Windhoek [Namibia], July 9 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi was greeted with a warm and vibrant welcome by the Indian diaspora upon his arrival at his hotel in Windhoek on Wednesday, marking his historic first visit to Namibia as part of his State Visit. This is only the third-ever Prime Ministerial visit from India to the southern African nation.
The reception was marked by colorful cultural performances, including Yoga demonstrations and enthusiastic greetings from members of the Indian community. Many diaspora members presented PM Modi with gifts and portraits, while others shared their messages of goodwill, to which the Prime Minister responded warmly, shaking hands and expressing his appreciation.
In a post on X, PM Modi expressed his pride in the Indian community in Namibia, commending their efforts to preserve and promote Indian culture and traditions despite being far from home. “The Indian community in Namibia is extremely optimistic about closer India-Namibia friendship, and this is reflected in the special welcome in Windhoek. I am extremely proud of our diaspora, particularly how they have retained a connection with their culture and traditions,” he wrote.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi arrived at Hosea Kutako International Airport, where he was received with a ceremonial, traditional welcome. Namibian Minister of International Relations and Trade Selma Ashipala-Musavyi greeted him on arrival, underscoring the importance Namibia attaches to this high-level visit.
The Ministry of External Affairs also highlighted the significance of the occasion in a post on X, stating: “PM Narendra Modi lands in the capital city of Windhoek, Namibia, to a warm welcome. He was received by Ms. Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, Minister of International Relations & Trade of Namibia, at the airport. This is the first visit of the PM to Namibia.”
PM Modi himself noted Namibia’s special place as a trusted African partner. In another post on X, he wrote: “Landed in Windhoek a short while ago. Namibia is a valued and trusted African partner with whom we seek to boost bilateral cooperation. Looking forward to meeting President Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and addressing the Namibian Parliament today.”
During his visit, the Prime Minister is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, pay homage at Heroes Acre to Namibia’s Founding Father, Dr. Sam Nujoma, and address the Namibian Parliament later in the day.
PM Modi’s stop in Namibia concludes his five-nation tour, which also included Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, and Brazil, where he attended the 17th BRICS Summit and received Brazil’s highest civilian honor.
The Namibian visit, the MEA noted, reaffirms India’s “multi-faceted and deep-rooted historical ties” with the African continent and its commitment to strengthening South-South cooperation. (ANI)
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