Latest news with #NamibianAirForce
IOL News
26-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
India and Namibia explore greater cooperation in strengthening defence engagement
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The writer notes that the current engagement between the two air forces of India and Namibia is expected to further boost training exchanges, joint exercises, and knowledge sharing, contributing to the modernisation and operational readiness of the Namibian Air Force. Image: EPA-EFE/HEIN HTET India and Namibia recently reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral defence ties in a meeting between Air Vice Marshal Teofilus Shaende, Commander of the Namibian Air Force and Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani, the Vice Chief of India's Air Staff. Shaende's visit to India from June 8 to 13 was aimed at discussing avenues for further strengthening defence engagement between the two countries, with the discussions primarily focused on enhancing training cooperation, capability development, and fostering a strategic partnership. India's support of and engagement with Namibia is decades old, with India being among the first nations to raise the question of Namibian independence in the United Nations in 1946. Namibia's liberation movement SWAPO (South West Africa People's Organisation ), which is now known as the SWAPO Party of Namibia, had its first Embassy abroad established in New Delhi in 1986. Accordance of full diplomatic status and support at NAM was also accompanied by material assistance and military training. After Namibian independence in 1990, the Indian Observer Mission was upgraded to a full-fledged High Commission on 21 March 1990 and Namibia opened a fully-fledged resident Mission in New Delhi in March 1994. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading India and Namibia enjoy warm and cordial relations. The Namibian people and leadership view India as a dependable and trusted friend. Indian support during their liberation struggle is warmly recalled by Namibian leaders, according to a statement by the Indian High Commission in Namibia. African countries have increasingly looked at India as a formidable force in the defence sector and these engagements have become more frequent. In May, during a visit in New Delhi, Angolan president João Lourenço signed with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi a series of strategic agreements in the field of defence, energy, trade and cultural exchange. One of the most notable announcements was a $200 million Indian defence credit line to modernise Angola's army. During his visit, Shaende also paid tribute to India's fallen soldiers by laying a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at the National War Memorial in Delhi, symbolising the deep respect and enduring friendship between India and Namibia. This gesture underscored the shared values and mutual regard that underpin the bilateral relationship. There have been regular high-level exchanges and structured dialogues between the two countries in recent years, including the fourth round of India-Namibia Foreign Office Consultations held in Windhoek in 2022, where both sides conducted a comprehensive review of their bilateral relations. Defence cooperation remains a key pillar of this partnership, with ongoing efforts to modernise and build the capabilities of the Namibian Defence Force through collaboration with nations like India. The current engagement between the two air forces is expected to further boost training exchanges, joint exercises, and knowledge sharing, contributing to the modernisation and operational readiness of the Namibian Air Force. Both countries are committed to leveraging their partnership to address common security challenges and promote peace and stability in their respective regions. Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah in June also called for the continued strengthening of bilateral ties between Namibia and India, as she received that country's High Commissioner, Rahul Shrivastava, at State House for a courtesy visit. 'The relationship between India and Namibia has a very long history and we need to maintain that history by continuously strengthening this cooperation. 'Personally I must express my appreciation to the Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) for having sent me a message of congratulations after my election last year.' Nandi-Ndaitwah said India participated in the inauguration, describing this as testimony of the friendship that exists between the two countries.
