Did PM Modi Just Wrap Up a Productive Visit to Brazil Before Heading to Namibia?

New Delhi, July 9 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has departed for Namibia, marking the concluding segment of his five-nation tour, following a successful State Visit to Brasilia. During this visit, he engaged with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and participated in the 17th BRICS Summit held in Rio de Janeiro.

On social media platform X, the PMO announced: "PM @narendramodi has boarded for Namibia, the final destination of his tour."

Furthermore, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randir Jaiswal shared on X: "PM @narendramodi concludes a productive visit to Brazil and emplanes for Namibia. A memorable visit to Brazil concludes with a successful 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro & State visit in Brasilia."

This marks PM Modi's inaugural visit to Namibia and the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 27 years.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, during his stay, PM Modi is set to meet with Namibian President Netumbo Nandi Ndaitwah, which will be their first interaction.

An official statement highlighted that India and Namibia share a bond of warm and cordial relations, with Namibian leaders recalling India's support during their liberation struggle.

India was one of the first nations to advocate for Namibia's independence in the UN in 1946. The initial SWAPO (the organization leading Namibia’s liberation movement) Embassy was established in New Delhi in 1986. India also provided significant diplomatic support and military training.

Lt. Gen. Dewan Prem Chand of the Indian Army led the UN peacekeeping force (UNTAG) in Namibia from 1989 to 1990, which oversaw the peace process and elections.

After Namibia's independence, India's Observer Mission was elevated to a full-fledged High Commission on March 21, 1990. Namibia established its resident Mission in New Delhi in March 1994.

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, India donated 30,000 doses of Covishield vaccines in March 2021. In 2019 and 2017, India also provided 1,000 MT of rice for drought relief. India has consistently supported Namibia in combating natural disasters such as droughts and floods.

With Indian assistance, an India-Namibia Centre of Excellence in IT (INCEIT) was established at the Namibia University of Science & Technology (NUST), which included the provision of a super-computer. An 'India Wing' was created at the University of Namibia’s Ongwediwa campus with a grant of approximately $12 million from India. Additionally, India has contributed to enhancing health infrastructure.

As part of the Development Partnership, a Forensic Expert was sent to the Namibian Police Forensic Science Institute for a three-month duration as part of the ITEC program from June to August 2022. Numerous Namibian civilian professionals and defense personnel have visited India for various training courses under the ITEC program and ICCR scholarship schemes for 2024-25.

Moreover, in December 2024, the Indian government provided Namibia with 1,000 tonnes of rice and 1,000 tonnes of maize as humanitarian assistance for those affected by drought.