Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed Namibia’s National Assembly in Windhoek on Wednesday, opening his remarks with a greeting in Oshiwambo, “Omwa Uhala Po Nawa” — meaning “Good Afternoon”. PM Modi thanked the Speaker, the Namibian leadership and lawmakers for the invitation, describing the chamber as a “temple of democracy”.
Speaking in the Assembly, PM Modi congratulated Namibia on electing its first woman president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, and drew comparisons with India’s own record of inclusivity. “It is the power of India’s Constitution that a daughter from a poor tribal family is today the President of India,” the Prime Minister said, referring to President Droupadi Murmu. “When you have nothing, the Constitution gives you everything.”
Paying tribute to Namibia’s Founding Father, the late President Sam Nujoma, PM Modi recalled his vision of a just, equal and independent Namibia. He also honoured the memory of freedom fighters such as Hosea Kutako, Hendrik Witbooi and Mandume Ya Ndemufayo, underlining India’s solidarity with Namibia during its liberation struggle.
The PM noted that India raised the issue of South West Africa at the United Nations even before its own independence and provided crucial support to SWAPO, hosting its first foreign diplomatic office in New Delhi. He also highlighted the contribution of Lieutenant General Diwan Prem Chand, who led the UN peacekeeping force in Namibia.
Quoting Namibian poet Mvula ya Nangolo, he described Namibia’s parliament and its democracy as living monuments to freedom.
Reaffirming the strong bonds between the two nations, PM Modi described India and Namibia as partners shaped by similar histories of colonial rule and a shared commitment to dignity, freedom and democracy. He expressed gratitude for receiving Namibia’s highest civilian honour, describing the gesture as a symbol of enduring friendship.
The Prime Minister stressed India’s support for Namibia’s Vision 2030 and the Harambee Prosperity Plan, noting that over 1,700 Namibians have benefited from Indian scholarships and training programmes. He underlined India’s focus on capacity-building through institutions such as the Centre of Excellence in IT and defence training programmes.
Highlighting growing economic ties, PM Modi noted that bilateral trade has surpassed $800 million and expressed optimism for greater growth. “But just like on the cricket field, we are only warming up — we will score faster and score more,” he stressed.
PM Modi also welcomed Namibia’s adoption of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI), saying it would empower ordinary Namibians to make fast, secure digital transactions. The PM pointed to the upcoming Entrepreneurship Development Centre in Namibia as a hub for nurturing business ideas and expanding opportunities for young Namibians.
The Prime Minister underscored India’s commitment to strengthening healthcare cooperation, highlighting the country’s flagship health insurance scheme, Ayushman Bharat, which covers nearly 500 million people. He also offered to share affordable medicines through India’s Jan Aushadhi programme. The PM announced India’s readiness to supply Namibia with a Bhabhatron radiotherapy machine for advanced cancer care and expressed hope that Namibia would benefit from India’s initiatives in digital health and capacity-building.
PM Modi thanked Namibia for its support in India’s cheetah reintroduction project and shared that the translocated cheetahs have adapted well in their new home, symbolising the two countries’ shared commitment to conservation.
Welcoming Namibia’s decision to join global initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, the Global Biofuels Alliance and the International Big Cats Alliance, PM Modi described these as examples of cooperation for sustainable development.
Speaking on India’s partnership with Africa, the Prime Minister reiterated the ten principles guiding India’s engagement with the continent — rooted in respect, equality and mutual benefit. He underscored India’s role in supporting Africa’s industrialisation under Agenda 2063 and its commitment to building local skills, creating jobs and promoting innovation.
PM Modi called for the Global South to shape its own future, saying that India’s development journey is proof that nations can succeed on their own terms without compromising their identity. He urged both nations to work together as partners for peace, progress and prosperity, envisioning a future guided by partnership, dialogue and equity. “Let us move forward as partners, so that our children inherit not only the freedom we fought for, but also the future we build together,” he said.
Additionally, PM Modi wished Namibia success in co-hosting the 2027 Cricket World Cup, playfully adding that India’s cricketing expertise is just a phone call away if Namibia’s national team, the Eagles, ever needs it.
“The best days of India–Namibia relations are ahead of us,” PM Modi said, expressing confidence in the shared journey from freedom to a future of dignity and opportunity for both nations.