Modi’s Namibian Honour Sparks New Trade Era

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Windhoek: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s State Visit today marked a significant milestone in India-Namibia relations, as he became the first Indian leader to receive the country’s highest civilian award, the “Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis”, conferred by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah in Windhoek. This visit, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 27 years and the first bilateral State Visit hosted by President Nandi-Ndaitwah since assuming office in March, strengthened ties through diplomatic engagements, agreements, and tributes to Namibia’s Founding Father, Dr. Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma.

Upon arrival at the State House, Modi was accorded a ceremonial reception and held talks with President Nandi-Ndaitwah. He congratulated her on becoming her country’s first woman President, drawing parallels with India’s own milestone, stating, “It is the power of India’s Constitution that a daughter from a poor tribal family is today the President of India. It is this very Constitution that gave someone like me the chance to become Prime Minister. Not once, not twice, but three times. When you have nothing, the Constitution gives you everything.” The leaders reflected on the shared history of their nations’ independence struggles. Modi expressed condolences for the passing of Namibia’s Founding Father, Dr. Sam Nujoma, on February 8, 2025, at age 95, describing him as a visionary whose legacy continues to inspire. At Heroes Acre, Modi paid homage to Dr. Nujoma and noted India’s historic support for Namibia’s liberation, including hosting SWAPO’s first diplomatic mission in New Delhi in 1986 and the role of Indian Lieutenant General Diwan Prem Chand in UN peacekeeping efforts. Modi also recalled how Dr. Nujoma advanced reconciliation, women’s and children’s rights, and environmental protection, making Namibia the first country to enshrine conservation in its constitution. As International Patron of the Cheetah Conservation Fund, he dedicated its Research Centre in 2000 and gifted 10 cheetahs to India in 2001.

Modi and Nandi-Ndaitwah discussed deepening cooperation in defence, maritime security, digital technology, agriculture, health, pharma, energy, and critical minerals. Noting bilateral trade exceeding 800 million dollars, they called for expediting the India-Southern African Customs Union Preferential Trade Agreement (SACU PTA). Modi offered India’s expertise in drone technology for agriculture, capacity-building programmes, and Quick Impact projects in healthcare, education, cybersecurity, and women’s empowerment. He invited Namibia to join the Jan Aushadhi programme for affordable medicines and pledged a Bhabhatron radiotherapy machine for cancer care. Two MoUs were signed on health cooperation and establishing an Entrepreneurship Development Centre in Namibia. In a global first, Namibia signed a licensing agreement to adopt India’s UPI technology, enabling digital transactions “faster than a Springbok,” as Modi noted. Namibia also joined the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and the Global Biofuels Alliance.

Modi addressed Namibia’s Parliament, conveying greetings from “the mother of democracy” to its “temple of democracy.” He quoted Dr. Nujoma: “Our achievement of independence imposes upon us a heavy responsibility, not only to defend our hard-won liberty, but also, to set ourselves higher standards of equality, justice and opportunity for all, without regard to race, creed or colour.” Emphasising shared values, he said, “India and Namibia have much in common. We both fought colonial rule. We both value dignity and freedom. Our Constitutions guide us to uphold equality, liberty, and justice.” He thanked Namibia for the award, likening the friendship to the Welwitschia Mirabilis, enduring and strengthening over time.

Modi expressed gratitude for Namibia’s support in the Cheetah conservation project, noting Dr. Nujoma’s role in gifting cheetahs to India. He shared their message: “Everything is fine,” translated from “Inima aishe oyili nawa,” highlighting their growth in Kuno National Park. He invited Namibia to the International Big Cat Alliance and thanked Namibia for its solidarity after the Pahalgam terror attack, with both leaders committing to fight terrorism and amplify the Global South’s voice. Modi reaffirmed India’s support for Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the African Union’s G20 membership, stating, “In the 21st century, India’s development lights a path, showing that the Global South can rise, lead, and shape its own future. The message is – You can succeed – on your own terms, without losing your identity.” He concluded, “Let our children not only inherit the freedom we fought for, but also the future we will build together.”

President Nandi-Ndaitwah hosted a banquet, and Modi invited her to India. The visit concluded with Modi wishing Namibia success in co-hosting the 2027 Cricket World Cup, offering cricket tips for their Eagles. The agreements on UPI, health, and entrepreneurship, alongside Namibia’s entry into global alliances, lay the groundwork for enhanced collaboration.

– global bihari bureau