1.#Friday 11, July 2025, 20:30. 3980 1. ##News Updates: PM pays homage to the Founding Father and First President of Namibia, Dr. Sam Nujoma, at Heroes Acre memorial: 09 Jul, 2025, //
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PM pays homage to the Founding Father and First President of Namibia, Dr. Sam Nujoma, at Heroes Acre memorial
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi paid homage to the Founding Father and the First President of Namibia, Dr. Sam Nujoma at the Heroes Acre memorial.
Prime Minister 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.
Dr. 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.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is paying a State Visit to Namibia. On the occasion, the President of Namibia, H.E. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah conferred on Prime Minister the highest civilian award of Namibia – Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis. He is the first Indian leader to be given this award.
Accepting the award, Prime Minister dedicated the honor 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.
The conferment of the award on Prime Minister is a milestone in the bilateral ties between India and Namibia and stands as a font of inspiration for the younger generations in both countries to take this special bilateral partnership to greater heights.
3.PM’s acceptance speech during the conferment of Namibia’s highest civilian award – The Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis: 10 Jul 2025
Your Excellency Madam President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Honourable Ministers of Namibia, Distinguished guests,
It is a matter of immense pride and honour for me to receive Namibia’s highest civilian award – “The Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis”, from the President.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the President, the Government, and the people of Namibia. I humbly accept this honour on behalf of 140 crore Indians.
Friends,
The “Welwitschia” plant of Namibia, after which this award has been named, is no ordinary plant. It is like the elders of the family, who have seen times change. It is a symbol of the struggles, courage and culture of the Namibian people. It is a witness to the unwavering friendship between India and Namibia.
And today, I feel immense pride to be associated with it. I dedicate this award to the people of Namibia and India; to their continued progress and development; and to the enduring strength of our unbreakable friendship.
Friends,
It is only in our difficult times, that we realise who our true friends are. India and Namibia have supported each other since the days of their freedom struggles. Our friendship isn’t based on politics, but on our shared struggles, cooperation, and deep mutual trust.
Our bond has been strengthened by our shared democratic values and common dreams of a brighter future. In the times ahead, we will continue to walk together, hand-in-hand, on the path of development.
Friends,
Namibia is one of the world’s largest diamond producers. And India has the largest diamond polishing industry – that too in my home state of Gujarat! I’m confident that in the future, our partnership will shine just as brightly as these diamonds.
So let us come together and extend our good wishes for the President’s long life and good health, for the happiness and prosperity of the people of Namibia, and for the long-lasting friendship between India and Namibia.
Thank you very much.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks on getting Highest Civil Honour 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.
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.
Please allow me to begin with congratulating each and every one of you. People have given you the mandate to serve this great nation. In politics, as you know, that is both an honour, and a great responsibility. I wish you success in fullfiling the aspirations of your people.
Friends,
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.
ये भारत का संविधान है, जिसके कारण एक गरीब आदिवासी परिवार की बेटी आज दुनिया के सबसे बड़े लोकतंत्र की राष्ट्रपति हैं। ये संविधान की ही ताकत है, जिसके कारण मुझ जैसे गरीब परिवार में जन्मे व्यक्ति को लगातार तीसरी बार प्रधानमंत्री बनने का अवसर मिला है। जिसके पास कुछ भी नहीं है, उसके पास संविधान की गारंटी है !
It is the power of India’s Constitution that a daughter from a poor tribal family is today the President of India. It is this very Constitution that gave someone like me, the chance to become Prime Minister. Not once, not twice, but three times. When you have nothing, the Constitution gives you everything.
Distinguished Members,
As I stand in this august house, 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.”
His vision of a just and free nation continues to inspire us all. We also honour the memories of the heroes of your freedom struggle – Hosea Kutako, Hendrik Witbooi, Mandume Ya Ndemufayo, and many others.
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.
We supported SWAPO in your quest for freedom. In fact, New Delhi hosted their first ever diplomatic office abroad. And, it was an Indian, Lieutenant General Diwan Prem Chand, who led the UN peacekeeping force in Namibia.
India is proud to have stood with you – not just in words, but in action. As the well known Namibian poet Mvula ya Nangolo wrote, and I quote:
“When freedom comes home to our country, We will proudly erect the finest monument in memory.”
Today, this very parliament, and this free and proud Namibia, are living monuments.
Distinguished Members,
India and Namibia have much in common. 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.
Today, I am deeply honoured to receive Namibia’s highest civilian award as a symbol of the friendship between our peoples. 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.
Friends,
India attaches great importance to its historic relations with Namibia. We not only value our ties from the past, but we are also focused on realising the potential of our shared future. We see great value in working together on Namibia’s Vision 2030 and the Harambee Prosperity Plan.
And, at the heart of our partnership are our people. Over 1700 Namibians have benefited from scholarships and capacity building programmes in India. We are excited to support the next generation of Namibian scientists, doctors, and leaders. The Centre of Excellence in IT, the India Wing at the JEDS Campus of the University of Namibia, and training in defence and security – each one of them reflects our shared belief that capacity is the best currency.
Speaking of currency, we are thrilled that Namibia is among the first countries in the region to adopt India’s UPI – Unified Payments Interface. Soon, people will be able to send money faster than one can say “Tangi Unene.” Soon, a Himba grandmother in Kunene, or a shopkeeper in Katutura, will be able to go digital with just a tap – faster than a Springbok.
