Windhoek, Jul 9 (PTI) Namibia will roll out the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) later this year, it was announced on Wednesday following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah that focused on imparting a new momentum to the bilateral ties.

The Modi-Ndaitwah meeting at the State House primarily focused on bolstering bilateral cooperation in areas such as digital technology & UPI, defence, maritime security, agriculture, healthcare, education, energy and critical minerals.

There was an announcement on the launching of digital payments system in Namibia later this year as an outcome of the signing of the UPI technology licensing agreement between NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India) and Bank of Namibia in April last year.

Following the talks between the two leaders, India and Namibia inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on setting up an Entrepreneurship Development Center in Namibia and another pact on cooperation in the field of health and medicine.

Namibia has also joined the India-backed CDRI (Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure) and the Global Biofuels Alliance.

CDRI is dedicated to enhancing the resilience of infrastructure systems to climate and disaster risks. It includes national governments, international organisations, and the private sector.

During the delegation-level talks, the two leaders reviewed the full range of India-Namibia relations.

"Cooperation in areas such as digital technology, defence, security, agriculture, healthcare, education and critical minerals figured prominently in our discussions," Modi posted on social media.

"We also discussed how to boost linkages in trade, energy and petrochemicals. Expressed gratitude for the assistance from Namibia in Project Cheetah," he added.

This was the first Prime Ministerial visit from India to Namibia after 27 years. It was also the first bilateral State Visit that President Nandi-Ndaitwah hosted after taking over office in March this year.

Prime Minister Modi congratulated Nandi-Ndaitwah on being elected as President of Namibia and invited her to visit India at a mutually convenient time. He also conveyed condolences on the passing away this year of Namibia's founding father Sam Nujoma.

"The two leaders discussed global issues of mutual interests. Prime Minister thanked Namibia for its strong support and solidarity extended to the people of India in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.

"They agreed to strengthen the global fight against terrorism. They also committed to work together to amplify the voice of the Global South," it said.

The two leaders expressed satisfaction with the growth in bilateral trade and noted that the full potential on this account was still to be tapped.

"Prime Minister Modi noted that India would be scaling up development cooperation efforts through capacity-building programs for Namibian experts and exploring partnerships in setting up manufacturing facilities in Namibia," the MEA statement said.

Prime Minister Modi offered India’s support for Quick Impact development projects in the areas of agriculture, IT, cyber security, healthcare, education, women empowerment and child welfare.

He also shared the experience of India in using drones for agricultural purposes, a project which could bring value to Namibia.

Modi, who arrived here from Brazil on the final leg of his five-nation tour, also paid tribute to Namibia's founding father Sam Nujoma at the Heroes' Acre memorial. Nujoma led Namibia to independence in 1990 and served as its first President for 15 years.

Prime Minister Modi remembered Nujoma as a visionary leader who devoted his life to the struggle for Namibia’s independence.

"As the first President of free Namibia, Nujoma made inspiring contribution to the country’s nation-making. His legacy continues to inspire people across the world," the MEA said. "Nujoma was a great friend of India." Modi, who is here at the invitation of President Nandi-Ndaitwah, has described Namibia as a "valued and trusted partner" in Africa.

Earlier, Prime Minister Modi received a ceremonial welcome and a guard of honour at State House. He also received a 21-gun salute. PTI ZH MPB ZH ZH