From Delhi to Windhoek: PM Modi’s Diamond Moment with Namibia’s Top Honour

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was bestowed Namibia's highest civilian award, the Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis, during his milestone state visit to Windhoek. The long-sought honor, awarded by Namibian President Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, is the first of its kind for India-Namibia as Modi is the first Indian prime minister to be so honored.

 

PM Modi dedicated the award to the 1.4 billion Indians as well as to the long-standing friendship between the two countries. The Welwitschia Mirabilis, upon which the award is being bestowed, represents durability and lifespan—qualities evident in the nascent partnership between Namibia and India.

 

Key Points

Historic Honour: PM Modi is the first Indian to receive Namibia's highest civilian honour, his 27th such foreign honour since 2014.

 

Strengthening Bonds: Four bilateral agreements were inked to deepen cooperation in energy, healthcare, digital technology, and entrepreneurship.

 

Firsts: Modi's first Namibia visit and third-ever by an Indian Prime Minister, on the same day as President Nandi-Ndaitwah's first bilateral State Visit hosting since taking office.

 

Symbolic Dedication: Modi dedicated the award to the citizens of India and Namibia, to shared democratic ideals and shared hope for a better tomorrow.

 

International Partnerships: Namibia became a member of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, the Global Biofuels Alliance, and was also the first nation to implement India's UPI digital payments system.

 

Cultural and Strategic Partnership: The two leaders talked about strengthening collaboration in defense, agriculture, strategic minerals, as well as cheetah conservation, further solidifying India's position in Africa's development.

 

"Our friendship will be like a diamond," PM Modi said, referring to the bilateral diamond trading relationship between the two nations.

 

Source:

PM India Official Release, India Today, News18, M.E.A. Press Release