Prime Minister Narendra Modi held important talks with Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah during his visit to Windhoek, the final stop of his five-nation tour. Both countries agreed to work more closely in areas like defence, maritime security, digital technology including UPI, energy, and critical minerals.

Addressing the Namibian Parliament, PM Modi shared India’s vision for Africa and stressed that the partnership should be based on respect, equality, and shared growth.

“Let us create a future defined not by power, but by partnership; not by dominance, but by dialogue; not by exclusion, but by equity,” PM Modi said.

He added that India did not wish to compete but to cooperate with African nations.

“We believe that Africa must not be just a source of raw materials. Africa must lead in value creation and sustainable growth. Let our children inherit not only the freedom we fought for, but also the future we will build together,” he said.

Some observers believe that these statements may be a subtle message to China, which has a big presence in Africa. Many African countries are now looking to partner with other countries like India.

Modi thanks Namibia for support & cheetah project

PM Modi thanked Namibia for supporting India during the Pahalgam terrorist attack. He also said both countries would work together to fight terrorism and raise the voice of the Global South—a term used for developing nations.

Modi also showed appreciation for Namibia’s help in the cheetah conservation project. Last year, cheetahs from Namibia were brought to India as part of a wildlife revival effort.

“They (cheetahs) are happy and have adapted well in their new home. They have grown in numbers as well. Clearly, they are enjoying their time,” said the PM.

He also invited Namibia to join the International Big Cat Alliance, a global effort to protect big cats like lions, tigers, and leopards.

Modi praised Namibia for adopting India’s UPI (Unified Payments Interface) system and said India would help in building capacity and training Namibian experts. India is also exploring setting up manufacturing units in Namibia. The two countries are also working on a preferential trade agreement with the Southern African Customs Union.

Modi gets Namibia’s highest civilian honour

PM Modi received Namibia’s highest civilian honour—the Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis. This honour, named after a rare desert plant, stands for strength and survival. Modi is the first Indian leader to receive this award. It is also his 27th international award and fourth during his current tour.

Modi also addressed the Namibian Parliament on Wednesday. This was his third Parliament address in one week and his 17th foreign Parliament speech overall. This equals the combined total of all Congress PMs over the past 70 years.

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