PM Modi Receives Standing Ovation In Namibian Parliament; Expands Bilateral Ties During Landmark Visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a standing ovation and chants of ‘Modi, Modi’ as he addressed the Joint Session of Namibia’s Parliament on Wednesday.

Lawmakers and dignitaries welcomed him with thunderous applause, marking a high point in his one-day State Visit to the African nation.

This was PM’s third parliamentary address in a week and his 16th address to a foreign legislature, more than any Indian Prime Minister to date.

He spoke earlier this month in Ghana and Trinidad & Tobago, becoming the first Indian leader to address their respective parliaments.

In his speech to Namibia’s Parliament, PM Modi emphasised the deepening partnership between India and Namibia, grounded in shared democratic values, development goals, and historical bonds. His remarks received repeated applause throughout the session.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi held bilateral talks with Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah at the State House in Windhoek. He congratulated her on becoming Head of State and conveyed condolences on the passing of Namibia’s Founding Father, Dr Sam Nujoma.

Memorandum of Understanding

The leaders witnessed the exchange of two key Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs). One aims to establish an Entrepreneurship Development Centre in Namibia. The other focuses on cooperation in health and medicine. Both agreements signal a growing collaboration between the two nations.

The visit also marked several firsts. PM Modi is the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Namibia in 27 years. His visit was also the first bilateral State Visit hosted by President Nandi-Ndaitwah since assuming office in March.

In a major digital milestone, Namibia announced its adoption of India’s UPI (Unified Payments Interface) system.

The country became the first to sign a licensing agreement with NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India), enabling the launch of digital payments in Namibia later this year.

Namibia also joined two global initiatives led by India:

• The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), and
• The Global Biofuels Alliance

The two leaders discussed broader cooperation in defence, maritime security, agriculture, digital technology, health, energy, and critical minerals.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to a strong, inclusive, and future-ready partnership.

Prime Minister Modi’s address and the agreements signed reflect India’s growing diplomatic footprint in Africa and the strengthening of ties with a key partner on the continent.

Also Read: PM Modi Receives Namibia’s Highest Civilian Honour; Takes Global Awards Tally To 27