Indian MP, Narendra Modi in Landmark Namibia Visit

Windhoek, Namibia – July 9, 2025 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Namibia on Wednesday marked a historic milestone as the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 30 years and only the third in history. The visit was a major diplomatic event, highlighted by a full ceremonial welcome including a 21-gun salute, underscoring the significance of this renewed chapter in Indo-Namibian relations rooted in a long-standing friendship predating Namibia’s independence.

Timeline of Prime Minister Modi’s 5-Nation Tour (2–9 July 2025

• July 2–3: Ghana

  • Bilateral talks with President John Dramani Mahama on agriculture, defence, energy, and development

  • Addressed Ghanaian Parliament and received the Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana

  • Supported establishment of a vaccine hub for West Africa

• July 3–4: Trinidad and Tobago

  • Meetings with President Christine Carla Kangaloo and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar

  • Focus on cultural ties, economic cooperation, and diaspora engagement

  • Addressed joint parliamentary session

• July 4–5: Argentina

  • First bilateral visit by an Indian PM in 57 years

  • Talks with President Javier Milei on agriculture, trade, technology, and critical minerals

• July 6–7: Brazil

  • Attended the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro

  • Bilateral meeting with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Brasilia

  • Discussions on multilateral cooperation, climate action, and Global South priorities

• July 9: Namibia

  • State visit with President Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah

  • Bilateral talks on digital technology, defence, health, energy, and critical minerals

  • Signing of four key agreements in health, biofuels, disaster resilience, and entrepreneurship

  • Announcement of Namibia adopting India’s UPI payment system

  • Addressed Namibian Parliament, paying homage to founding father Dr. Sam Nujoma

  • Awarded the Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis

  • Warm cultural welcome including traditional drum performance

Historical Significance

This landmark visit not only revived a decades-old diplomatic connection but also reinforced India’s commitment to Africa. Modi paid his respects at the Heroes’ Acre monument, honoring Namibia’s liberation struggle and the enduring bonds between the two nations.

Strengthening Strategic Partnerships

Invited by Namibian President H.E. Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Modi held extensive bilateral talks focusing on expanding cooperation across key sectors such as:

• Digital technology and infrastructure

• Defence and security collaboration (Namibia expressed interest in acquiring Indian defence equipment)

• Healthcare partnerships

• Critical minerals and energy resources (India is exploring Namibia as a source of uranium, oil, and natural gas to diversify its energy supply)

• Wildlife conservation (Building on the previous “Project Cheetah,” Namibia may join the International Big Cat Alliance)

Several memoranda of understanding were signed, particularly in health, biofuels, disaster resilience, and entrepreneurship, signaling a commitment to deepen practical cooperation.

Namibia to Adopt India’s UPI Technology

A landmark announcement from the visit was Namibia’s decision to adopt India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system, making it the first African nation to enter into such a licensing agreement. This fintech deal will enable seamless interoperability of digital payments between the two countries, fostering financial inclusion and strengthening economic ties.

Honours, Historic Addresses, and Cultural Exchange

Prime Minister Modi addressed a joint session of the Namibian Parliament, where he highlighted shared democratic values, mutual aspirations, and the historic bonds between the two nations. In recognition of his efforts to strengthen bilateral ties, Modi was conferred with the Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis, Namibia’s highest civilian honour—the first Indian leader to receive this award.

Upon arrival, Modi was warmly welcomed with traditional ceremonies, including the playing of Namibian drums, reflecting the cultural warmth and deep-rooted friendship between the countries.

Geopolitical Context

The visit is framed within a broader geopolitical strategy, emphasizing India’s efforts to empower African nations and amplify their voices on the global stage. It also serves as a strategic counterbalance to China’s growing influence in Africa, as many African countries seek to diversify their international partnerships.