Our bilateral trade has crossed 800 million dollars. But, like on the cricket field, we are just warming up. We will score faster and score more.
We are honoured to support Namibia’s youth through the new Entrepreneurship Development Centre. It will be a place where business dreams can get mentorship, funding and friends too.
Health is another pillar of our shared priority. India’s health insurance scheme Ayushman Bharat covers nearly 500 million people. But India’s concern for health is not limited to Indians alone.
India’s mission – “One Earth, One Health,” views health as a shared global responsibility.
During the pandemic, we stood with Africa – providing vaccines and medicines, even when many others refused to share. Our “Aarogya Maitri” initiative supports Africa with hospitals, equipment, medicines, and training. India is ready to supply Namibia with a Bhabhatron radiotherapy machine for advanced cancer care. This machine, developed in India, has been deployed in 15 countries, and has helped nearly half a million patients in different countries with critical cancer care.
We also invite Namibia to join the Jan Aushadhi programme for access to affordable and quality medicines. Under this programme, cost of medicines in India has been brought down by 50 to 80 percent. It is helping more than 1 million Indians daily. And so far it has helped patients save nearly 4.5 billion US dollars in healthcare costs.
Friends,
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: इनिमा आइशे ओयिली नावा Everything is fine.
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.
Friends,
We are working together through initiatives like the International Solar Alliance, and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure. Today Namibia has joined the Global Biofuels Alliance, and the International Big Cats Alliance.
As we look to the future, let us be guided by Namibia’s national bird, the African Fish Eagle. Known for its sharp vision and majestic flight, it teaches us to:
Soar together,
Scan the horizon,
and boldly reach out for opportunities!
Friends,
In 2018, I had laid out ten principles of our engagement with Africa. Today, I reaffirm India’s full commitment to them. They are based on respect, equality, and mutual benefit. We seek not to compete, but to cooperate. Our goal is to build together. Not to take, but to grow together.
Our development partnership in Africa is worth over 12 billion dollars. But its real value is in shared growth and shared purpose. We continue to build local skills, create local jobs, and support local innovation.
We believe that Africa must not be just a source of raw materials. Africa must lead in value creation and sustainable growth. That is why we fully support Africa’s Agenda 2063 for industrialisation. We are ready to expand our cooperation in Defence and Security. India values Africa’s role in world affairs. We championed Africa’s voice during our G20 presidency. And we proudly welcomed the African Union as a permanent member of the G20.
Friends,
भारत आज अपने विकास के साथ ही दुनिया के सपनों को भी दिशा दे रहा है। और इसमें भी हमारा जोर ग्लोबल साउथ पर है।
In the 20th century, India’s independence lit a spark – one that inspired freedom movements across the world, including here in Africa. In the 21st century, India’s development lights a path, showing that the Global South can rise, lead, and shape its own future. The message is – You can succeed – on your own terms, without losing your identity.
यह भारत का संदेश है — कि आप अपने रास्ते पर चलकर, अपनी संस्कृति और गरिमा के साथ, सफलता पा सकते हैं।
For this message to echo louder, 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.
This will be the spirit of our shared vision –
“From Freedom to Future” – स्वतंत्रता से समृद्धि, संकल्प से सिद्धि।
From the spark of Independence to the light of shared progress. Let us walk this path, together. As two nations forged in the fires of freedom, let us now dream and build a future of dignity, equality and opportunity. Not just for our people, but for all of humanity.
Let us move forward as partners for peace, progress and prosperity. Let our children not only inherit the freedom we fought for, but the future we will build together. As I stand here today, I am full of hope. The best days of India–Namibia relations are ahead of us.
Friends,
I conclude by wishing Namibia great success in co-hosting the 2027 Cricket World Cup. And, if your Eagles need any cricket tips, you know whom to call!
At the invitation of the Speaker of the National Assembly, H.E. Saara Kuugongelwa, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed today the Parliament of Namibia. This special gesture from the Namibian side made Prime Minister’s State Visit to Namibia even more meaningful.
Addressing the Parliament, Prime Minister conveyed greetings from the “Mother of Democracy” and the largest democracy in the world to the members of the august House and to the friendly people of Namibia. Recalling the historic ties between the two countries and their shared struggle for freedom, Prime Minister paid tribute to the legacy of Dr. Sam Nujoma, the founding father of Namibia. He noted that the democratic values and principles championed by the founding fathers of the two countries continue to illuminate the path of progress in both countries. He lauded the role of the government and people of Namibia in deepening democracy in the country.
Prime Minister thanked the people of Namibia for bestowing on him their highest national honor. He noted that this special gesture was a tribute to the achievements of the Indian and Namibian democracies. As sentinels of freedom, equality and justice, he called upon the two countries to work for the betterment of the Global South, so that the voices of its people are not just heard, but their hopes and aspirations are fully realized. He underlined that India will always work for the progress of Africa, as it had done during its presidency of the G-20 when the African Union was made a permanent member of the group. He stated that India was privileged to share its development experience with Namibia and other countries in the continent. India remains committed to building capacity, developing skills, promoting local innovation and supporting Africa’s Agenda 2063.
Prime Minister thanked the Speaker for the honor extended to him. He called for greater people-to-people interaction between the two countries so that the two democracies ever prosper. “Let our children not only inherit the freedom we fought for, but also the future we will build together.” – he said as he concluded his address.
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