India and Namibia explore greater cooperation in strengthening defence engagement
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The writer notes that the current engagement between the two air forces of India and Namibia is expected to further boost training exchanges, joint exercises, and knowledge sharing, contributing to the modernisation and operational readiness of the Namibian Air Force.
Image: EPA-EFE/HEIN HTET
India and Namibia recently reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral defence ties in a meeting between Air Vice Marshal Teofilus Shaende, Commander of the Namibian Air Force and Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani, the Vice Chief of India's Air Staff.
Shaende's visit to India from June 8 to 13 was aimed at discussing avenues for further strengthening defence engagement between the two countries, with the discussions primarily focused on enhancing training cooperation, capability development, and fostering a strategic partnership.
India's support of and engagement with Namibia is decades old, with India being among the first nations to raise the question of Namibian independence in the United Nations in 1946.
Namibia's liberation movement SWAPO (South West Africa People's Organisation ), which is now known as the SWAPO Party of Namibia, had its first Embassy abroad established in New Delhi in 1986.
Accordance of full diplomatic status and support at NAM was also accompanied by material assistance and military training.
After Namibian independence in 1990, the Indian Observer Mission was upgraded to a full-fledged High Commission on 21 March 1990 and Namibia opened a fully-fledged resident Mission in New Delhi in March 1994.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Next
Stay
Close ✕
Ad loading
India and Namibia enjoy warm and cordial relations. The Namibian people and leadership view India as a dependable and trusted friend. Indian support during their liberation struggle is warmly recalled by Namibian leaders, according to a statement by the Indian High Commission in Namibia.
African countries have increasingly looked at India as a formidable force in the defence sector and these engagements have become more frequent.
In May, during a visit in New Delhi, Angolan president João Lourenço signed with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi a series of strategic agreements in the field of defence, energy, trade and cultural exchange.
One of the most notable announcements was a $200 million Indian defence credit line to modernise Angola's army.
During his visit, Shaende also paid tribute to India's fallen soldiers by laying a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at the National War Memorial in Delhi, symbolising the deep respect and enduring friendship between India and Namibia. This gesture underscored the shared values and mutual regard that underpin the bilateral relationship.
There have been regular high-level exchanges and structured dialogues between the two countries in recent years, including the fourth round of India-Namibia Foreign Office Consultations held in Windhoek in 2022, where both sides conducted a comprehensive review of their bilateral relations.
Defence cooperation remains a key pillar of this partnership, with ongoing efforts to modernise and build the capabilities of the Namibian Defence Force through collaboration with nations like India.
The current engagement between the two air forces is expected to further boost training exchanges, joint exercises, and knowledge sharing, contributing to the modernisation and operational readiness of the Namibian Air Force. Both countries are committed to leveraging their partnership to address common security challenges and promote peace and stability in their respective regions.
Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah in June also called for the continued strengthening of bilateral ties between Namibia and India, as she received that country's High Commissioner, Rahul Shrivastava, at State House for a courtesy visit.
'The relationship between India and Namibia has a very long history and we need to maintain that history by continuously strengthening this cooperation.
'Personally I must express my appreciation to the Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) for having sent me a message of congratulations after my election last year.'
Nandi-Ndaitwah said India participated in the inauguration, describing this as testimony of the friendship that exists between the two countries.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
2 hours ago
- The Citizen
African cities need fiscal power to survive rapid urbanisation
In terms of urbanisation, what works in London or Washington cannot be transplanted to African cities like Maputo or Lusaka. Africa is urbanising rapidly. According to Africa's Urbanisation Dynamics 2025 – an Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development report – cities will house 1.4 billion people by 2050 – twice today's number. But this growth is happening in cities that lack the financial power to shape their own futures. Most African cities struggle to raise revenue, borrow money or spend capital at scale. They depend on national governments for funding and long-term planning and are often stuck waiting for budget limited allocations. This has real consequences. Cities struggle to build the roads, housing, power, sanitation or public transport their growing populations need. Climate change makes this worse. Flooding, drought, heatwaves and other climate shocks are hitting cities harder and more often, damaging infrastructure and draining already scarce resources. Cities must now build infrastructure that is not only bigger, but also more resilient and climate-smart. Yet they lack the tools to act, even when the need is urgent. The Urban 20 (U20) brings together mayors from major G20 cities to inform the discussions of national leaders at the G20 Summit, to be held in Johannesburg in November. The recent African Mayors' Assembly in Tshwane – held under the Urban 20 banner and hosted for the first time on African soil – crystallised this challenge into a single question: how do we finance the infrastructure that 1.4 billion urban Africans will need when our cities lack the basic authority to raise and deploy capital? Some cities, such as Johannesburg and Nairobi, have working systems, but they're stretched. Others are building from scratch. Across the continent, the scale of need is vast. ALSO READ: Multi-billion Limpopo mega-project has ground to a halt According to the African Development Bank, Africa