India,Namibia share strong democratic ideals and values: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted that India and Namibia share strong democratic ideals and values. He recalled the legacy of Dr. Sam Nujoma, the founding father of Namibia. He mentioned that at the heart of this historic relations are the people of the two countries. Charting the goal for future of the partnership, Prime Minister Modi emphasised that India will walk hand in hand with Namibia and in solidarity with the Global South. Addressing Namibia’s National Assembly in Windhoek on Wednesday, he greeted members with 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.”

#WATCH | Windhoek: Addressing the Parliament of Namibia, PM Narendra Modi says, "We seek not to compete, but to cooperate. Our goal is to build together. Not to take, but to grow together. Our development partnership in Africa is worth over 12 billion dollars, but its real value… pic.twitter.com/gL8PoVLpoC

— ANI (@ANI) July 9, 2025

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.

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.He 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.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.