India Gazette
09-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
India, Namibia discuss means to further enhance cooperation between air forces
New Delhi [India], June 9 (ANI): Air Force Commander of the Namibian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Teofilus Shaende, called on the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, in New Delhi on Monday and discussed means to further enhance cooperation between air forces of two nations. The two officials also discussed issues of mutual interest. The Namibian delegation will be visiting an Air Force Base in Bengaluru, where they will be briefed on the capabilities of Make in India Weapon Systems. In a post on X, the Indian Air Force - Media Co-ordination Centre stated, 'Air Vice Marshal Teofilus Shaende, Air Force Commander of the Namibian Air Force called on the Chief of the Air Staff of the IAF in New Delhi today. Issues of mutual interest & means to further enhance cooperation between the two Air Forces were discussed during the meeting. The Namibian delegation will also be visiting an Air Force Base at Bengaluru, where they will be briefed on the capabilities of Make in India Weapon Systems.' Earlier in the day, Air Vice Marshal Teofilus Shaende met with Vice Chief of Air Staff Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani here to discuss further strengthening bilateral defence engagement, with a focus on enhanced training cooperation, capability development, and strategic partnership between the two nations. In a post on X, Additional Directorate General of Public Information wrote, 'Air Vice Marshal Teofilus Shaende, Air Force Commander of the Namibian Air Force, called on Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani, #VCOAS and held discussions on further strengthening bilateral defence engagement, with a focus on enhanced training cooperation, capability development and strategic partnership between the two nations.' Air Vice Marshal Teofilus Shaende paid tribute to India's bravehearts at the National War Memorial in Delhi. 'Air Vice Marshal Teofilus Shaende, Commander of the Namibian Air Force, laid a wreath at #AmarJawanJyoti, paying homage to India's #Bravehearts. A solemn tribute on behalf of his delegation, reflecting deep respect and enduring friendship at the #NationalWarMemorial,' National War Memorial posted on X. India and Namibia enjoy warm and cordial relations. The Namibian people and leadership view India as a dependable and trusted friend. Indian support during their liberation struggle is warmly recalled by Namibian leaders, according to the Indian High Commission in Namibia statement. India was among the first nations to raise the question of Namibian independence in the UN. After Namibian independence, the Indian Observer Mission was upgraded to a full-fledged High Commission on 21 March 1990. Namibia opened a full-fledged resident Mission in New Delhi in March 1994, according to the statement. The 4th round of India-Namibia Foreign Office Consultations took place in Windhoek in 2022. During the meeting, the two nations conducted a comprehensive review of the existing bilateral relations. (ANI)
India Gazette
09-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
India, Namibia discuss further strengthening defence engagement
New Delhi [India], June 9 (ANI): Commander of the Namibian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Teofilus Shaende, on Monday met with Vice Chief of Air Staff Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani here to discuss further strengthening bilateral defence engagement, with a focus on enhanced training cooperation, capability development, and strategic partnership between the two nations. In a post on X, Additional Directorate General of Public Information wrote, 'Air Vice Marshal Teofilus Shaende, Air Force Commander of the Namibian Air Force, called on Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani, #VCOAS and held discussions on further strengthening bilateral defence engagement, with a focus on enhanced training cooperation, capability development and strategic partnership between the two nations.' Earlier in the day, Air Vice Marshal Teofilus Shaende paid tribute to India's bravehearts at the National War Memorial in Delhi. 'Air Vice Marshal Teofilus Shaende, Commander of the Namibian Air Force, laid a wreath at #AmarJawanJyoti, paying homage to India's #Bravehearts. A solemn tribute on behalf of his delegation, reflecting deep respect and enduring friendship at the #NationalWarMemorial,' National War Memorial posted on X. India and Namibia enjoy warm and cordial relations. The Namibian people and leadership view India as a dependable and trusted friend. Indian support during their liberation struggle is warmly recalled by Namibian leaders, according to the Indian High Commission in Namibia statement. India was among the first nations to raise the question of Namibian independence in the UN. After Namibian independence, the Indian Observer Mission was upgraded to a full-fledged High Commission on 21 March 1990. Namibia opened a full-fledged resident Mission in New Delhi in March 1994, according to the statement. The 4th round of India-Namibia Foreign Office Consultations took place in Windhoek in 2022. During the meeting, the two nations conducted a comprehensive review of the existing bilateral relations. (ANI)
Arab Times
02-03-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Namibian founding president Sam Nujoma laid to rest
WINDHOEK, Namibia, March 2, (AP): Namibia's founding president, Sam Nujoma, who steered the country to freedom from apartheid South Africa, was laid to rest in the country's Heroes Acre cemetery on Saturday following a state funeral attended by African leaders and foreign dignitaries. Mourners from all corners of the country began to gather as early as 6 am to pay their final tributes to a man they knew as their "founding father,' an anti-apartheid activist who served three terms as president from 1990 to 2005. Nujoma died on Feb 8 at age 95 after spending three weeks at a Windhoek hospital. His widow, Theopoldine Nujoma, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were in attendance. "He was a pillar of strength and a fountain of wisdom in the family. Although we could not have him around us all the time, we nevertheless understood very well that he embodied and personified the liberation struggle for Namibia's freedom and independence,' Nujoma's eldest son, Utoni Nujoma, said at a football stadium filled with mourners. "Despite the fact that our hearts are engulfed by grief, we therefore celebrate his long and fulfilling life as well as his unwavering spirit when he dedicated his entire life to the liberation of our motherland and the entire African continent,' Utoni added. Namibia had observed a 21-day mourning period, with flags at half-staff. Nujoma's body was honored with a nationwide farewell as his remains were flown to seven regions including his village homestead of Etunda, in Okahao, allowing hundreds of thousands of Namibians to pay their respects. Nujoma was the last of a generation of African leaders who led their countries out of colonial or white minority rule that included South Africa's Nelson Mandela, Mozambique's Samora Machel, Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe, Tanzania's Julius Nyerere and Zambia's Kenneth Kaunda. His casket, draped in the Namibian flag with the title 'Founding president and Father of the Namibian nation' on it, was lowered concurrently with a 21-gun salute and a flypast by the Namibian Air Force, into the mausoleum at the Heroes Acre. The Heroes Acre was constructed as a final resting place for Namibians who made meaningful contributions to the freedom enjoyed by the country today. Current Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba described Nujoma as an extraordinary human being. Mbumba said Nujoma exhibited the traits of a man driven by purpose and destiny.
