PM Modi conferred with Namibia’s highest civilian award

The award was conferred on him by Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.

PM Modi is the first Indian leader to be given this award.

Accepting the award, the Prime Minister dedicated the honor to the 1.4 billion people of India and to the historic and enduring ties between the two countries.

He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to President Nandi-Ndaitwah and the people of Namibia for the accolade.

The two leaders held discussions on further strengthening bilateral ties, including in the areas of defence, maritime security, digital technology & UPI, agriculture, health and pharma, energy, and critical minerals.

Expressing satisfaction with the growth in bilateral trade, the leaders noted that the full potential on this account was still to be tapped. In this regard, they called for discussions on the India-SACU PTA to be expedited.

PM Modi noted that India would be scaling up development cooperation efforts through capacity-building programs for Namibian experts and exploring partnerships in setting up manufacturing facilities in Namibia.

He offered India’s support for Quick Impact development projects in the areas of agriculture, Information Technology, cyber security, healthcare, education, women empowerment and child welfare.

Modi thanked President Nandi-Ndaitwah for Namibia’s support in the Cheetah conservation project in India. He also invited Namibia to join the International Big Cat Alliance.

The two leaders discussed global issues of mutual interest. Modi thanked Namibia for its strong support and solidarity extended to the people of India in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack. They agreed to strengthen the global fight against terrorism.

Following the talks, the two leaders witnessed the exchange of two MoUs in the fields of health and entrepreneurship. In addition, it was announced that Namibia has joined the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and Global Biofuels Alliance, and it is the first country to enter into a licensing agreement to adopt UPI technology.

President Nandi-Ndaitwah hosted a banquet in honour of PM Modi.