'Modi, Modi' chants in Namibian parliament: PM receives standing ovation; promises stronger future ties in his address
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the final leg of his five-nation tour, addressed the parliament of Namibia on Wednesday. The address marked a symbolic moment in India–Namibia relations, blending shared history with promises of future cooperation.
PM Modi began his speech with warmth, calling the parliament 'a temple of democracy' and said he was honoured to speak as 'a representative of the mother of democracy.' He said he brought greetings from 1.4 billion Indians.
He thanked Namibia for sending cheetahs to India, saying, 'I am grateful to you for sending the cheetahs. They have sent a message to you — 'Everything is fine.' They are having a great time here.'
The prime minister recalled India's support during Namibia's independence movement.
'Even before our own independence, India raised the issue of South West Africa at the United Nations. It was an Indian lieutenant general, Dewan Prem Chand, who led the UN peacekeeping force in Namibia. India is proud to have stood with you — not just in words, but in action.'
PM Modi also congratulated Namibia on recently electing its first woman president. Drawing a parallel, he said, 'We understand and share your pride.
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Undo
In India, we too proudly say madam president. The constitution of India gave a daughter of a poor tribal family the opportunity to become president of the world's largest democracy. And someone like me, born into a poor family, the chance to be prime minister — not once, but three times.
Those who have nothing, have the guarantee of the constitution.'
Prime minister Modi was earlier conferred Namibia's highest civilian award during the visit.
He said the gesture was a 'symbol of friendship between our peoples.' Comparing the India–Namibia bond to the country's national plant, he said, 'Like the Welwitschia Mirabilis, our friendship grows stronger with time.'
Looking ahead, the prime minsiter emphasised India's commitment to Namibia's development goals. 'We not only value our ties from the past, but we are focused on the future. We see great value in working together on Namibia vision 2030 and the Harambee prosperity plan. Over 1,700 Namibians have benefitted from scholarships and training programmes in India.'
PM Modi ended his Namibia speech to loud cheers and chants of 'Modi, Modi' from parliamentarians.
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