Windhoek: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with Namibia’s highest civilian honour, the Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis, in recognition of his pivotal role in strengthening India–Namibia relations.
The award was presented by Namibian President Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah during a grand ceremony at the State House in Windhoek.
The honour marks a significant diplomatic milestone, highlighting the deepening strategic partnership between the two nations across key sectors—trade, energy, defence, digital tech, and wildlife conservation.
Prior to the award ceremony, PM Modi held wide-ranging talks with President Nandi-Ndaitwah. The two leaders reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral ties and explored fresh cooperation in areas like digital innovation, healthcare, agriculture, education, and critical minerals.
“We also discussed enhancing trade and energy linkages, including in petrochemicals. I thanked Namibia for its continued support to Project Cheetah,” Modi shared on social media.
The talks culminated in the signing of four key agreements, including:
- Cooperation in health and medicine
- Establishment of an Entrepreneurship Development Centre
- Collaboration under the Global Biofuels Alliance
- Partnership within the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)
Earlier in the day, PM Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome with a 21-gun salute and guard of honour at the State House.
This marks Modi’s first visit to Namibia and only the third-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country, underlining the growing momentum in India’s outreach to Africa.
