Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recently been honored with Namibia’s highest civilian award, the Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis. This recognition underscores the strengthening ties between India and Namibia, spotlighting shared values and cooperative ambitions
What Is This Civilian Award?
This esteemed award is named after Welwitschia Mirabilis, an extraordinary desert plant famed for its resilience and centuries-long lifespan. Namibia awards it to individuals who have made enduring, impactful contributions—symbolizing steadfast leadership and lasting influence .
A Proud Moment for India
Expressing his gratitude, PM Modi conveyed:
“It is a matter of pride for me to be conferred with Namibia’s highest civilian honour… I accept this on behalf of 140 crore Indians.”
First Ever Visit: A Deep Dive into Diplomacy
This marks PM Modi’s first state visit to Namibia, and he’s only the third Indian prime minister ever to tour the country. During his stay, he met with the Namibian President, Dr. Netumbo Nandi‑Ndaitwah, engaging in talks that spanned:
- Digital technology
- Defence and security
- Agriculture
- Healthcare and education
- Critical minerals
Four Landmark Agreements Signed
Bolstering the partnership, India and Namibia signed agreements targeting diverse areas:
- Health and pharmaceuticals
- Entrepreneurship development
- Critical minerals research (CDRI Framework)
- Biofuels collaboration (Global Biofuels Alliance)
These pacts lay the foundation for innovation, investment, and shared growth.
Standing Ovation at Parliament
While addressing Namibia’s Parliament, PM Modi received a standing ovation, emphasizing the constitutional parallels between India and Namibia—regions built on justice, liberty, and dignity
Key Excerpts from His Speech:
- “A temple of democracy… I bring warm greetings from 1.4 billion people of India.”
- “Like the tough and elegant plants of Namibia… our friendship only grows stronger.”
- “Our development partnership in Africa is worth over USD 12 billion… but its real value is in shared growth.”