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India Today
10-07-2025
- Business
- India Today
PM Modi leaves for home after concluding visit to Namibia
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday left for home after wrapping up his visit to Namibia, during which he addressed a Joint Session of the Namibian was the final stop of his five-nation visit."A highly productive & successful 5-nation tour to Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia concludes," the Ministry of External Affairs said in a post on X.A highly productive & successful 5-nation tour to @narendramodi has emplaned for New Delhi. Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) July 9, 2025advertisement PM Modi has emplaned for New Delhi, it in the day, Prime Minister Modi held talks with Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah that focused on imparting a new momentum to the bilateral the talks between the two leaders, India and Namibia inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on setting up an Entrepreneurship Development Centre in Namibia and another pact on cooperation in the field of health and has also joined the India-backed CDRI (Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure) and the Global Biofuels addressing a Joint Session of the Parliament of the Republic of Namibia, PM Modi said Africa must not be just a source of raw material but "lead in value creation and sustainable growth".Underlining that India values Africa's role in world affairs, he said the two sides must act together to create a future defined not by power and dominance, but by partnership and the visit, Modi was also conferred with Namibia's highest civilian award, the 'Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis', by President 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 was Modi's first visit to Namibia and the third-ever prime ministerial visit from India to the country.- EndsTune InMust Watch
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)
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)
India Gazette
09-07-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
"We are part of Global South, our people share hope and dreams": PM Modi in Namibia Parliament
Windhoek [Namibia], July 9 (ANI): India and Namibia have much in common as both countries fought colonial rule, value dignity and freedom and are part of the Global South, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday and recalled that people of India stood proudly with Namibia during its liberation struggle. Addressing the Joint session of the Namibian Parliament, PM Modi said the Constitutions of the two countries guide people to uphold equality, liberty, and justice. '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,' he said. '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 added. PM Modi said he is deeply honoured to receive the highest civilian award of Namibia as a symbol of the friendship between the people of the two countries. '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,' he said. He said 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 him, born in a poor family, the opportunity to become Prime Minister thrice. '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,' he said. Earlier, PM Modi met Namibian President Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah at the State House in Windhoek. A visit from India to Namibia at the level of the 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 held discussions on further strengthening bilateral ties, including in the areas of defence, maritime security, digital technology and UPI, agriculture, health and pharma, energy and critical minerals. (ANI)
Mint
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Mint
PM Modi gets standing ovation in Namibian Parliament after speech. Top 9 points
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday received a standing ovation after his address at the Parliament of Namibia, reported ANI. In his address at the Joint session of the Namibian Parliament, PM Modi said the Constitutions of the two countries guide people to uphold equality, liberty, and justice. He was also conferred with Namibia's highest civilian honour, the Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis. 1. "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." 2. '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.' 3. "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." 4. "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." 5. "We must act together. Let us create a future defined not by power, but by partnership; not by dominance, but by dialogue; not by exclusion, but by equity." 6. "Our development partnership in Africa is worth over USD 12 billion. But its real value is in shared growth and shared purpose. We continue to build local skills, create local jobs and support local innovations." 7. 'We are excited to support the next generation of Namibian scientists, doctors and leaders.' 8. "Our bilateral trade has crossed $800 million, but like on the cricket field, we are just warming up! We will score faster and score more!"
