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India Gazette
09-07-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
PM Modi conferred with Namibia's highest civilian award
Windhoek [Namibia], July 9 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the highest civilian award of Namibia on Wednesday. President of Namibia, Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, presented the award to him. The Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis is the highest civilian award of Namibia. The award was established in 1995, shortly after Namibia gained independence in 1990, to recognise distinguished service and leadership. Named after the Welwitschia Mirabilis, a unique and ancient desert plant endemic to Namibia, the order symbolises resilience, longevity and the enduring spirit of the Namibian people. This makes it the 27th award for PM Modi and the 4th award in this ongoing tour. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm ceremonial welcome in Namibia, the fifth country on his five-state visit. He received the ceremonial welcome at the State House in Namibia. The Indian national anthem was played during the event. Later, Prime Minister Modi laid a wreath at the National War Memorial, 'Heroes' Acre', which features a white obelisk rising against the Auas Mountains, with 174 burial plots for national heroes. PM Modi and the President of Namibia, Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, also reviewed the full range of India-Namibia relations during the talks, which took place today. Sharing the details in a post on X, PM Modi said that discussions between India and Namibia were held on cooperation in areas such as digital technology, defence, security, agriculture, healthcare, education and critical minerals. PM Modi underscored that discussions also saw how to boost linkages in trade, energy and petrochemicals. He expressed gratitude for the assistance from Namibia in Project Cheetah. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was warmly received by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah at the State House in Windhoek, Namibia, where the two leaders shook hands. Earlier today, PM Modi arrived at the Hosea Kutako International Airport and was met with a warm reception, as he was greeted by the Namibian Minister of International Relations and Trade, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi. PM Modi also warmly greeted members of the diaspora, shaking hands, listening to their enthusiastic messages, and graciously accepting gifts and portraits presented by the community. In a post on X, the Prime Minister expressed his pride in the diaspora and how they have retained the connection with their culture and traditions. 'The Indian community in Namibia is extremely optimistic about closer India-Namibia friendship, and this is reflected in the special welcome in Windhoek. I am extremely proud of our diaspora, particularly how they have retained a connection with their culture and traditions,' PM Modi stated. India and Namibia share a historic relationship rooted in India's steadfast support for Namibia's struggle for independence. India was among the earliest advocates for Namibian freedom, raising the issue at the United Nations as early as 1946 and hosting the first overseas office of the South West Africa People's Organisation (SWAPO) in 1986. Namibia is gaining renewed international attention due to its abundant reserves of uranium, copper, cobalt, rare earth minerals, and recent oil discoveries. The country is a significant player in the global mining industry, ranking as the world's fourth-largest producer of uranium oxide and also producing high-quality diamonds and zinc. Bilateral trade between India and Namibia reached USD 814 million in 2023-24, with Indian exports accounting for more than half of this total. Indian investments in Namibia are estimated at nearly $800 million, primarily in the mining sector, including zinc and diamonds. A notable example of the trust between the two nations is the successful translocation of eight cheetahs from Namibia to India's Kuno National Park in 2022, marking the world's first intercontinental transfer of a major carnivore species. The countries are exploring opportunities to expand cooperation in mining, energy, health, agriculture and infrastructure. Negotiations for a Preferential Trade Arrangement between India and the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), with Namibia as coordinator, are ongoing. PM Modi arrived in Namibia after concluding his two-day State visit to Brazil, where he attended the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro and held bilateral talks with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in Brasilia. Namibia is the final stop in the Prime Minister's five-nation tour, which also included visits to Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, and Brazil. (ANI)
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India.com
09-07-2025
- Politics
- India.com
From Oil Fields To Rare Earths – Namibia-India Ties Modi's Bet Against China
Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, did not sleep late. A morning sun split the dry Namibian sky as an Indian Air Force jet glided into Hosea Kutako International Airport. Out stepped Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Cameras whirred. Traditional dancers moved in rhythm. In the crowd, diaspora voices rose like a homecoming hymn. A gap of 27 years closed with a single footstep. Namibia's Minister of International Relations and Trade Selma Ashipala-Musavyi greeted him first. Then came the grip of state – the handshake with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah at the State House. Formal smiles with heavy meanings were exchanged, and a new page began to turn. A Valuable, Trusted African Partner PM Modi did not speak in riddles. 'Namibia is a valuable and trusted African partner,' he said, standing beside the country's president. Then he listed the directions ahead – digital technology, defence, security, agriculture, healthcare, education and critical minerals. He was not reading possibilities. He was reading plans. Later, on X, he posted, 'Discussions between India and Namibia were held on cooperation in areas such as digital technology, defence, security, agriculture, healthcare, education and critical minerals.' His message landed calmly but struck deeply. 