Prime Minister Narendra Modi concludes his five nation tour; signs deals on healthcare and entrepreneurship in Namibia

New Delhi (India) July 10: On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his trip to Namibia. He spoke to a Joint Session of the Namibian parliament and departed for India. The last of his five-nation tour was Namibia.

The Ministry of External Affairs said, "A highly productive & successful 5-nation tour to Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia concludes" in a post on social media platform X.

The goal of Prime Minister Modi's discussions with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of Namibia was to give the two countries' relationship a fresh boost.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the establishment of an Entrepreneurship Development Centre in Namibia. Another agreement on health and medical cooperation was signed by Namibia and India after the two leaders' discussions.

Namibia's Highest Honour 

President Nandi-Ndaitwah presented Modi with Namibia's highest civilian honour, the 'Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis'.

This is Modi's 27th international honour since 2014.

He said in his remarks that the honour was a reflection of the longstanding friendship between India and Namibia. It is based on respect for one another and democratic principles. 

PM Modi expressed hope for more development collaboration while reflecting on the two countries' longstanding relationship.

Modi said, “I accept this honour with deep gratitude, and I dedicate it to the people of India and the timeless bond our two countries share.” 

At a special event, Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah handed the prize. It signalled a new chapter in the two countries' relationship.

PM Modi also welcomed Namibia to join the International Big Cat Alliance. He praised Nandi-Ndaitwah for Namibia's help with the cheetah conservation initiative in India.

Development Projects

PM Modi stated that India would be expanding its efforts at development cooperation by examining partnerships for the establishment of manufacturing facilities in Namibia. India will also implement capacity building programs for Namibian professionals. 

He urged the Southern African Customs Union and India to speed up their negotiations for a preferential trade pact.

Modi at Namibian Parliament

In his speech to the Namibian Parliament, Prime Minister Modi also outlined India's vision for Africa. He called it "freedom to the future."

Modi stated that India aimed to construct and develop together rather than compete or steal.

The Prime Minister said, "Let us create a future defined not by power, but by partnership, not by dominance, but by dialogue, not by exclusion, but by equity." 

He also added, " We believe that Africa must not be just a source of raw materials. Africa must lead in value creation and sustainable growth. Let our children not only inherit the freedom we fought for, but the future we will build together.”

Namibia has also become a member of the Global Biofuels Alliance and the CDRI (Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure).

This was Modi's first trip to Namibia. This is the third time an Indian prime minister has visited the nation.

Aadrika Tayal