Washington Post
01-03-2025
- Politics
- Washington Post
Namibian founding president Sam Nujoma is laid to rest and praised as the last African liberator
WINDHOEK, Namibia — Sam Nujoma, Namibia's founding president who steered the country to freedom from apartheid South Africa, was laid to rest in the country's Heroes Acre cemetery on Saturday following a state funeral attended by African leaders and foreign dignitaries. Mourners from all corners of the country began to gather as early as 6 a.m. to pay their final tributes to a man they knew as their 'founding father,' an anti-apartheid activist who served three terms as president from 1990 to 2005. Nujoma died on Feb. 8 at age 95 after spending three weeks at a Windhoek hospital. Nujoma's widow, Theopoldine Nujoma, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were in attendance. 'He was a pillar of strength and a fountain of wisdom in the family. Although we could not have him around us all the time, we nevertheless understood very well that he embodied and personified the liberation struggle for Namibia's freedom and independence,' Nujoma's eldest son, Utoni Nujoma, said at football stadium filled with mourners. 'Despite the fact that our hearts are engulfed by grief, we therefore celebrate his long and fulfilling life as well as his unwavering spirit when he dedicated his entire life to the liberation of our motherland and the entire African continent,' Utoni added. Namibia had observed a 21-day mourning period, with flags at half-staff. Nujoma's body was honored with a nationwide farewell as his remains were flown to seven regions including his village homestead of Etunda, in Okahao, allowing hundreds of thousands of Namibians to pay their respects. Nujoma was the last of a generation of African leaders who led their countries out of colonial or white minority rule that included South Africa's Nelson Mandela, Mozambique's Samora Machel, Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe, Tanzania's Julius Nyerere and Zambia's Kenneth Kaunda. His casket, draped in the Namibian flag with the title 'Founding president and Father of the Namibian nation' on it, was lowered concurrently with a 21-gun salute and a flypast by the Namibian Air Force, into the mausoleum at the Heroes Acre. The Heroes Acre was constructed as a final resting place for Namibians who made meaningful contributions to the freedom enjoyed by the country today. Current Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba described Nujoma as an extraordinary human being. Mbumba said Nujoma exhibited the traits of a man driven by purpose and destiny. 'Who else could rise from the humble dwellings of Etunda to lead a nation to independence? Who else could traverse from a dusty village to the hallways of the United Nations? Who else could rise from relative obscurity and end up rubbing shoulders with some of the most iconic leaders of the 20th century? Only an extraordinary human being could achieve such feats,' Mbumba said. Present and former African heads of states attended the memorial service and funeral, including South Africa's Thabo Mbeki and Cyril Ramaphosa, Congo's Joseph Kabila, Zimbabwe's Emmerson Mnangagwa, Botswana's Ian Khama, Angola's João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, Tanzanian Vice President Philip Mpango and Lesotho's prime minister, Samuel Matekane. They described Nujoma as an African icon, and a man of principles who defended the African continent against colonial systems. After nearly 30 years in exile, Nujoma returned to Namibia to lead the liberation movement SWAPO in the U.N.-supervised elections in November 1989 that subsequently elevated him to the country's highest office. During his lifetime, Nujoma was awarded honors and awards for his outstanding leadership, courage and total commitment toward the creation of a nonracial society in Namibia. He is survived by three siblings, a wife, two sons, 24 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