'Discussions also explored ways to boost linkages in trade, energy and petrochemicals.' Wreaths, Wars and Remembrance The convoy curved up to Heroes' Acre. A white obelisk towered against the Auas Mountains. Beneath it, 174 burial plots rested – each one a name etched into Namibia's fight for freedom. PM Modi laid a wreath in silence. Then he spoke with reverence. 'I dedicate this honour to the people of Namibia and India, their continuous progress and development and our unbreakable friendship.' There was more. 'Our friendship was not born out of politics but out of struggle, cooperation and mutual trust,' he declared. 'It is a witness to the everlasting friendship between India and Namibia, and I feel very proud to be associated with it today.' A Civilian Honour and an Ancient Plant Namibia gave him more than warmth. It gave him its highest civilian award – The Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis. A decoration rooted in history and named after a desert plant that lives for a thousand years. The plant is a symbol of survival. PM Modi responded with humility. '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.' 'We are Part of the Global South…' At Namibia's Parliament, he stood before lawmakers – firm, open and grounded. He did not deliver slogans. He delivered soul. 'It is a great privilege to address this august house, a temple of democracy. 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.' Then came the thread that tied them both. 'India and Namibia have much in common. We both fought colonial rule. We both value dignity and freedom. Our constitution guides us to uphold equality, liberty and justice. We are part of the Global South, and our people share hope and dreams.' He nodded toward Namibia's moment of pride: 'A few months ago, you celebrated a historic moment – Namibia elected its first woman president. We understand and share your pride and joy because in India, we also proudly say Madam President.' And then his voice turned personal. '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, and it is the power of the same Constitution that gave a person like me, born in a poor family, the opportunity to become prime minister thrice.' The Cheetah That Roared Trust This was not the first sign of trust. Namibia had already sent eight cheetahs to India's Kuno National Park in 2022. A symbolic gesture. A living one. It marked the first intercontinental translocation of a major carnivore species. PM Modi did not forget. He said, 'I express gratitude for the assistance from Namibia in Project Cheetah.' 'Extremely Proud of Our Diaspora' In the hotel courtyard, outside the formal halls, the energy shifted. Diaspora families gathered. Children waved flags. Seniors came with portraits. There were handshakes, tears and warmth. PM Modi did not hold back his pride. 'The Indian community in Namibia is extremely optimistic about closer India-Namibia friendship, and this is reflected in the special welcome in Windhoek. I am extremely proud of our diaspora, particularly how they have retained a connection with their culture and traditions.' Deals Signed, Foundations Laid Two MoUs were exchanged during this visit. One to establish an Entrepreneurship Development Centre in Namibia. Another on cooperation in health and medicine. Namibia also joined the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and the Global Biofuels Alliance. Two signatures that sealed future footprints. And then came fintech. A UPI technology licensing agreement – signed in April – will now help Namibia launch its own digital payments system by the end of this year. A Race Below the Earth This trip was not just about paper and photo-ops. India came to Namibia because Namibia is rich where it matters – under the ground. Uranium. Oil. Copper. Diamonds. Rare earths. The world's fourth-largest producer of uranium oxide. Reserves that now feel like a golden ticket in a world shifting away from carbon. India's interests were made crystal clear. 'We are interested in uranium exports and exploring cooperation in oil and gas,' said the prime minister. The hunt began decades ago. But something changed after 2022. Discovery after discovery. Rhino Resources hit hydrocarbons at the Sagittarius 1-X well. Shell, ExxonMobil, Chevron and TotalEnergies. All watching and circling. Namibia's exploration territory spans 230,000 square kilometres – twice that of Norway. And yet, only a handful of deep wells have been drilled. The Orange Basin is where the story may explode next. TotalEnergies will take big calls by 2026. The next 24 months matter more than ever. Namibia could join the world's top 10 oil producers by 2035. That is not speculation but projection. History Behind, Fire Ahead India and Namibia are no strangers. India supported Namibia's independence as early as 1946. Hosted SWAPO's first overseas office in 1986. Helped build the diplomatic bridges before others showed up. PM Modi remembered Sam Nujoma, Namibia's founding president. 'His august presence during the establishment of the first-ever diplomatic mission of Namibia in New Delhi will always be cherished and fondly remembered by the people of India.' Trade between the two nations touched $814 million in 2023-24. Indian exports made up the lion's share. Investments from India now total nearly $800 million, mostly in mining – zinc, diamonds and hope carved in rock. There is more on the table. A Preferential Trade Agreement with the Southern African Customs Union is being worked out. Namibia is leading it. The Curtain Falls in Windhoek This was the final stop in a whirlwind five-nation tour – Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil and now Namibia. But the final act was not quiet. It was a crescendo. PM Modi did not leave as just a guest. He left as a partner. A recipient of honours. A builder of bridges. A friend who came not to lecture, but to listen. The desert winds carried more than sand. They carried memory. They carried movement. They carried a message. A handshake yesterday. A deal today. A future carved in dust and sealed with fire.
