Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Windhoek, Namibia, on Wednesday morning, marking the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Namibia in nearly three decades and only the third such visit from India to the southern African nation.
PM Modi is in Namibia on a State visit at the invitation of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. Upon his arrival at Hosea Kutako International Airport, the Prime Minister was accorded a ceremonial welcome and greeted by Namibia’s Minister of International Relations and Trade, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi. In a symbolic gesture reflecting cultural exchange, PM Modi also tried his hand at playing traditional Namibian drums at the airport.
In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the Prime Minister’s visit underscores India’s “multi-faceted and deep-rooted historical ties with Namibia”. The visit marks the final leg of his five-nation tour, which included stops in Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, and Brazil.
“During the visit, the Prime Minister will hold bilateral discussions with President Nandi-Ndaitwah. He will also pay homage to the Founding Father and first President of Namibia, the late Dr. Sam Nujoma, and is expected to address the Parliament of Namibia,” the MEA said.
The Indian diaspora in Namibia has welcomed the Prime Minister’s visit with great enthusiasm. Members of the community are preparing to greet him with a traditional Garba dance. “We are thrilled that Prime Minister Modi has arrived in Namibia. We will present a Garba dance to welcome him,” said a member of the diaspora.
In a post on X, PM Modi described Namibia as a “valued and trusted African partner” and said he looked forward to strengthening bilateral cooperation during his engagements.
“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,” the Prime Minister said.
