Namibia Joins India-Led Global Initiatives: GBA, CDRI, ISA & More
- TPP
- 4 days ago
- 6 min read
On July 9, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his five-nation tour — which included Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia — marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Namibia in nearly 30 years. This trip signified India’s deepening engagement with key global partners across Africa and the Americas.
During his meeting with Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, several key announcements were made:
The Digital Payment System will be launched in Namibia later in 2025.
An Entrepreneurship Development Center will be established in Namibia.
Most notably, Namibia joined two major international initiatives spearheaded by India:
The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)
The Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA)
What Is the Global Biofuel Alliance and Why Is It Important?
When and Why Was the Global Biofuel Alliance Launched?
The Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA) was officially launched during the G20 Summit in India in 2023. It aims to:
Promote international cooperation in biofuel development and trade.
Increase the use of sustainable biofuels worldwide.
Provide technical support for national biofuel programs.
The initiative was led by India, the United States, and Brazil, and initially launched with nine founding members:
India, United States, Brazil, Argentina, Bangladesh, Italy, Mauritius, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates.
As of July 2025, the Alliance has grown to include 29 countries and 14 international organisations, with Canada and Singapore participating as observer countries.
What Are Biofuels and How Are They Produced?
Biofuels are renewable fuels made from biomass, which includes:
Plants
Agricultural and forestry residues
Animal waste
Domestic and industrial biowaste
These fuels are significantly cleaner alternatives to fossil fuels, helping reduce harmful emissions. The two most common types of biofuels used today are:
Ethanol, often made from sugarcane or corn.
Biodiesel, typically produced from vegetable oils or animal fats.
These represent the first generation of biofuel technology.
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What Are Non-Grain-Based (NGB) Biofuels and Why Are They Gaining Attention?
In February 2025, the Global Biofuel Alliance published a whitepaper on the global non-grain-based (NGB) biofuels market. According to the paper, NGB biofuels present a high-growth opportunity for India and other developing countries.
NGB biofuels are defined by their feedstock sources, which do not compete with food crops for land use. These include:
Lignocellulosic feedstocks such as agricultural and forestry residues
Industrial wastes
Other residue streams
This distinction is crucial as it addresses food security concerns while promoting sustainable fuel production.
How Do Biofuels Help Combat Climate Change?
According to the International Energy Agency’s Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Scenario (NZE), sustainable biofuels play a critical role in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the transportation sector.
Alongside:
Electric vehicles
More efficient engines
Alternative transport methods
Clean fuels like hydrogen
Biofuels form an essential part of the solution to achieving climate goals and energy transition.
What Is the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and What Are Its Objectives?
When and Why Was the CDRI Established?
The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the UN Climate Action Summit in September 2019.
It is an international coalition comprising:
National governments
UN agencies and programs
Multilateral development banks
Private sector stakeholders
Academic and knowledge institutions
The goal is to enhance the resilience of both new and existing infrastructure systems against disasters and climate risks — a key step towards sustainable development.
What Is Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure?
Disaster-resilient infrastructure refers to critical systems like:
Roads and highways
Power stations
Railways
Water and sanitation networks
Communication lines
Public housing
These systems are designed or retrofitted to withstand natural hazards such as:
Earthquakes
Floods
Storms
Sea level rise
By sharing best practices and knowledge globally, the CDRI aims to reduce vulnerability and increase global infrastructure resilience.
What Is the Global Impact and Ambition of the CDRI?
Headquartered in New Delhi, India, the CDRI aims to influence:
Make US$10 trillion in global infrastructure investments resilient to natural hazards.
Improve climate and disaster resilience for over 3 billion people by 2050
What Are the Key Initiatives Under CDRI?
The CDRI focuses on 10 major initiatives, covering:
Small Island Developing States (SIDS)
Data and early warning systems
Urban resilience
Finance and governance
Critical and social infrastructure
Mountain regions
Africa-specific resilience
Resilience in major events
Infrastructure research
Capacity building
What Is the Infrastructure for Resilient Island States (IRIS) Initiative?
In 2021, during COP26, PM Modi launched the IRIS (Infrastructure for Resilient Island States) initiative under CDRI.
This program specifically supports Small Island Developing States (SIDS), which are highly vulnerable to:
Climate change
Sea-level rise
Coastal flooding
Erosion
Tsunamis and storm surges
IRIS provides these nations with knowledge, tools, and international partnerships to build disaster- and climate-resilient infrastructure.
What Other Global Initiatives Has India Led?
India has taken the lead in several climate, conservation, and sustainability initiatives beyond CDRI and GBA. These efforts reflect India’s growing influence in shaping global development narratives.
What Is the International Solar Alliance (ISA)?
The International Solar Alliance (ISA) was launched on November 30, 2015, during the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris. It was jointly unveiled by PM Modi and French President Francois Hollande.
ISA's primary objectives:
Mobilize $1 trillion in solar investments by 2030
Reduce technology and financing costs for solar energy
Promote the deployment of solar solutions worldwide
As of July 2025, ISA boasts 106 member countries, making it one of the most impactful multilateral platforms for solar energy cooperation.
What Is the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)?
Launched by PM Modi in April 2023 during the 50th anniversary of Project Tiger, the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) focuses on the global conservation of seven big cat species:
Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Puma, Jaguar, and Cheetah
The first IBCA Assembly was held in New Delhi on June 16, 2025. The alliance aims to:
Enable collaboration among range countries
Share conservation expertise
Replicate successful practices globally
What Is the Green Credits Initiative?
Unveiled by PM Modi at the COP28 summit, the Green Credits Initiative is part of India’s broader LIFE (Lifestyle for Environment) mission. It focuses on:
Encouraging voluntary environmental actions
Generating green credits through activities like planting on degraded wasteland
Promoting a culture of environmental responsibility
Importantly, these green credits are independent of carbon credits issued under the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme 2023, providing an alternative pathway for eco-conscious actions.
Why Is Namibia’s Participation in These India-Led Initiatives Significant?
Namibia’s inclusion in major India-led initiatives such as the Global Biofuel Alliance and CDRI highlights:
Strengthening of India-Africa partnerships
Broader engagement of the Global South in climate action
Namibia’s commitment to clean energy, disaster preparedness, and sustainable development
Additionally, the upcoming Digital Payment System and Entrepreneurship Center in Namibia, supported by India, reflect a broader agenda of technological cooperation and inclusive development.
Post Read Question Consider the following assertions regarding the International Solar Alliance (ISA): 1.The ISA was unveiled during the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21) held in Paris. 2.Its membership extends to all countries that are part of the United Nations. Which of the above statements is/are accurate? (a) 1 Only (b) 2 Only (c) Both (1) and (2) (d) Neither Answer (a) Explanation: The International Solar Alliance (ISA) was jointly initiated by India and France during the COP21 conference in 2015 to promote solar energy among countries lying between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. This validates Statement 1. However, Statement 2 is incorrect because not all UN member states are part of the ISA. The alliance is primarily aimed at solar-rich countries, particularly those situated in the tropical belt, and its membership is voluntary |
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