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India Gazette
09-07-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
'Cheetahs are happy, have adapted well to new home': PM Modi thanks Namibia for help in Cheetah reintroduction in India
Windhoek [Namibia], July 9 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address to the Parliament of Namibia, thanked the country for its gift of Cheetahs, which have helped in the reintroduction of Cheetahs in India. PM Modi made the remarks on Wednesday while addressing the Joint session of the Namibian Parliament. He said. 'India and Namibia have a powerful story of cooperation, conservation and compassion, when you helped us in reintroducing Cheetahs in our country. We are deeply grateful for your gift. I had the privilege of releasing them in the Kuno National Park. They have sent a message for you: inimaa aaishe oyilii naavaa Everything is fine.' PM Modi highlighted that the Cheetahs are happy and have adapted well in their new home. 'They are happy and have adapted well in their new home. They have grown in numbers as well. Clearly, they are enjoying their time in India,' said PM Modi. The Cheetah Project Steering Committee was set up in May 2023 by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) to review, monitor, and advise on the cheetah reintroduction program. Project Cheetah began in 2022 with the translocation of 8 cheetahs from Namibia and 12 from South Africa to Kuno National Park. As of now, there are 26 cheetahs at Kuno, of which 17 are in the wild and 9 are still inside large enclosures. Cheetahs are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. They are protected under Schedule II of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. They are also included in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), offering the highest level of protection from international trade. From the echelons of the Namibian Parliament, PM Modi said, 'I pay tribute to the first President and founding father of Namibia, President Sam Nujoma who passed away earlier this year. He once said, and I quote-- '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.' Highlighting President Sam Nujoma's vision of a just and free nation, PM Modi also mentioned the heroes of the Namibian freedom struggle - Hosea Kutako, Hendrik Witbooi, and Mandume Ya Ndemufayo. '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', he said. PM Modi further added, 'We supported SWAPO in your quest for freedom. In fact, New Delhi hosted its first-ever diplomatic office abroad. And, it was an Indian, Lieutenant General Diwan Prem Chand, who led the UN peacekeeping force in Namibia.' PM said that India is proud to have stood with Namibia, not just in words but in actions too. Highlighting how both countries share strings of similarities, PM Modi said, 'We both fought colonial rule. We both value dignity and freedom. Our Constitutions guide us to uphold equality, liberty, and justice. We are part of the Global South, and our people share the same hopes and dreams.' He expressed gratitude upon receiving Namibia's highest civilian award as a symbol of the friendship between the peoples of our countries. PM said, 'Like the tough, and elegant plants of Namibia, our friendship has stood the test of time. It quietly thrives in even the driest seasons. And, just like your national plant Welwitschia Mirabilis, it only grows stronger with age and time. On behalf of 1.4 billion people of India, I once again thank the President, the Government and the people of Namibia for this honour.' PM Modi received a resounding standing ovation for his remarks to the Namibian parliament. PM Modi had 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 was 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
Our friendship was not born out of politics but out of struggle: PM Modi in Namibia
Windhoek [Namibia], July 9 (ANI): After receiving Namibia's highest civilian award, the Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the honour to the people of Namibia and both nations' 'unbreakable friendship.' Namibia's President, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, presented the award to him. He is the first Indian leader to receive this award. 'Our friendship was not born out of politics but out of struggle, cooperation, and mutual trust,' PM Modi said. 'It is a witness to the everlasting friendship between India and Namibia, and I feel very proud to be associated with it today,' PM Modi said. 'I dedicate this honour to the people of Namibia and India, their continuous progress and development, and our unbreakable friendship.' Highlighting the strength of the India-Namibia relationship, PM Modi noted, 'A true friend is recognised only in difficult times. India and Namibia have stood by each other since the time of their freedom struggle. Our friendship was not born out of politics but out of struggle, cooperation, and mutual trust. Democratic values and dreams of a bright future have nurtured it.' Looking ahead, PM Modi emphasised the commitment of both nations to continue working together. 'In the future, too, we will keep moving ahead, holding each other's hands on the path of development,' he said. Accepting the award, PM Modi dedicated the honour to the 1.4 billion people of India and to the historic and enduring ties between India and Namibia. Prime Minister expressed his heartfelt gratitude to President Nandi-Ndaitwah and the people of Namibia for the accolade, as per MEA. The conferment of the award on PM Modi marks a milestone in the bilateral ties between India and Namibia, serving as a source of inspiration for the younger generations in both countries to take this special bilateral partnership to even greater heights, the MEA added. 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. Later, PM Modi paid homage to the Founding Father and the First President of Namibia, Sam Nujoma, at the Heroes Acre memorial, MEA stated. PM Modi remembered Sam 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 an inspiring contribution to the country's nation-making. His legacy continues to inspire people across the world. According to MEA, Sam Nujoma was a great friend of India. His august presence during the establishment of the first-ever diplomatic mission of Namibia [SWAPO at that time] in 1986 in New Delhi will always be cherished and fondly remembered by the people of India. PM Modi and the President of Namibia, 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 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)
