On August 11, 2026, the co-chairs from both countries signed the Agreed Minutes of the fourth session of the India-Namibia Joint Trade Committee (JTC) in New Delhi. The Indian delegation for this session, held on August 10–11, was led by Joint Secretary Mr. Amit Kumar, while the Namibian delegation was led by Executive Director Ms. Ndita Nghipondoka-Robiati.
India and Namibia have agreed to further enhance trade and economic cooperation. Under this framework, bilateral trade in goods between the two countries rose from USD 568.40 million in the previous financial year to USD 592.94 million in 2025-26.
Both sides agreed to enhance value addition in Namibia and boost bilateral trade through concrete action plans. They also agreed on a time-bound mechanism with clear responsibilities for implementing the decisions.
India’s exports stood at USD 349.09 million and imports at USD 243.85 million. Trade in services grew by 7.34 percent in the 2024 calendar year, reaching USD 380 million.
India’s engineering exports surged by 124.06% to reach USD 30.24 million, driven primarily by automobiles. Exports of pharmaceuticals and medical equipment reached USD 36.50 million, making India the second-largest supplier of medicines to Namibia.
Focus on Healthcare, Services & Investment
The first Joint Working Group under the MoU on health and medical cooperation will be held by December 2026. The process of finalizing the Jan Aushadhi cooperation agreement with HLL Lifecare Limited is in the final stage.
India and Namibia agreed to constitute a working group on services, which will meet and submit an action plan to the JTC by February 2027.
To boost investment, ‘Invest India’ and the ‘Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board’ have been designated as key contact points under the JTC. Both sides will also appoint officials to coordinate on investment-related matters.
Advancing Energy & Infrastructure Ties
Both countries finalized the ‘Terms of Reference’ for the India-SACU Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA). These are set to be signed on August 12, with the aim of commencing negotiations within a month and concluding them within a year.
Areas of cooperation were identified in railways and rolling stock, solar and wind energy, battery storage, transmission, green hydrogen, biofuels, and desalination. The JTC also discussed cooperation in the sectors of agriculture and food security, MSME, textiles, tourism, and sports.
Strengthening Digital Payments & Critical Minerals
Following the launch of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI)-based instant payment system in Namibia, both sides reviewed cooperation in digital payments. Launched in June 2026 under the name “WayaMe,” this system is expected to strengthen digital financial connectivity. Additionally, proposals for a fintech cooperation framework between the Reserve Bank of India and the Bank of Namibia were discussed.
Under the critical minerals cooperation initiative, both countries explored partnership opportunities regarding lithium, graphite, copper, cobalt, and rare earth elements. Namibia was invited to participate in India’s specialized trade events in the gems and jewellery sector, while India agreed to provide training in diamond cutting, polishing, and jewellery design.
An agreement was reached during the Joint Trade Committee meeting to enhance cooperation in trade, investment, and various sectors. The meeting took place in a cordial atmosphere, and the next session will be held in Namibia in 2028.
(PIB)
