On July 9, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, marking his first-ever visit to the country and the third Prime Ministerial visit from India to Namibia. The visit, part of a five-nation tour, was met with a vibrant and culturally rich traditional welcome at Hosea Kutako International Airport. The ceremonial reception, complete with traditional Namibian music and dance, highlighted the deep historical and cultural ties between India and Namibia. A standout moment of the arrival was PM Modi’s enthusiastic participation in playing traditional Namibian drums, a gesture that resonated deeply with both Indian and Namibian onlookers, symbolizing cultural camaraderie and mutual respect. This article explores the significance of the visit, the warm welcome, and the broader context of India-Namibia relations, as well as the Prime Minister’s engagement with Namibian culture.
A Grand Traditional Welcome
Upon landing at Hosea Kutako International Airport, PM Modi was accorded full ceremonial honors, reflecting the importance of his visit. He was warmly greeted by Namibia’s Minister of International Relations and Trade, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, alongside traditional performers who showcased the rich cultural heritage of Namibia through music and dance. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as local artists performed, and PM Modi, known for his appreciation of cultural exchanges, joined in by trying his hand at playing the traditional Namibian drums, referred to as the “ongoma” drums in some local contexts. This moment, captured widely in videos and images shared across media platforms, echoed a similar instance during his visit to Singapore, where he played the dhol, showcasing his penchant for engaging with local traditions.
The act of playing the drums was more than a symbolic gesture; it was a reflection of PM Modi’s ability to connect with the host nation’s culture, fostering a sense of goodwill and shared heritage. The Indian diaspora in Namibia, along with local Namibians, expressed their delight at this interaction, with social media posts describing it as a “beautiful moment” that underscored the strengthening of India-Namibia ties. The visual of PM Modi beating the tribal drums, accompanied by traditional performers, quickly became a highlight of the visit, widely shared on platforms like X, where users praised his cultural sensitivity and enthusiasm.
Context of the Visit
PM Modi’s visit to Namibia was at the invitation of Namibian President Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and marked the final leg of his five-nation tour, which included Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, and Brazil. The visit was a significant milestone in India-Namibia relations, being only the third time an Indian Prime Minister has visited the southwestern African nation. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasized that the visit was a “reiteration of India’s multi-faceted and deep-rooted historical ties with Namibia,” highlighting the long-standing relationship that dates back to India’s early support for Namibia’s independence movement in 1946 at the United Nations.
During his one-day state visit, PM Modi aimed to strengthen bilateral cooperation through high-level engagements. His itinerary included bilateral talks with President Nandi-Ndaitwah, paying homage to Namibia’s Founding Father and first President, Dr. Sam Nujoma, and delivering an address to the Namibian Parliament. These engagements underscored India’s commitment to deepening ties with Namibia, a valued African partner, in areas such as trade, technology, education, and strategic cooperation.
India-Namibia Relations: A Historical Perspective
India and Namibia share a relationship rooted in history, particularly India’s vocal support for Namibia’s independence from colonial rule. As early as 1946, India raised the issue of Namibian independence at the UN, laying the foundation for a strong diplomatic bond. Over the years, this relationship has grown through various forms of assistance, including vaccine donations, food aid during droughts, and support for education and IT infrastructure. Notable initiatives include the establishment of the India-Namibia Centre of Excellence in IT at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) and the creation of an ‘India Wing’ at the University of Namibia’s Ongwediva campus.
The visit by PM Modi was seen as a continuation of this legacy, with a focus on enhancing strategic cooperation. Namibia, with its rich natural resources and strategic location in southwestern Africa, is an important partner for India in the African continent. The bilateral talks with President Nandi-Ndaitwah were expected to cover areas such as trade, investment, renewable energy, and technology transfer, aligning with India’s broader vision of fostering mutually beneficial partnerships with African nations.
The Indian Diaspora’s Warm Reception
In addition to the official welcome, PM Modi was greeted with immense enthusiasm by the Indian diaspora in Namibia. The community, though relatively small, expressed pride in maintaining their cultural connection to India while embracing Namibian traditions. At the hotel in Windhoek where PM Modi stayed during his visit, the diaspora organized a culturally rich reception that included Yoga performances and a traditional Garba dance,
Last Updated on: Wednesday, July 9, 2025 2:58 pm by Ventrapati Mahitha | Published by: Ventrapati Mahitha on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 2:58 pm | News Categories: India
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