needs $130 billion (about R2.2 trillion) to $170 billion annually for infrastructure. However, international lenders typically require three things before they finance city projects: steady revenue streams, a proven ability to repay loans and established institutions. Most African cities don't meet these criteria, creating a Catch-22 situation: they need infrastructure to generate revenue, but need revenue to finance infrastructure. That's why we're pleased that leaders at U20 met to craft an African G20 strategy that addresses burning issues and is built on lived realities, not Western blueprints. At the heart of the discussions was one recurring theme: devolution of fiscal power. In simple terms, this means giving cities more control over their own money. Local governments across Africa are stuck in outdated, centralised funding systems. National governments still control the purse strings. Cities must wait for budget allocations, which limits their ability to plan, borrow or build at the pace their people need. This creates a major bottleneck. Without fiscal authority, cities can't enter financing partnerships, tap capital markets or respond to urgent infrastructure demands. A collective call emerged from the assembly, voiced in a letter signed by dozens of mayors and directed at African finance ministers: Unshackle us. Give cities real fiscal authority – the power to raise, manage and spend revenue, access capital markets and forge financing partnerships. Without this, talk of climate finance and urban resilience is just that – talk. ALSO READ: Deputy Minister warns low-income countries will be hit hardest by geopolitical tensions African cities also need new financial models grounded in reality, not copy-pasted solutions from Europe or North America. What works in London or Washington cannot simply be transplanted to Maputo or Lusaka. Our models must factor in informal development, youth unemployment, weak revenue bases and uneven infrastructure legacies. At Ntiyiso Consulting Group, we have seen what works. Cities that build, digitise revenue collection and improve service delivery can unlock local capital. Municipal bonds, blended finance and public-private partnerships are possible if cities are empowered to plan and account. African cities also need an 'Urban African Union' of sorts – a regional coordination mechanism that allows cities to learn from each other's innovations and speak with a collective voice to international partners. The financing gap is too large for individual cities to bridge alone, but collective action could unlock new opportunities. The U20 Assembly was significant because it articulated a new approach to African urban development. Cities that control their fiscal destiny can plan for long-term growth. The next phase requires specific policy changes: constitutional amendments that guarantee municipal fiscal authority. We need regional frameworks that support cross-border collaboration. And we need international partnerships that strengthen local capacity rather than bypass it. African cities are not broken versions of global West municipalities – they are different economic entities that need different tools. The U20 summit began articulating what those tools might look like. The question now is whether African governments have the political will to provide them. By 2050, the success or failure of African cities will determine the trajectory of the global economy. Getting urban financing right is a global necessity. NOW READ: Africa Food Show: Tapping into the potential of the continent's food and beverage market
TimesLIVE
10 hours ago
- TimesLIVE
US friendship 'could make Africa great again,' says Trump adviser
The African continent deserves balanced trade relations with the US and other economic regions, based on mutual respect and benefit. However, to achieve this Africa must be given the room to reform critical aspects of its economies. This is according to communications strategist and US President Donald Trump's adviser Jason Miller. He was addressing the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) AGM in Abuja, Nigeria. Calling Africa 'the land of the future' and 'the land of limitless growth', Miller said that as the century passes by, the continent has an opportunity to redefine its trade relationship with the rest of the world and ensure that it is never exploited again. 'All of these changes have created a pivotal moment for Africa to seize its opportunities. But if these opportunities are not taken advantage of, Africa and its people risk falling further behind. And if Africa isn't strategic about how to take advantage of these opportunities and who Africa chooses as its closest allies, the continent itself risks being taken advantage of.' The Afreximbank AGM comes at a time when Trump announced major sets of tariffs, namely the section 232 tariffs aimed at protecting US industries and 'reciprocal tariffs', which were later suspended for three months. The announced tariffs had the effect of nullifying the trade benefits of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa), a piece of legislation that allows duty-free trade on specific items between the US and the continent. It is unclear if the US Congress will renew Agoa when it expires on September 30. Miller said that while Trump's second administration has been fast in seeking to redefine the global economy, the president was aware of the advantages that Africa had, including its minerals and its young population. 'As you know, the global economy is rapidly shifting. President Trump's leadership has restored America as the hottest country in the world to do business with. Technological advancements in the fields of AI, energy and so many other sectors are rapidly changing the future of our workforce. Calling China out by name, Miller said the US offered Africa 'something different' from 'sloppy' companies that polluted African ecosystems and shackled African sovereigns in unsustainable debt. He said the US and Africa could have a trade relationship characterised by 'mutual respect'. 'In the heightened demand for natural resources, critical minerals and rare earths to power the AI technological revolution [are] something Africa has and everybody wants. And, of course, Africa itself is growing rapidly. The sheer manpower available in Africa now and in the coming years, at a time when other areas in the world are facing population declines, creates a new dynamic that, too, will change the balance of power.' However, he said Africa's advantages heading into the rest of the 21st century include that it is projected to surpass Europe in economic size by 2050 to become the third-largest economic bloc in the world. 