.

The hunting started ten years ago. However, something changed after 2022. Discovery after discovery. Rhino Resources hit Sagittarius 1-X good hydrocarbons. Shell, Exxonmobil, Chevron and Totalenenerjies. All monitoring and circle.

The discovery area of ​​Namibia is 230,000 square kilometers – twice the Norway. And still, only a handful of deep wells are pierced. Orange basin is the place where the story can explode next. Totalenerjies will receive great calls until 2026. The next 24 months is more important than ever.

Namibia can join the world’s top 10 oil producers until 2035. This is not speculation, not projection.

History, Fire ahead

India and Namibia are not strangers. India supported Namibia’s independence until 1946. In 1986, he hosted Swapo’s first overseas office. Others helped to build diplomatic bridges before they appeared.

Prime Minister Modi remembered Sam Nujoma, the founding president of Namibia. “During the establishment of the first diplomatic mission of Namibia in the New Delhi, the presence of August will always be valued by the people of India and will be remembered with love.”

Trade between the two countries touched 814 million dollars in 2023-24. India exports formed the lion’s share. Investments made from India are now about 800 million dollars, mostly in mining – zinc, diamonds and rock carved hope.

There’s more on the table. A preferential trade agreement is being carried out with the South African Customs Union. Namibya is running this.

The curtain falls to Windhoek

This was the last stop of a hurricane five-national tour-Ganga, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil and now Namibia. But the last action was not quiet. This was a nursery.

PM Modi did not only leave as a guest. He left as a joint. Honor buyer. Bridge founder. A friend who comes to listen, not to learn.

The desert winds moved more from the sand. They carried memory. They carried movement. They carried a message. A handshake yesterday. It’s an agreement today. A future is a future carved with dust and sealed with fire.