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Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Namibia on Wednesday marked a significant moment in India’s engagement with Africa, as he addressed the Namibian Parliament, hailed the strength of shared democratic values, and became the first Indian leader to receive the country’s highest civilian honour—The Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis.

In his address to the Namibian Parliament, PM Modi described it as “a great privilege to address this august house, a temple of democracy.” He added, “I thank you for giving me this honour. I stand before you as a representative of the Mother of Democracy, and I bring with me warm greetings from 1.4 billion people of India.”

Namibia Is First Country To Adopt India’s UPI: PM Modi

Applauding Namibia’s adoption of India’s Unified Payment Interface (UPI) technology, Modi remarked, “We are thrilled that Namibia is the first country to adopt India’s UPI… Soon, people will be able to send money faster than one can say ‘Tangi Unene’. Soon, a Himba grandmother in Kunene, or a shopkeeper in Katutura, will be able to go digital with just a tap, faster than a Springbok.”

Emphasising the upward trajectory of bilateral trade, he noted, “Our bilateral trade has crossed 800 million dollars. But like on the cricket field, we are just warming up. We will score faster and score more.”

“You helped us in reintroducing Cheetahs in our country, we are deeply grateful for your gift. I had the privilege of releasing them into the Kuno National Park. They have sent a message for you- everything is fine. They are very happy and have adapted well in their new home. They have grown in numbers as well. Clearly, they are enjoying their time in India,” he also said.

Referring to the award conferred on him, PM Modi said, “I am deeply honoured to receive the highest civilian award of Namibia as a symbol of the friendship between our peoples. Like the tough and elegant plants of Namibia, our friendship has stood the test of time. And, just like your national plant, Welwitschia Mirabilis, it only grows stronger with age and time.”

Congratulating Namibia on electing its first woman President, Modi said, “We understand and share your pride and joy because in India, we also proudly say Madam President.”

Drawing parallels with India’s own democratic journey, he stated, “It is the power of the Constitution of India that the daughter of a poor tribal family is the President of the world’s largest democracy. It is the power of the Constitution that gave a person like me, born in a poor family, the opportunity to become Prime Minister thrice. Those who have nothing, have the guarantee of the Constitution.”

Highlighting historical solidarity, he reminded, “The people of India stood proudly with Namibia during your liberation struggle. Even before our own independence, India raised the issue of South West Africa at the United Nations… It was an Indian Lieutenant General, Dewan Prem Chand, who led the UN peacekeeping force in Namibia. India is proud to have stood with you, not just in words but in action.”

He added that more than 1,700 Namibians have benefitted from Indian scholarship and training programmes. “We not only value our ties from the past, but we are also focused on realising the potential of our shared future. We see great value in working together on the Namibia Vision 2030 and the Harambee Prosperity Plan (HPP),” he said.

Reinforcing health cooperation, Modi said, “Our Aarogya Maitri initiative supports Africa with hospitals, equipment, medicines, and training. India is ready to supply Namibia with a Bhabhatron radiotherapy machine for advanced cancer care.”

He also announced support for youth entrepreneurship, stating, “We are honored to support Namibia’s youth through the new entrepreneurship development center. It will be a place where business dreams can get mentorship.”

Earlier in the day, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah conferred the Welwitschia Mirabilis award on Modi, who dedicated the honour to “the people of Namibia and India, their continuous progress and development, and our unbreakable friendship.”