PM Modi concludes his successful 5-nation visit to Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, Namibia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has successfully concluded his five-nation tour, covering Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia. This diplomatic outreach was marked by high-level engagements and a strong push for deeper bilateral and multilateral cooperation across a range of strategic areas. The final leg of the visit, in Namibia, was especially significant, as it marked a historic moment in India-Namibia relations—coming nearly three decades after an Indian Prime Minister last visited the country.

Upon his arrival in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, Prime Minister Modi was accorded a ceremonial reception and a guard of honour, reflecting the warmth and significance Namibia attached to the visit. He also received an enthusiastic welcome from the Indian diaspora, whose contributions to preserving Indian culture abroad were warmly acknowledged. A poignant moment during the visit was PM Modi's tribute at the National Heroes’ Acre to Namibia’s founding father Sam Nujoma, a gesture that symbolized mutual respect and historical ties between the two nations.

During the bilateral talks held in Windhoek, Prime Minister Modi and Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah discussed a wide array of cooperation areas. According to Dammu Ravi, Secretary (Eastern Region) in India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the discussions encompassed critical minerals, hydrocarbons, defence cooperation, healthcare partnerships, digital public infrastructure, environmental initiatives, and capacity building (which refers to developing skills, institutions, and infrastructure in a partner country).

A major highlight of the visit was the signing of two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in the presence of PM Modi: one on the setting up of an Entrepreneurship Development Centre in Namibia, and the other on cooperation in the field of health and medicine. These agreements are expected to bolster Namibia’s development in the startup ecosystem and public health sectors.

Three key announcements were also made. Firstly, Namibia will implement a UPI-like digital payment system later this year, with NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India) having already signed a technology agreement with Namibia’s central bank. This makes Namibia the first country in the world to adopt an Indian digital payment framework of this kind, highlighting India’s export of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)—a term that refers to open, interoperable digital systems like UPI (Unified Payments Interface), which facilitate inclusive and efficient public services.

Secondly, Namibia joined two major global initiatives led by India:

1. The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) – a global partnership to promote resilient infrastructure systems against climate risks and natural disasters.

2. The Global Biofuel Alliance – aimed at accelerating the use of sustainable biofuels to meet global energy needs while reducing emissions.

Recommended Stories:

• PM Modi Addresses Namibian Parliament, Receives Highest Civilian Award

• Namibia Becomes First Country to Adopt UPI-Like System via NPCI Tech Deal

• PM Modi: First Indian PM In 57 Years To Make State Visit To Brazil

• Colombia and Uzbekistan Join BRICS Bank

• PM Modi addresses joint session of Parliament of Trinidad & Tobago

Multilateral cooperation was also a focal point. Both leaders strongly condemned terrorism and emphasized the need for reforms in global multilateral institutions, which include bodies like the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)—to make them more representative and responsive to the needs of the Global South (a term referring to developing nations primarily in Asia, Africa, and Latin America).

In a symbolic and substantive gesture of appreciation, Prime Minister Modi was conferred with Namibia’s highest civilian award for his role in strengthening bilateral ties. This visit not only advanced key strategic partnerships but also significantly enhanced India’s soft power in Africa—through initiatives in healthcare, education, digital infrastructure, and cultural diplomacy.

Overall, PM Modi’s five-nation tour, culminating in Namibia, reflected India’s sustained efforts to deepen its Global South policy, reinforce its developmental partnerships, and build bridges of cooperation rooted in shared democratic values and mutual growth.

Explore more on UPSC Content

Click for Daily Quotes:

Stay updated with the latest news by joining our Telegram channel – The PRESS Pad , and follow us on Instagram and X.