Prime Minister Narendra Modi has received Namibia’s top civilian honour, the Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis. The Namibian government presented this award to recognise his efforts in strengthening ties between the two nations.
Randhir Jaiswal posted on X (formerly Twitter), "PM @narendramodi was conferred with ‘The Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis’, the highest civilian award of Namibia by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah @SWAPOPRESIDENT. PM thanked President & the people of for bestowing this honour. He dedicated this award to the people of India."
Celebrating 🇮🇳-🇳🇦 warm and historic ties!
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) July 9, 2025
PM @narendramodi was conferred with ‘The Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis’, the highest civilian award of Namibia by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah @SWAPOPRESIDENT.
PM thanked President & the people of 🇳🇦 for bestowing… pic.twitter.com/se0AfHBJuM
A Historic Honour
Namibian President Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah awarded Modi during a formal ceremony. This marked a significant moment in India–Namibia relations. The award highlighted the growing strategic bond between the two countries.
Their partnership now spans key areas such as trade, energy, wildlife conservation, and skill development.
Strengthening Diplomatic Relations
Before receiving the award, PM Modi met President Nandi-Ndaitwah. They held wide-ranging talks on how to improve cooperation in fields like digital technology, defence, agriculture, health, education, and critical minerals.
After the meeting, PM Modi posted on social media, “Cooperation in areas such as digital technology, defence, security, agriculture, healthcare, education and critical minerals figured prominently in our discussions.”
He added, “We also discussed how to boost linkages in trade, energy and petrochemicals. Expressed gratitude for the assistance from Namibia in Project Cheetah.”
President Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and I reviewed the full range of India-Namibia relations during our talks today. Cooperation in areas such as digital technology, defence, security, agriculture, healthcare, education and critical minerals figured prominently in our… pic.twitter.com/PdpLFc2U29
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 9, 2025
Key Agreements Signed
Following the discussions, India and Namibia signed four important agreements, including:
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A pact on health and medical cooperation
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An agreement to set up an entrepreneurship development centre in Namibia
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Partnership under the CDRI (Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure) Framework
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Collaboration under the Global Biofuels Alliance Framework
Ceremonial Welcome for PM Modi
Earlier in the day, PM Modi received a warm welcome at the State House in Windhoek. He was given a guard of honour and a 21-gun salute.
A Rare Visit
PM Modi is on a state visit to Namibia at the invitation of President Nandi-Ndaitwah. He landed in Windhoek on Wednesday morning (local time). This marks Modi’s first visit to Namibia, and he becomes only the third Indian Prime Minister to visit the country.