PM Modi Lands in Namibia, First Official Visit; to Address Parliament
By : Krishna Mishra
PM Modi Lands in Namibia, Highlights Deepening India-Africa Ties
Windhoek, July 9: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Windhoek on Wednesday, marking his first official visit to Namibia and reinforcing India's commitment to strengthening its ties with the southern African nation.
PM Modi was warmly received at the airport by Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, Namibia’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation. Shortly after landing, he posted on X:
"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."
During the visit, PM Modi will hold bilateral talks with President Netumbo Ndemupelila Nandi-Ndaitwah and address a Joint Session of the Namibian Parliament. The discussions will focus on expanding cooperation in energy, digital infrastructure, healthcare, education, and capacity building.
A government release emphasized the historic and longstanding India-Namibia relationship, tracing back to Namibia’s freedom struggle. India was the first country to raise the issue of Namibian independence at the United Nations in 1946 and consistently supported the SWAPO liberation movement. Notably, the first overseas SWAPO office was opened in New Delhi in 1986.
India also played a pivotal role in Namibia's transition to independence, with Lt. Gen. Dewan Prem Chand of the Indian Army leading the UN peacekeeping mission (UNTAG) that supervised Namibia’s elections in 1989-90. Diplomatic relations were officially established after independence, with India opening its High Commission in Windhoek in 1990 and Namibia reciprocating in New Delhi in 1994.
India’s partnership with Namibia has included significant development and humanitarian assistance—ranging from vaccine donations during COVID-19 and food aid during droughts, to support in education and healthcare. Notable initiatives include the India-Namibia Centre of Excellence in IT at NUST and the India Wing at the University of Namibia’s Ongwediwa campus—testaments to the enduring cooperation between the two nations.