United News of India
09-07-2025
- Politics
- United News of India
PM pays homage to Namibian revolutionary and first President Sam Nujoma
Windhoek/New Delhi, July 9 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to the Founding Father and the First President of Namibia, Dr. Sam Nujoma, at the Heroes Acre memorial in Namibian capital Windhoek today. The Prime Minister, who is on a day-long visit to Namibia on the final leg of his five-nation tour, remembered Dr. Sam Nujoma as a visionary leader who devoted his life to the struggle for Namibia's independence. As the first President of free Namibia, Dr. Nujoma made inspiring contribution to the country's nation making. His legacy continues to inspire people across the world, Prime Minister Modi said. He said Dr. Sam Nujoma was a great friend of India and his presence during the establishment of the first ever-diplomatic mission of Namibia [SWAPO at that time] in 1986 in New Delhi would always be cherished and fondly remembered by the people of India. Samuel Shafiishuna Daniel Nujoma, fondly called Sam Nujoma, was a Namibian revolutionary, anti-apartheid activist and politician who served three terms as the first President of Namibia from 1990 to 2005. He was a founding member and the first President of the South West Africa People's Organisation (SWAPO) in 1960. UNI RB RN
Zawya
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
India: Prime Minister meets with the President of Namibia
On the occasion of his State Visit to Namibia, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met today with the President of Namibia, H.E. Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah at the State House in Windhoek. On arrival at the State House, Prime Minister was warmly welcomed by President Nandi-Ndaitwah and accorded a ceremonial reception. This visit from India to Namibia at the level of Prime Minister took place after 27 years. This was also the first bilateral State Visit that President Nandi-Ndaitwah hosted after taking over office in March this year. Prime Minister congratulated President Nandi-Ndaitwah on being elected the Head of State of Namibia. The two leaders recalled the proud history that underpins bilateral ties. Prime Minister conveyed condolences on the passing away this year of the Founding Father of Namibia, Dr. Sam Nujoma. The two leaders held discussions on further strengthening bilateral ties, including in the areas of defence, maritime security, digital technology&UPI, agriculture, health and pharma, energy and critical minerals. Expressing satisfaction with the growth in bilateral trade, the leaders noted that full potential on this account was still to be tapped. In this regard, they called for discussions on India-SACU PTA to be expedited. Prime Minister 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. Prime Minister offered India's support for Quick Impact development projects in the areas of agriculture, Information Technology, cyber security, healthcare, education, women empowerment and child welfare. Prime Minister shared the experience of India in using drones for agricultural purposes, a project which could bring value to Namibia. Prime Minister thanked President Nandi-Ndaitwah for Namibia's support in the Cheetah conservation project in India. He also invited Namibia to join the International Big Cat Alliance. 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. They agreed to strengthen the global fight against terrorism. They also committed to work together to amplify the voice of the Global South. Following the talks, the two leaders witnessed the exchange of two MoUs in the fields of health and entrepreneurship. In addition, it was announced that Namibia has joined the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and Global Biofuels Alliance, and it is the first country to enter into a licensing agreement to adopt UPI technology. President Nandi-Ndaitwah hosted a banquet in honour of Prime Minister. Prime Minister invited her to visit India at a mutually convenient time. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of External Affairs - Government of India.
Times of Oman
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Times of Oman
Indian PM Modi arrives in Namibia for first-ever visit, to hold bilateral talks with President Nandi-Ndaitwah
Windhoek [Namibia]: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, on Wednesday morning, marking his first-ever visit to the country and only the third-ever Prime Ministerial visit from India to Namibia. 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 welcome at Hosea Kutako International Airport. In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, "In the final leg of his visit, at the invitation of the President of the Republic of Namibia, H.E. Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, the Prime Minister will embark on a State Visit to Namibia on July 09, 2025. This will be the first visit of the Prime Minister to Namibia and the third-ever Prime Ministerial visit from India to Namibia." "During the visit, the Prime Minister will hold bilateral talks with President Nandi-Ndaitwah. The Prime Minister will also pay homage to the Founding Father and first President of Namibia, the Late Dr. Sam Nujoma. He is also expected to deliver an address at the Parliament of Namibia," the MEA said. "The visit of the Prime Minister is a reiteration of India's multi-faceted and deep-rooted historical ties with Namibia," it added. 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. PM Modi was on a State Visit to Brazil at the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. During his visit to Brazil, PM Modi held a meeting with President Lula and attended the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, where he also held bilateral meetings with several world leaders on the sidelines of the Summit. PM Modi thanked President Lula and the people of Brazil for their kindness throughout the visit. In a post on X, PM Modi stated, "I thank my good friend, President Lula, the Government and wonderful people of Brazil for their kindness through this visit. Over the last few days, I have attended the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro and held bilateral talks with President Lula in Brasilia." PM Modi was also conferred Brazil's highest civilian honour, 'The Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross', by President Lula.
