PRIME MINISTER MODI’s FIRST VISIT TO NAMIBIA

In the final leg of his five-nation visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Windhoek, Namibia on 9 July 2025 at the invitation of Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. This is Prime Minister Modi’s first visit to Namibia, and the third visit by a Prime Minister from India to Namibia in nearly three decades. The Prime Minister was given a grand traditional welcome at the Hosea Kutako International Airport. Shri Modi was also given a ceremonial welcome.

                                   

The visit is expected to deepen ties between India and Namibia further. The two countries share a historic relationship rooted in India’s steadfast support for Namibia’s struggle for independence. India was among the earliest advocates for Namibian freedom, raising the issue at the United Nations as early as 1946 and hosting the first overseas office of the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO) in 1986.

 

Namibia’s rich reserves of uranium, copper, cobalt, rare earth minerals, and its recent oil discoveries are drawing renewed global attention. The country is the world’s fourth-largest producer of uranium oxide, which fuels the nuclear industry, and also produces zinc and gem-quality diamonds. With growing global demand for clean energy and battery storage, Namibia’s potential to develop new mining projects for cobalt, lithium, and rare earth elements has gained fresh relevance.

BILATERAL TRADE BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES     

     

Bilateral trade between the two countries is estimated to be around $814 million in 2023-24, with Indian exports accounting for more than half. Indian investment in Namibia is estimated to be around $800 million, mainly in the mining sector, including zinc and diamonds.

 

Over the years, bilateral relations have steadily grown stronger through high-level exchanges, development cooperation, and people-to-people contacts. India continues to provide development assistance and capacity-building support to Namibia through scholarships, defense training programmes, and technical cooperation. Indian experts have been deputed to Namibian institutions, and the Indian Air Force technical team has been training Namibian helicopter pilots since 1996.

 

 TRANSLOCATION OF EIGHT CHEETAHS FROM NAMIBIA TO INDIA

 

A notable symbol of trust between the two countries is the translocation of eight cheetahs from Namibia to India's Kuno National Park in 2022 - the world's first intercontinental translocation of a major carnivore species.

DELEGATION-LEVEL TALKS BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES

The delegation-level talks covered a wide range of issues and provided an opportunity for both sides to enhance existing cooperation. India and Namibia signed 4 MoUs to deepen economic partnership by exploring new areas of cooperation. This includes an agreement on cooperation in Health and Medicine between India and Namibia and establishment of the Entrepreneurship Development Centre in Namibia. The launch of a digital payment system in Namibia later this year was also announced. Letters of acceptance for Namibia joining the CDRI and the Global Biofuel Alliance were also presented.

HIGHEST CIVILIAN HONOUR FOR PM

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred the Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis, Namibia’s highest civilian honour. The award, instituted in 1995 — five years after Namibia gained independence —recognises distinguished service and leadership. It is named after the Welwitschia Mirabilis, a rare and ancient desert plant endemic to Namibia, symbolising resilience, longevity, and the enduring spirit of the Namibian people. This marks the 27th international award conferred on PM Modi and the fourth during his ongoing five-nation tour.

 

Expressing his heartfelt gratitude to the President, the Government of Namibia, and the people of Namibia, the Prime Minister said, “I humbly accept this honour on behalf of 140 crore Indians.” This honour not only reflects the strong relations between India and Namibia, but it is also the beginning of writing a new chapter in the relations between India and Namibia. This is the first time that an Indian leader has received this honour.

HOMAGE TO THE FOUNDING FATHER 

    

Mr Modi paid homage to Namibia's founder Sam Nujoma at the national memorial Heroes' Acre. Nujoma led Namibia to independence in 1990 and served as its first president for 15 years.

 

PM MODI ADDRESSED A JOINT SESSION OF THE PARLIAMENT

 

Addressing a Joint Session of the Parliament of the Republic of Namibia, the Prime Minister said, “Africa should not be just a source of raw materials but a leader in value creation and sustainable development.” He emphasised the importance of Africa’s role in world affairs and emphasised that both sides must work together to build a future that is defined not by power and dominance but by partnership and dialogue. He was honoured with a standing ovation and sustained applause from members of the Namibian Parliament.

 

India and Namibia have long enjoyed very strong ties. New Delhi recognised Namibia long before its independence. The historic ties between the two countries are based on mutual trust and shared values.

 

India is proud to have supported and raised its voice in Namibia's struggle for independence at the United Nations General Assembly as early as 1946. Mahatma Gandhi's ideals continue to inspire both countries today."

 

The visit reflects India's commitment to deepen ties with the global South, promote economic cooperation, address shared challenges in climate change and technological innovation, and marks an important milestone in India's foreign policy.