India Gazette
09-07-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
PM Modi meets, shakes hands with Namibia President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah at State House in Windhoek
Windhoek [Namibia], July 9 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi was warmly received by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah at the State House in Windhoek, Namibia, where the two leaders shook hands. Earlier today, PM Modi arrived at the Hosea Kutako International Airport and was met with a warm reception, as he was greeted by the Namibian Minister of International Relations and Trade, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi. Follwing his warm reception, he arrived at the hotel in Namibia's capital, Windhoek, on Wednesday, where he will stay during his State Visit. PM Modi was greeted with a warm and culturally rich welcome upon his arrival at the hotel. The reception, marked by a blend of Yoga performances and enthusiastic greetings from the Indian diaspora, underscored the significance of this historic visit, the first by Prime Minister Modi to Namibia and the third-ever Prime Ministerial visit from India. PM Modi also warmly greeted members of the diaspora, shaking hands, listening to their enthusiastic messages, and graciously accepting gifts and portraits presented by the community. In a post on X, the Prime Minister expressed his pride in the diaspora and how they have retained the connection with their culture and traditions. 'The Indian community in Namibia is extremely optimistic about closer India-Namibia friendship, and this is reflected in the special welcome in Windhoek. I am extremely proud of our diaspora, particularly how they have retained a connection with their culture and traditions,' PM Modi stated. Sharing a post on X, the Ministry of External Affairs stated, 'PM Narendra Modi lands in the capital city of Windhoek, Namibia, to a warm welcome. He was received by Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, Minister of International Relations and Trade of Namibia, at the airport. This is the first visit of the PM to Namibia.' PM Modi also took to X and stated that Namibia was a 'valued and trusted African partner' and that he was looking forward to his meeting with Namibian President Nandi-Ndaitwah and addressing the Namibian Parliament later today. 'Landed in Windhoek a short while ago. Namibia is a valued and trusted African partner with whom we seek to boost bilateral cooperation. Looking forward to meeting President Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and addressing the Namibian Parliament today,' he stated. PM Modi arrived in Namibia after concluding his two-day State visit to Brazil, where he attended the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro and held bilateral talks with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in Brasilia. Namibia is the final stop in the Prime Minister's five-nation tour, which also included visits to Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, and Brazil. (ANI)
India Gazette
09-07-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
PM Modi receives ceremonial welcome in Namibia, lays wreath at National War Memorial
Windhoek [Namibia], July 9 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm ceremonial welcome in Namibia, marking the final leg of his five-nation tour and the first visit by an Indian PM to the African nation in nearly three decades. He received the ceremonial welcome at the State House in Namibia. The Indian national anthem was played during the event. Later, Prime Minister Modi laid a wreath at the National War Memorial, 'Heroes' Acre', which features a white obelisk rising against the Auas Mountains, with 174 burial plots for national heroes. President Sam Nujoma established this memorial in 2002 after visiting Zimbabwe, marking the anniversary of Namibia's 1966 armed liberation struggle. The memorial features a 5,000-seat grandstand, a viewing pavilion, a restaurant, and security personnel who maintain the grounds throughout operating hours. PM Modi and the President of Namibia, Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, also reviewed the full range of India-Namibia relations during the talks, which took place today. Sharing the details in a post on X, PM Modi said that discussions between India and Namibia were held on cooperation in areas such as digital technology, defence, security, agriculture, healthcare, education and critical minerals. PM Modi underscored that discussions also explored ways to boost linkages in trade, energy, and petrochemicals. He expressed gratitude for the assistance from Namibia in Project Cheetah. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was warmly received by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah at the State House in Windhoek, Namibia, where the two leaders shook hands. Earlier today, PM Modi arrived at the Hosea Kutako International Airport and was met with a warm reception, as he was greeted by the Namibian Minister of International Relations and Trade, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi. PM Modi also warmly greeted members of the diaspora, shaking hands, listening to their enthusiastic messages, and graciously accepting gifts and portraits presented by the community. In a post on X, the Prime Minister expressed his pride in the diaspora and how they have maintained their connection to their culture and traditions. 