“India was among the first countries to extend formal diplomatic recognition to SWAPO and hosted our liberation leaders during the fight for our freedom,” she said.

She described Parliament as “the arena where voices of the people shape national progress and governance.”

The Speaker highlighted the duty of Members of Parliament to not only serve their constituents but also promote solidarity with global legislatures.

“In this regard,” she stated, “Parliament-to-Parliament cooperation between Namibia and India is of great importance. It enhances mutual learning and promotes collaboration on global development priorities such as poverty eradication, gender equality and climate action.”

She called for deeper institutional linkages between the two legislatures, including staff exchanges, digital transformation initiatives, youth engagement programmes, and formal cooperation frameworks to anchor long-term collaboration.

She reiterated Namibia’s longstanding call for the reform of global governance institutions.

 “Namibia continues to call for the democratisation of international institutions to ensure that the voices of the Global South are meaningfully heard,” she stated.

She praised India’s support through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme, particularly in health, education, and capacity building.

She expressed keen interest in India’s innovations in renewable energy, agriculture, and digital transformation which she said had “vast potential for further cooperation” aligned with Namibia’s Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals.

She called for solidarity and shared destiny in a world “challenged by conflict, climate change, food insecurity and rising inequality.”

She described Modi’s visit as “more than a ceremonial moment; it is a statement of intent… to deepen our friendship, expand our cooperation and elevate our shared global voice.”

On his part, Modi celebrated the enduring strength of constitutional democracy, paid tribute to Namibia’s founding heroes, and charted an ambitious course for future cooperation between the two nations.

“I stand before you as a representative of the mother of democracy and I bring with me warm greetings from 1.4 billion people of India,” he said to applause.

Highlighting the transformative power of the Constitution and speaking partly in Hindi, he said, “It is the power of India’s Constitution that a daughter from a poor tribal family is today the President of India. It is this very Constitution that gave someone like me, the chance to become Prime Minister. Not once, not twice, but three times. When you have nothing, the Constitution gives you everything.”

He emphasised that the true strength of democracy lies in its ability to uplift the most marginalised.

“In politics, that is both an honour and a great responsibility,” he stated and urged Members of Parliament to serve with humility and purpose.

Modi paid tribute to the late President Sam Nujoma, Namibia’s Founding Father. He also recognised other icons of Namibia’s liberation struggle, including Hosea Kutako, Hendrik Witbooi, and Mandume Ya Ndemufayo. He described them as “heroes whose courage continues to echo through Namibia’s valleys and villages.”

He recalled India’s support for Namibia’s freedom struggle (including raising the issue of South West Africa at the UN before India’s own independence and hosting SWAPO’s first foreign office) and stated,  “India is proud to have stood with you, not just in words, but in action.”

The PM likened India and Namibia’s relationship to “the Welwitschia Mirabilis, your national plant, elegant, enduring, and only growing stronger with age.”

Namibia’s conferral of its highest civilian honour on the Prime Minister was received with humility and warmth.

 “Like the tough and elegant plants of Namibia, our friendship has stood the test of time. It quietly thrives in even the driest seasons.”

He reaffirmed India’s commitment to support Namibia’s Vision 2030 and the Harambee Prosperity Plan. He outlined several areas of collaboration including human capital development; digital transformation; health and affordable medicines; entrepreneurship and innovation; and green partnerships.

“We seek not to compete, but to cooperate. Not to take, but to grow together,” he said.

He affirmed India’s belief that Africa must lead in value addition and sustainable development. 

“Africa must not be just a source of raw materials,” he stated.

He cited India’s role in championing the African Union’s inclusion as a permanent G20 member as part of its commitment to amplifying Africa’s voice on the global stage.

He said, “In the 21st century, India’s development lights a path, showing that the Global South can rise, lead, and shape its own future. Let us move forward as partners for peace, progress and prosperity.”

Namibia’s Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Phillipus Katamelo, described Modi’s address as “historic” and “inspiring.”

He added that the address was as a reaffirmation of the “deep and enduring bonds between Namibia and India,” rooted in shared values of democracy, development, and dignity.

He praised Modi’s personal journey from modest beginnings to the highest office in the world’s largest democracy.

“Your remarkable journey, from humble beginnings to becoming the first Prime Minister of India born after Independence, and now serving an unprecedented third term, serves as a beacon of inspiration to leaders and citizens alike,” the Deputy Speaker said.

Hon Katamelo commended India’s strides in poverty eradication, health care, infrastructure, and the empowerment of marginalised communities. He cited India’s flagship programmes like Ayushman Bharat for universal healthcare, Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana for financial inclusion, and Ujjwala Yojana for clean energy access as examples that resonate strongly with Namibia’s own developmental aspirations.

“Your leadership in advancing infrastructure, education, and international diplomacy has positioned India as a global powerhouse,” Katamelo said.

He briefly incorporated Hindi into his speech, saying “Dhanyavaad, Pradhan Mantri ji” (“Thank you, Prime Minister”), to applause.

Ends/.