Know about longstanding relationship between India and Namibia dating back to 1946 including India’s support to Namibia’s freedom struggle.
Windhoek, July 9 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi was warmly received with a vibrant cultural ceremony as he arrived in Windhoek, Namibia, marking the final leg of his five-nation diplomatic tour.
The reception featured local music and traditional dances, during which PM Modi surprised everyone by energetically joining the performers and playing the Namibian drums.
This visit is significant as it is Modi’s first to Namibia and only the third time an Indian Prime Minister has visited the southern African nation in nearly three decades.
He was welcomed at Hosea Kutako International Airport by Namibia’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi.
Soon after his arrival, PM Modi expressed his enthusiasm on social media platform X, stating, “Just landed in Windhoek. Namibia is a valued partner in Africa, and we are keen to strengthen our bilateral collaboration. I look forward to engaging with President Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and speaking at the Namibian Parliament later today.”
During his stay, the Prime Minister is slated to hold high-level discussions with President Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and deliver an address to a Joint Session of the Namibian Parliament.
The leaders are expected to explore enhanced cooperation across several sectors, including healthcare, education, renewable energy, technology, and developmental assistance.
India and Namibia enjoy a longstanding relationship rooted in India’s steadfast support for Namibia’s freedom struggle. As early as 1946, India raised the issue of Namibian independence at the United Nations. Notably, the first overseas office of SWAPO—the movement that spearheaded Namibia’s liberation—was set up in New Delhi in 1986.
Following Namibia’s independence, India elevated its diplomatic presence in Windhoek to a High Commission in 1990, and Namibia responded by opening its mission in New Delhi four years later.
Over the years, India has consistently supported Namibia through vaccine supplies, food relief during droughts, and capacity-building in education and technology.
This includes the creation of the India-Namibia Centre of Excellence in IT at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) and the establishment of an ‘India Wing’ at the University of Namibia’s Ongwediva campus. (Edited)
