PM Modi conferred with Namibia's highest civilian honour — Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis

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PM Modi conferred with Namibia’s highest civilian honour — “Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis”

On 9 July 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded Namibia’s highest civilian honour, the Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis by Namibian President Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah in Windhoek.
This comes shortly after PM Modi received Brazil’s highest civilian honour, the Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross.

Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis is Namibia’s highest civilian award.
Named after the Welwitschia Mirabilis plant, a unique desert plant known for its longevity and resilience, symbolising the strength and cultural spirit of Namibia.
Awarded to foreign dignitaries for their role in strengthening bilateral relations with Namibia.

This is PM Modi’s first visit to Namibia; only the third time an Indian PM has visited the country.
Bilateral discussionsfocused on cooperation in:
- Digital technology, defence, security, agriculture, healthcare, education, critical minerals.
- Boosting ties in trade, energy, and petrochemicals.
- Acknowledged Namibia’s support in Project Cheetah (reintroduction of cheetahs in India).
Agreements signed (4 MoUs):
1. Cooperation in health and medicine.
2. Establishment of an Entrepreneurship Development Centre in Namibia.
3. Development of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) Framework.
4. Partnership under the Global Biofuels Alliance Framework.
PM Modi also:
- Paid tribute at Heroes’ Acre National Memorial to Namibia’s founding father Sam Nujoma.
- Received a ceremonial welcome, guard of honour, and 21-gun salute.
- Addressed the Namibian Parliament.

Reinforces India–Africa partnership and expands India’s footprint in the Global South.
Enhances cooperation in critical minerals, renewable energy, climate action, healthcare, and defence.
Strengthens people-to-people ties and builds on shared history of freedom struggles and democratic values.

Updated - 9 Jul 2025, 06:54 PM | Live Mint