Paper: GS – II, Subject: International Relations, Topic: India’s foreign policy, Issue: India-Namibia ties as a model for India’s foreign policy.
Context:
PM Modi’s address to Namibia’s National Assembly (July 2024) has cultural references such as Welwitschia plant, Oshiwambo phrases reflecting India’s adaptive, culturally sensitive diplomacy. It contrasts with Western engagement often shaped by conditional aid, sanctions, and migration deterrence.
Key Highlights:
Steps Being Pursued by India:
Quiet, Adaptive Diplomacy:
- Focus on issue-based coalitions rather than rigid alliances.
- Emphasis on instruction, capacity-building, and long-term ties.
Three-Step Logic:
- Historical solidarity: Drawing from anti-colonial heritage and shared struggles such as SWAPO links, UN peacekeeping in Namibia.
- Present-day cooperation: Deepening bilateral trade, education, health, and technology linkages.
- Future-oriented investment: Long-term institutional partnerships such as Namibia–India Centre of Excellence in IT, ‘India Wing’ at University of Namibia.
Concrete Engagements:
- Capacity Building:
- Namibia–India Centre of Excellence in IT.
- ‘India Wing’ at University of Namibia’s Ongwediva campus ($12 million grant).
- Youth Engagement: Leveraging Namibia’s youthful population to strengthen readiness for digital future.
- Digital Diplomacy: Adoption of India’s UPI in Namibia signals potential Africa-wide fintech revolution.
- Partnership in Energy & Climate: Namibia joined the Global Biofuels Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).
Advantages of Namibia for India:
Challenges:
- Limited critical mineral push: No concrete agreements on critical mineral reserves, despite Namibia’s uranium importance.
- Limited diversification: Engagement still limited to MoUs in entrepreneurship and health.
- Limited follow-through: Need for follow-through and institutionalisation of commitments.
Way Forward:
Conclusion:
India’s Africa policy must balance symbolism and substance, ensuring sustained and equitable partnerships.
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