PM Modi lands in Namibia; what's on the agenda
What's the story
Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Windhoek, Namibia, on Wednesday, marking his first-ever visit to the African nation. The visit is part of his five-nation tour and follows his trip to Brazil. The prime minister was accorded a traditional welcome at the airport and even tried his hand at playing Namibian drums.
Diplomatic goals
Talks with president, address to Parliament on agenda
PM Modi's visit to Namibia is aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two nations. He will hold talks with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and is expected to address the Namibian Parliament during his stay. The prime minister also plans to pay tribute to Namibia's Founding Father and first president, Dr. Sam Nujoma.
Twitter Post
PM tries his hand at playing Namibian traditional drums
#WATCH | PM Narendra Modi receives traditional welcome on his arrival in Windhoek, Namibia
— ANI (@ANI) July 9, 2025
The PM tries his hand at playing the Namibian traditional drums.
(video source: DD) pic.twitter.com/QnnoCeVLRx
Economic collaboration
India to launch UPI digital payments system in Namibia
The visit is expected to focus on cooperation in minerals such as uranium and lithium, which are essential for clean energy and technology. India will also launch its UPI digital payments system in Namibia during this visit, making transactions easier for the African nation. Further, India will assist in training Namibian youth in IT and expand collaborations in the healthcare, education, and defense sectors.
Historic ties
First visit by Indian PM to Namibia in 30 years
PM Modi's visit is the first by an Indian PM in nearly three decades and seeks to strengthen the long-standing friendship between India and Namibia. India was one of the first to push for Namibian independence, bringing the matter to the United Nations in 1946 and hosting the South West Africa People's Organisation's (SWAPO) first foreign office in 1986. Namibia is the last destination on Modi's five-nation tour, which also included visits to Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, and Brazil.