Windhoek Showcases Cultural Spirit As PM Modi Joins Drum Performance

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was welcomed with a colourful display of Namibian tradition as he arrived in Windhoek, marking the final stop of his five-nation diplomatic tour.

Greeted with vibrant music and dance at Hosea Kutako International Airport, the Prime Minister surprised the crowd by joining local performers and playing traditional Namibian drums.

This historic visit is PM Modi’s first to Namibia and only the third such visit by an Indian Prime Minister in nearly three decades.

Namibia’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, received PM Modi at the airport, where the celebratory atmosphere reflected the strong ties between the two countries.

Soon after landing, the Prime Minister shared his excitement on the social media platform.

Taking to X, he posted, “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 will likely hold bilateral discussions with Namibian President Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and deliver an address to a Joint Session of the Namibian Parliament.

Talks will likely focus on collaboration in sectors such as energy, healthcare, education, technology, and developmental initiatives.

A historic bond

India and Namibia enjoy a longstanding partnership rooted in shared history and solidarity.

India was among the first countries to raise the issue of Namibia’s independence at the United Nations in 1946 and hosted the first foreign office of Namibia’s liberation movement, SWAPO, in New Delhi in 1986.

After Namibia gained independence, India upgraded its mission in Windhoek to a High Commission in 1990, while Namibia established its diplomatic presence in New Delhi four years later.

The bilateral relationship has since flourished, with India extending critical support through vaccine and food donations, drought relief, and cooperation in education and technology.

Notable initiatives include the establishment of the India-Namibia Centre of Excellence in IT at the Namibia University of Science and Technology and the creation of an ‘India Wing’ at the University of Namibia’s Ongwediva campus.

PM Modi’s visit underscores a continued commitment to strengthening ties with Namibia and the broader African continent through partnerships based on trust, mutual respect, and shared development goals.

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