The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, stated this Wednesday (9), during his visit to Namibia, that African countries rich in natural resources should focus on creating local value and not just exporting raw materials, reported Lusa.
“The African continent should not be just a source of raw materials; it should lead in value creation and sustainable growth. Therefore, we fully support Africa’s Agenda 2063 for industrialization,” Modi emphasized at the National Assembly in Namibia’s capital, Windhoek.
The Indian government leader said that India’s “commitment” to the African continent is based on “respect, equality, and mutual benefit” between both parties.
“We do not seek to compete but to cooperate. Our goal is to build together. Not to take, but to grow together,” he stressed, adding: “Our development partnership in Africa is worth over 12 billion dollars, but its true value lies in shared growth and purpose. That is why we continue to develop local capacities, create local jobs, and support local innovation.”
In his speech, Narendra Modi expressed willingness to expand cooperation in defense and security matters, as he “values Africa’s role in global affairs,” and recalled that India “stood up for the continent’s voice during the G20 presidency” in 2023, the year when the group of 20 most industrialized nations welcomed the African Union as a permanent member.
The official, who met with Namibia’s President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, was honored with the Order of the Oldest Welwitschia Mirabilis, the highest civilian decoration of the African country.
The visit to Namibia marks the end of a trip that, during the past week, took Narendra Modi to Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, and Brazil, where he participated in the BRICS summit held on July 6 and 7 in Rio de Janeiro.
Source: DE