'For these reasons alone, Africa deserves more. Africa can, in fact, accomplish more. And working with the US, everything is possible. But it's Africa and Africa's leaders — you — that must make the choice. And, in fact, Africa must make several choices to realise this success.' He urged Africa to position itself for long-term success and refuse finance and investment arrangements that create endless debt for its economies. He said basics such as peace, food sustainability, energy, infrastructure and other needs should not be off the table as Africa negotiates investments with the world. 'The second point I want to raise — and I'm just going to be very blunt and take this head-on — is to attract these needed investments, African nations must continue making the needed reforms to improve the business climate. '[These are] ending corruption, enforcing contracts and the rule of law, [and] stabilising currencies. This isn't a wish list. This is exactly what is required to generate the critical investment Africa needs to realise its full potential.' He reminded delegates that the US was home to the No 1 pool of capital in the world, but said American capital was government and private capital, and this capital would 'demand results' and 'deliver accountability'. Repurposing his most famous client's election slogan, Miller said: 'Together we will make Africa powerful again. Together, we will make Africa wealthy again. Together, we will make Africa strong again. Together, we will make Africa proud again. Together, we will make Africa safe again. And together, ladies and gentlemen, we will make Africa great again.' He praised the Nigerian government for the 'gutsy' move of fixing the Nigerian currency, the naira, as this would stabilise the economy and allow US investments to flow in. He urged Africa to 'remember who its true friends are', pointing out the US's work in providing humanitarian aid, peacekeeping missions and Ebola relief on the continent.
IOL News
10 hours ago
- IOL News
India and Namibia explore greater cooperation in strengthening defence engagement
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The writer notes that the current engagement between the two air forces of India and Namibia is expected to further boost training exchanges, joint exercises, and knowledge sharing, contributing to the modernisation and operational readiness of the Namibian Air Force. Image: EPA-EFE/HEIN HTET India and Namibia recently reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral defence ties in a meeting between Air Vice Marshal Teofilus Shaende, Commander of the Namibian Air Force and Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani, the Vice Chief of India's Air Staff. Shaende's visit to India from June 8 to 13 was aimed at discussing avenues for further strengthening defence engagement between the two countries, with the discussions primarily focused on enhancing training cooperation, capability development, and fostering a strategic partnership. India's support of and engagement with Namibia is decades old, with India being among the first nations to raise the question of Namibian independence in the United Nations in 1946. Namibia's liberation movement SWAPO (South West Africa People's Organisation ), which is now known as the SWAPO Party of Namibia, had its first Embassy abroad established in New Delhi in 1986. Accordance of full diplomatic status and support at NAM was also accompanied by material assistance and military training. After Namibian independence in 1990, the Indian Observer Mission was upgraded to a full-fledged High Commission on 21 March 1990 and Namibia opened a fully-fledged resident Mission in New Delhi in March 1994. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading India and Namibia enjoy warm and cordial relations. The Namibian people and leadership view India as a dependable and trusted friend. Indian support during their liberation struggle is warmly recalled by Namibian leaders, according to a statement by the Indian High Commission in Namibia. African countries have increasingly looked at India as a formidable force in the defence sector and these engagements have become more frequent. In May, during a visit in New Delhi, Angolan president João Lourenço signed with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi a series of strategic agreements in the field of defence, energy, trade and cultural exchange. One of the most notable announcements was a $200 million Indian defence credit line to modernise Angola's army. During his visit, Shaende also paid tribute to India's fallen soldiers by laying a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at the National War Memorial in Delhi, symbolising the deep respect and enduring friendship between India and Namibia. This gesture underscored the shared values and mutual regard that underpin the bilateral relationship. There have been regular high-level exchanges and structured dialogues between the two countries in recent years, including the fourth round of India-Namibia Foreign Office Consultations held in Windhoek in 2022, where both sides conducted a comprehensive review of their bilateral relations. Defence cooperation remains a key pillar of this partnership, with ongoing efforts to modernise and build the capabilities of the Namibian Defence Force through collaboration with nations like India. The current engagement between the two air forces is expected to further boost training exchanges, joint exercises, and knowledge sharing, contributing to the modernisation and operational readiness of the Namibian Air Force. Both countries are committed to leveraging their partnership to address common security challenges and promote peace and stability in their respective regions. Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah in June also called for the continued strengthening of bilateral ties between Namibia and India, as she received that country's High Commissioner, Rahul Shrivastava, at State House for a courtesy visit. 'The relationship between India and Namibia has a very long history and we need to maintain that history by continuously strengthening this cooperation. 'Personally I must express my appreciation to the Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) for having sent me a message of congratulations after my election last year.' Nandi-Ndaitwah said India participated in the inauguration, describing this as testimony of the friendship that exists between the two countries.