'The Indian community in Namibia is extremely optimistic about closer India-Namibia friendship, and this is reflected in the special welcome in Windhoek. I am extremely proud of our diaspora, particularly how they have retained a connection with their culture and traditions,' PM Modi stated. Sharing a post on X, the Ministry of External Affairs stated, 'PM Narendra Modi lands in the capital city of Windhoek, Namibia, to a warm welcome. He was received by Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, Minister of International Relations and Trade of Namibia, at the airport. This is the first visit of the PM to Namibia.' The visit is expected to deepen ties between India and Namibia further. The two countries share a historic relationship rooted in India's steadfast support for Namibia's struggle for independence. India was among the earliest advocates for Namibian freedom, raising the issue at the United Nations as early as 1946 and hosting the first overseas office of the South West Africa People's Organisation (SWAPO) in 1986. Namibia is gaining renewed international attention due to its abundant reserves of uranium, copper, cobalt, rare earth minerals, and recent oil discoveries. The country is a significant player in the global mining industry, ranking as the world's fourth-largest producer of uranium oxide and also producing high-quality diamonds and zinc. With the increasing global demand for clean energy and battery storage, Namibia's potential for developing new mining projects for cobalt, lithium, and rare earth elements has become more relevant. This presents opportunities for growth and investment in the country's mining sector. Bilateral trade between India and Namibia reached USD 814 million in 2023-24, with Indian exports accounting for more than half of this total. Indian investments in Namibia are estimated at nearly $800 million, primarily in the mining sector, including zinc and diamonds. A notable example of the trust between the two nations is the successful translocation of eight cheetahs from Namibia to India's Kuno National Park in 2022, marking the world's first intercontinental transfer of a major carnivore species. The countries are exploring opportunities to expand cooperation in mining, energy, health, agriculture and infrastructure. Negotiations for a Preferential Trade Arrangement between India and the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), with Namibia as coordinator, are ongoing. (ANI)
India Gazette
09-07-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
PM Modi receives warm welcome from Indian diaspora in Namibia, lauds their deep cultural connection to India
Windhoek [Namibia], July 9 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi was greeted with a warm and culturally rich welcome upon his arrival at the hotel in Namibia's capital, Windhoek, on Wednesday, where he will stay during his State Visit. The reception, marked by a blend of Yoga performances and enthusiastic greetings from the Indian diaspora, underscored the significance of this historic visit, the first by Prime Minister Modi to Namibia and the third-ever Prime Ministerial visit from India. PM Modi also warmly greeted members of the diaspora, shaking hands, listening to their enthusiastic messages, and graciously accepting gifts and portraits presented by the community. In a post on X, the Prime Minister expressed his pride in the diaspora and how they have retained the connection with their culture and traditions. 'The Indian community in Namibia is extremely optimistic about closer India-Namibia friendship, and this is reflected in the special welcome in Windhoek. I am extremely proud of our diaspora, particularly how they have retained a connection with their culture and traditions,' PM Modi stated. Earlier today, PM Modi arrived at the Hosea Kutako International Airport and was met with a warm reception, as he was greeted by the Namibian Minister of International Relations and Trade, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, reflecting the significance of this diplomatic engagement. 'PM Narendra Modi lands in the capital city of Windhoek, Namibia, to a warm welcome. He was received by Ms. Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, Minister of International Relations & Trade of Namibia, at the airport. This is the first visit of the PM to Namibia,' the Ministry of External Affairs stated in a post on X. PM Modi also took to X and stated that Namibia was a 'valued and trusted African partner' and that he was looking forward to his meeting with Namibian President Nandi-Ndaitwah and addressing the Namibian Parliament later today. 'Landed in Windhoek a short while ago. Namibia is a valued and trusted African partner with whom we seek to boost bilateral cooperation. Looking forward to meeting President Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and addressing the Namibian Parliament today,' he stated. PM Modi is in Namibia for a State visit at the invitation of Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. Upon his arrival, the Prime Minister was accorded a ceremonial, traditional welcome at the airport. The Prime Minister also tried his hand at playing the Namibian traditional drums. PM Modi arrived in Namibia after concluding his two-day State visit to Brazil, where he attended the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro and held bilateral talks with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in Brasilia. Namibia is the final stop in the Prime Minister's five-nation tour, which also included visits to Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, and Brazil. (ANI)
