Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Namibia on Wednesday marked a significant moment in India’s engagement with Africa, as he addressed the Namibian Parliament, hailed the strength of shared democratic values, and became the first Indian leader to receive the country’s highest civilian honour—The Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis.
In his address to the Namibian Parliament, PM Modi described it as “a great privilege to address this august house, a temple of democracy.” He added, “I thank you for giving me this honour. I stand before you as a representative of the Mother of Democracy, and I bring with me warm greetings from 1.4 billion people of India.”
‘Namibia First Country To Adopt UPI’: PM Modi Highlights Trade Cooperation, Recalls Cheetah Translocation
Applauding Namibia’s adoption of India’s Unified Payment Interface (UPI) technology, Modi remarked, “We are thrilled that Namibia is the first country to adopt India’s UPI… Soon, people will be able to send money faster than one can say ‘Tangi Unene’. Soon, a Himba grandmother in Kunene, or a shopkeeper in Katutura, will be able to go digital with just a tap, faster than a springbok.”
Emphasising the upward trajectory of bilateral trade, he noted, “Our bilateral trade has crossed 800 million dollars. But like on the cricket field, we are just warming up. We will score faster and score more.”
“You helped us in reintroducing cheetahs in our country; we are deeply grateful for your gift. I had the privilege of releasing them into the Kuno National Park. They have sent a message for you – everything is fine. They are very happy and have adapted well in their new home. They have grown in numbers as well. Clearly, they are enjoying their time in India,” he also said, recalling the 2022 translocation of eight cheetahs.
Referring to the award conferred on him, PM Modi said, “I am deeply honoured to receive the highest civilian award of Namibia as a symbol of the friendship between our peoples. Like the tough and elegant plants of Namibia, our friendship has stood the test of time. And, just like your national plant, Welwitschia Mirabilis, it only grows stronger with age and time.”
Congratulating Namibia on electing its first woman president, Modi said, “We understand and share your pride and joy because in India, we also proudly say Madam President.”
Drawing parallels with India’s own democratic journey, he stated, “It is the power of the Constitution of India that the daughter of a poor tribal family is the President of the world’s largest democracy. It is the power of the Constitution that gave a person like me, born in a poor family, the opportunity to become Prime Minister thrice. Those who have nothing have the guarantee of the Constitution.”
Highlighting historical solidarity, he reminded, “The people of India stood proudly with Namibia during your liberation struggle. Even before our own independence, India raised the issue of South West Africa at the United Nations… It was an Indian Lieutenant General, Dewan Prem Chand, who led the UN peacekeeping force in Namibia. India is proud to have stood with you, not just in words but in action.”
He added that more than 1,700 Namibians have benefitted from Indian scholarship and training programmes. “We not only value our ties from the past, but we are also focused on realising the potential of our shared future. We see great value in working together on the Namibia Vision 2030 and the Harambee Prosperity Plan (HPP),” he said.
Reinforcing health cooperation, Modi said, “Our Aarogya Maitri initiative supports Africa with hospitals, equipment, medicines, and training. India is ready to supply Namibia with a Bhabhatron radiotherapy machine for advanced cancer care.”
He also announced support for youth entrepreneurship, stating, “We are honored to support Namibia’s youth through the new entrepreneurship development center. It will be a place where business dreams can get mentorship.”
PM Modi evoked Namibia’s national bird, the African Fish Eagle, known for its sharp vision and majestic flight, saying, “It teaches us to Soar together, Scan the horizon and boldly reach out for opportunities.”
He also extended support for Africa’s Agenda 2063 for industrialisation: “We seek not to compete, but to cooperate. Our goal is to build together. Not to take, but to grow together. Our development partnership in Africa is worth over 12 billion dollars, but its real value is in shared growth and shared purpose. We believe that Africa must not be just a source of raw materials. Africa must lead in value creation and sustainable growth. That is why we fully support Africa’s Agenda 2063 for industrialisation,” he remarked.
“Let us create a future defined not by power, but by partnership. Not by dominance, but by dialogue. Not by exclusion, but by equity. This will be the spirit of our shared vision…Let our children not only inherit the freedom we fought for, but the future we will build together,” the Prime Minister added.
He concluded the address by wishing Namibia great success in co-hosting the 2027 Cricket World Cup. “And if your Eagles (nickname of Namibia men’s national cricket team) need any cricket tips, you know whom to call,” he quipped.
PM Modi Conferred With Namibia’s Highest Civilian Award Amid Visit
Earlier in the day, Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah conferred the Welwitschia Mirabilis award on Modi, who dedicated the honour to “the people of Namibia and India, their continuous progress and development, and our unbreakable friendship”.
Speaking at the ceremony, PM Modi said, “Our friendship was not born out of politics but out of struggle, cooperation, and mutual trust.” The MEA described the award as a milestone in bilateral relations, symbolising resilience and longevity, much like the plant it is named after.
Modi also paid homage to Namibia’s first President Sam Nujoma at the Heroes Acre memorial, calling him “a visionary leader who devoted his life to the struggle for Namibia’s independence.” Nujoma’s historic presence in New Delhi during the opening of SWAPO’s first overseas mission in 1986 was recalled fondly.
In bilateral talks held at the State House in Windhoek, Modi and President Nandi-Ndaitwah reviewed cooperation across sectors such as digital technology, defence, security, health, agriculture, education, and critical minerals. Sharing the developments on X (formerly Twitter), Modi said energy, petrochemicals, and trade were also discussed, and he expressed gratitude for Namibia’s support in Project Cheetah.
India and Namibia share a longstanding relationship rooted in India’s support for Namibia’s freedom struggle. India first raised Namibia’s cause at the UN in 1946 and hosted SWAPO’s overseas mission four decades later.
Namibia, rich in uranium, copper, cobalt, and rare earth minerals, is drawing increased global attention. It is the fourth-largest producer of uranium oxide and also known for its diamond and zinc output. India’s investments in Namibia have touched nearly USD 800 million, largely in mining. Bilateral trade in 2023–24 reached USD 814 million, with Indian exports making up over half.
A symbol of this trust was the 2022 translocation of eight cheetahs from Namibia to India’s Kuno National Park—the first intercontinental relocation of a major carnivore species.
Negotiations are underway between India and the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), where Namibia plays a coordinating role, for a Preferential Trade Arrangement.
Namibia was the final leg of PM Modi’s five-nation tour that included visits to Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, and Brazil, where he also attended the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro and met President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Brasilia.
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