PM Modi Praises India-Namibia Ties and Future Prospects

• Prime Minister Modi emphasizes India’s historical support for Namibia’s freedom movement.
• Namibia becomes the first country to adopt India’s UPI technology.
• Bilateral trade between India and Namibia surpasses 800 million dollars.
• PM Modi pays tribute to Sam Nujoma and Namibian freedom fighters.
• India’s partnership with Namibia is set to deepen under Vision 2030.

India’s Historical Support for Namibia’s Freedom Movement

During a significant address to the Namibian Parliament in Windhoek on Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi articulated India’s long-standing support for Namibia’s struggle for independence. He underscored New Delhi’s dedication to enhancing bilateral relations, specifically in line with Namibia’s ambitious Vision 2030 plan. Modi pointed out that India was a steadfast ally even before Namibia liberated itself, taking a pivotal role at the United Nations by raising the plight of South West Africa and backing the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO).

Modi Highlights Digital Partnership and Future Prospects

Emphasizing the flourishing partnership between the two nations, Modi announced that Namibia has distinguished itself as the first country to implement India’s Unified Payment Interface (UPI) technology. He cleverly remarked, “Soon, people will be able to send money faster than one can say ‘Tangi Unene.’” His comments projected a future of digital inclusion wherein even remote areas in Namibia would embrace technology, asserting that both a Himba grandmother in Kunene and a shopkeeper in Katutura would soon navigate the digital landscape with ease. Modi’s enthusiasm was evident as he shared that bilateral trade has crossed a significant threshold of 800 million dollars, likening this promising exchange to a cricket match, declaring, “We are just warming up. We will score faster and score more.”

Tribute to Heroes and the Strength of Friendship

The Prime Minister extended his respect to Namibia’s founding president, Sam Nujoma, alongside other freedom fighters, emphasizing their inspirational legacies. We honour the memory of the fighters of your freedom struggle, he stated, paying homage to those who paved the way for independence. Modi also reflected on India’s critical involvement in facilitating Namibia’s peace process, specifically recognizing the efforts of Lieutenant General Dewan Prem Chand, who led the UN peacekeeping mission. In closing, Modi expressed heartfelt gratitude for being bestowed Namibia’s highest civilian honour, likening the enduring friendship between India and Namibia to their national plant, the Welwitschia Mirabilis, suggesting that their bond grows stronger with time.

In conclusion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address aimed at reinforcing bilateral ties between India and Namibia while acknowledging historical support and mutual interests. He celebrated the digital advancements heralded by the UPI initiative, promising greater conveniences for Namibians. Additionally, Modi’s tribute to Namibia’s independence heroes and remarks on enduring friendship underline the strengthening relationship as both nations look to foster a promising future together.