Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm and vibrant reception from the Indian diaspora in Windhoek as he arrived at his hotel during his historic first visit to Namibia on Wednesday. The welcome featured traditional greetings, yoga performances, and heartfelt gestures from community members, underscoring the strong cultural bonds between India and its global diaspora.
This marks the first-ever visit by PM Modi to Namibia and only the third Prime Ministerial visit from India to the country.
Members of the Indian community greeted the Prime Minister enthusiastically, offering portraits, traditional gifts, and messages of admiration. PM Modi spent time interacting with them, expressing appreciation for their deep-rooted cultural identity.
In a post on X, PM Modi wrote: “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.”
Earlier in the day, PM Modi landed at Hosea Kutako International Airport, where he was welcomed by Namibia’s Minister of International Relations & Trade, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, with a ceremonial reception and traditional cultural displays. He even tried his hand at Namibian traditional drums as part of the welcoming rituals.
In another post, PM Modi described Namibia as a “valued and trusted African partner”, expressing his anticipation for bilateral talks with President Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and his upcoming address to the Namibian Parliament.
The visit is being seen as a reaffirmation of India’s strong historical ties with Namibia and a step toward deepening strategic and economic cooperation.
Namibia is the final stop in PM Modi’s five-nation tour, which included Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, and Brazil, where he attended the 17th BRICS Summit and was conferred Brazil’s highest civilian honor.
