09 July,2025 09:11 PM IST | Windhoek | mid-day online correspondent
Prime Minister Narendra Modi being conferred with Namibia`s highest civilian award, `Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis`, by Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, in Windhoek, Namibia. Pic/PTI
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with Namibia's highest civilian award, the 'Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis', reported news agency PTI.
The prestigious award was presented by Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
Meanwhile, addressing a gathering after receiving the honour, PM Modi stated, "Namibia's Welwitschia, after which this award is named, is not an ordinary plant. It is like an elder in the household, one who has witnessed the passage of time. It symbolises Namibia's struggle, courage, and culture."
He further added, "It stands as a witness to the unbreakable friendship between India and Namibia. I feel proud to be associated with it. I dedicate this award to the people of India and Namibia, who continue to progress together, and to the friendship between our two nations."
The Prime Minister emphasised that India and Namibia have maintained a steadfast friendship since their respective independences.
"Ours is a friendship that is time-tested and connected by shared values and dreams of a better future. In the times to come, we will keep working closely and walking together on the path of development," he affirmed.
According to PTI, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed in a press release that PM Modi is the first Indian leader to receive this award.
The MEA said, "The conferment of the award on the Prime Minister is a milestone in the bilateral ties between India and Namibia and stands as a font of inspiration for the younger generations in both countries to take this special bilateral partnership to greater heights."
This marks the 27th international honour bestowed upon Prime Minister Modi by a foreign government since he took office in May 2014.
Meanwhile, the award citation highlights that Modi's leadership, characterised by technological innovation, economic growth, social and climate justice, and international diplomacy, "transcends the borders of India."
It further states, "Prime Minister Modi's sustained engagement with the African Union reflects a sincere commitment to South-South cooperation... During his tenure, bilateral relations between India and Namibia have significantly improved and contributed meaningfully to the socio-economic development of both nations."
PM Modi is currently in Namibia on the final leg of his five-nation visit.
This marks his first visit to Namibia and only the third-ever prime ministerial visit from India to the country.
However, earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi and President Nandi-Ndaitwah held bilateral talks, resulting in the signing of four agreements to bolster bilateral cooperation in several key areas, including energy and healthcare.
(With inputs from PTI)
