Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed deep pride in the Indian diaspora in Namibia, commending their role in preserving Indian culture and fostering stronger ties between India and the southern African nation.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, “The Indian community in Namibia is extremely optimistic about closer India-Namibia friendship and this reflected in the special welcome in Windhoek. I am extremely proud of our diaspora, particularly the manner in which they have retained a connect with their culture and traditions.”
PM Modi arrived in Namibia earlier today on the final leg of his five-nation tour. He received a traditional welcome at Hosea Kutako International Airport, where he was greeted by Namibia’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi.
Local musicians and dancers performed at the airport to mark the occasion. In a gesture that drew warm applause, Prime Minister Modi joined the performers and played the Namibian drums, highlighting his appreciation for local customs and traditions.
Soon after his arrival, the Prime Minister 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.”
During the visit, PM Modi will hold bilateral talks with Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. Both leaders are expected to discuss expanding cooperation in key areas such as energy, healthcare, education, digital technology, and development partnership.
The visit will also include an address to a Joint Session of the Namibian Parliament, marking an important milestone in India-Namibia relations.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, India and Namibia share historic ties dating back to India’s early support for Namibia’s independence movement. In 1946, India raised the issue of Namibian independence at the United Nations.
Ahead of his visit, PM Modi described Namibia as “a trusted partner” with whom India shares a “common history of struggle against colonialism.”
“I look forward to meeting President H.E. Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and charting a new roadmap for cooperation for the benefit of our peoples, our regions and the wider Global South,” the Prime Minister said, adding that addressing the Namibian Parliament would be a privilege as both nations celebrate “our enduring solidarity and shared commitment for freedom and development.”
The Prime Minister had earlier expressed confidence that his visits to the five countries would further strengthen India’s ties across the Global South, deepen cooperation on both sides of the Atlantic, and expand engagement within multilateral platforms such as BRICS, the African Union, ECOWAS and CARICOM.
-IANS
