New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized India’s role as a development partner for Africa during his address in Namibia, advocating for a future built on dialogue, equity, and cooperation. His remarks were widely interpreted as a subtle contrast to China’s resource-centric approach in the continent.

Modi’s diplomatic push aligns with India’s strategy to expand its influence in Africa, where China has heavily invested in infrastructure and mining projects in exchange for natural resources. Since 2018, India has opened 17 new missions in Africa and played a pivotal role in securing the African Union’s inclusion in the G20 during its 2023 presidency.

“In the 21st century, India’s progress demonstrates that the Global South can thrive on its own terms,” Modi told Namibia’s National Assembly. “Our vision is not one of dominance but of partnership—rooted in dialogue and equity.”

His one-day visit to Namibia, the first by an Indian leader since 2016, concluded a five-nation tour spanning Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, and Brazil. During the trip, Modi was honored with Namibia’s highest civilian award, the Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis—his fourth state accolade on this tour.

While Modi avoided direct mention of China, his speech underscored concerns over Beijing’s resource-for-infrastructure deals in Africa. China has lent nearly $57 billion to emerging economies for mining projects since 2000, including a $5.6 billion agreement with the Democratic Republic of Congo for copper and cobalt access.

Modi highlighted India’s $12 billion investment in African development, stressing the importance of “shared growth” rather than treating the continent as a “source of raw materials.” He pledged support for Africa’s industrialization goals under Agenda 2063 and discussed expanding defense cooperation, including potential equipment procurement and training support for Namibia.

Key outcomes of the visit included agreements on entrepreneurship and health, Namibia’s commitment to join Indian-led global initiatives, and plans to launch India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in Namibia later this year.