Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday praised the Indian community in Namibia for preserving their cultural roots and playing a vital role in deepening ties between India and the southern African nation.
Expressing his sentiments on social media platform X, PM Modi posted, “The Indian community in Namibia is extremely optimistic about closer India-Namibia friendship and this reflected in the special welcome in Windhoek. I am extremely proud of our diaspora, particularly the manner in which they have retained a connect with their culture and traditions.”
The Prime Minister arrived in Windhoek earlier in the day on the final leg of his five-nation tour. He was warmly received at the Hosea Kutako International Airport by Namibia’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi.
A traditional cultural reception awaited him, where local artists performed music and dance.
In a spirited gesture, PM Modi joined the performers and played the Namibian drums, delighting onlookers and reflecting his appreciation of local traditions.
This marks PM Modi’s first visit to Namibia and only the third visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in the last 27 years.
Shortly after landing, he shared his excitement online.
“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,” PM Modi posted on X.
During his stay, the Prime Minister will likely hold high-level bilateral talks with Namibian President Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
Their discussions are likely to explore opportunities in key sectors such as energy, healthcare, education, digital innovation, and developmental cooperation.
A significant highlight of the visit will be PM Modi’s address to a Joint Session of the Namibian Parliament, a symbolic moment underscoring the growing diplomatic engagement between the two nations.
India’s ties with Namibia have historical depth, rooted in New Delhi’s support for Namibia’s independence movement.
India brought Namibia’s cause to the global stage as early as 1946 at the United Nations and hosted the first foreign office of SWAPO, Namibia’s liberation movement, in New Delhi in 1986.
In remarks shared before his departure for Namibia, PM Modi had described the country as ‘a trusted partner’ and emphasised the importance of shared experiences in the fight against colonialism.
He noted that this visit is part of a broader effort to deepen India’s ties across the Global South and foster greater cooperation through multilateral platforms like BRICS, the African Union, ECOWAS, and CARICOM.
The Prime Minister’s ongoing engagements will likely reinforce longstanding ties and open new avenues of collaboration rooted in shared values and mutual development.
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