‘Building Real Friendships’: Jaishankar Lauds Gujarat’s Diamond Businesses Working in Namibia

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Monday met Indian diamond businesses from Gujarat in Namibia and lauded their contribution to the local economy, saying they are furthering the country’s economic interests while building genuine friendship.

Jaishankar arrived in the capital Namibia after the conclusion of the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Summit in South Africa. During his visit, the External Affairs Minister had several meetings with the top leadership of the country.

“Good to see Indian diamond businesses from Gujarat active in Namibia. They are furthering our economic interests while building genuine friendship. The Namibian government appreciates their contribution to the local economy,” Jaishankar tweeted.

Minister Jaishankar met the diamond traders after the conclusion of the Joint Commission meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister of Namibia, Netumbo Nandi-Nditwah.

Jaishankar said the roadmap for India-Namibia partnership covers several domains including energy, infrastructure, food security, digital, capacity building and defence.

“Delighted to conclude the first India-Namibia Joint Cooperation Commission and sign its minutes. The roadmap for our growing partnership includes energy, infrastructure, wildlife conservation, trade and investment, food security, digital, capacity building, health, defense and the areas of art, culture, heritage and people-to-people connect.” the minister tweeted.

Jaishankar on Monday also discussed taking forward bilateral ties in energy, green hydrogen, transport and connectivity, digital, pharmaceuticals, science and technology.

“Discussed taking forward our ties in energy, green hydrogen, transport and connectivity, digital, pharmaceuticals, food security, science and technology and culture. As well as wildlife cooperation and ecotourism. Our perspectives (on) regional and global issues are similar and inspire working together in international fora,” Jaishankar tweeted.

EAM also called on President Hege Geingob and conveyed personal greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“Thank you Namibian President @hageingob for welcoming me so warmly. Conveyed the personal greetings of PM @narendramodi. Respected his sentiments for our relationship and vision to take it forward.’

He briefed the President about the productive Joint Commission meeting and reaffirmed India’s commitment to “further deepen our partnership”.

The Minister also visited the Namibian Independence Museum. “A powerful reminder of a shared struggle and of Global South solidarity,” he said.

In Windhoek, Jaishankar also participated in the inauguration of the India-Namibia Center of Excellence in Information Technology (INCEIT).

This center is a remarkable contribution to our partnership with Digital Africa. The minister said it is in line with Namibian priorities and will contribute to research, innovation, cyber security and good governance.

He said, “I am confident that the youth of Namibia will also use this as a platform to showcase their talent and creativity. The ultimate supercomputer installed here, named Arub (Cheetah), is based on the time-tested India- Namibia is a confirmation of the partnership.”

Jaishankar reached the Namibian capital here on Sunday on a three-day visit from Cape Town. On the same day, on Sunday evening, he interacted with the Indian community in Windhoek.

“Shared with him the history of our relationship, as well as new expressions of friendship. Also discussed progress in India and its impact on Indians living abroad.