Summary
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Namibia’s highest civilian award, the Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis, during his official visit to the country.
- Named after a native desert plant symbolising resilience and longevity, the award recognizes exemplary leadership.
- Observers note that Modi's consistent international recognition reflects his rising stature as a global leader and the assertive, India-first approach of the country’s foreign policy.
Summary: Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Namibia’s highest civilian award, the Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis, during his official visit to the country. Named after a native desert plant symbolising resilience and longevity, the award recognizes exemplary leadership. Observers note that Modi’s consistent international recognition reflects his rising stature as a global leader and the assertive, India-first approach of the country’s foreign policy.
Windhoek, July 9: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was bestowed with Namibia’s most prestigious civilian accolade, the Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis, on Wednesday – the 27th International Award. Political observers have noted that such repeated international honours underscore PM Modi’s growing stature on the world stage. They point out that no previous Indian Prime Minister has received this volume or variety of international accolades. His leadership is being acknowledged globally for advancing regional stability, developmental partnerships, and a unique brand of cultural diplomacy.
“India’s foreign policy today reflects clarity, conviction, and national interest. The global community is no longer just observing — it is recognising and honouring the emergence of a confident new India,” commented a senior former diplomat.
PM Modi received the award during his official visit to the southern African nation. This recognition marks a significant highlight in his ongoing five-nation diplomatic tour.
Instituted in 1995, just a few years after Namibia achieved independence in 1990, the award honours individuals for their exemplary service and leadership. It derives its name from the Welwitschia Mirabilis, a rare and ancient desert plant native to Namibia, symbolising resilience, longevity, and the unwavering spirit of its people.
Expressing gratitude, PM Modi stated during delegation-level discussions with Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah in Windhoek, “I am deeply honoured by the decision to confer upon me the ‘Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis.’ It is a proud moment for 1.4 billion Indians.”
This latest recognition (Received from Namibia) is the 27th international award conferred on the Indian Prime Minister. It is also the fourth such honour during his ongoing tour and the second in less than a day.
This latest recognition is the 27th international award conferred on the Indian Prime Minister. It is also the fourth such honour during his ongoing tour and the second in less than a day.
Just hours earlier, Brazil conferred its top civilian decoration — the Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross — on PM Modi during his state visit to the South American nation.
Last week, in a historic first, Prime Minister Modi was honoured with the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago during his visit to Port of Spain. It is the highest civilian title awarded by the Caribbean country. During the ceremony, Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamala Persad Bissessar lauded Modi for his international leadership, strong ties with the global Indian diaspora, and commendable humanitarian work during the COVID-19 crisis.
Earlier on July 2, at the start of his diplomatic tour, the Ghanaian government honoured Modi with the Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana, recognizing his statesmanship and influential role on the global stage. The award was presented by Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama in Accra.
Also Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides awarded PM Modi with the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, the island nation’s highest honour, at a ceremony in Nicosia earlier this June.
In the months leading up to his current tour, both Sri Lanka and Mauritius also conferred their top civilian titles on Modi.
In April, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake presented him with the Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana, a prestigious honour reserved for foreign Heads of State and Government, in acknowledgment of Modi’s pivotal role in deepening India-Sri Lanka relations.
Likewise, in March, Mauritius President Dharambeer Gokhool honoured Modi with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean (GCSK) during National Day celebrations in Port Louis — marking the first time the award was presented to an Indian Prime Minister.
On Tuesday (July 8), Modi received an elaborate ceremonial welcome in Brazil as President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva greeted him at the Alvorada Palace in Brasília. Following the reception — which included an escort of 114 horses and full military honours — both leaders engaged in restricted talks, followed by discussions at the delegation level.
Several bilateral agreements are expected to be formalised during the visit. The day’s events will conclude with official statements from both leaders and a formal State Lunch in honour of PM Modi at the Alvorada Palace.
