'Shine Like A Diamond': PM Modi On India-Namibia Ties After Receiving Highest Civilian Award

Last Updated:July 09, 2025, 19:23 IST

PM Narendra Modi also said India and Namibia have stood shoulder to shoulder since their freedom struggle

PM Narendra Modi being conferred with Namibia's highest civilian award, 'Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis', by Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, in Windhoek, Namibia on July 9. (Image: @NarendraModi/PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday linked India and Namibia via diamonds, establishing how both the countries are well known for their trade in the precious gemstone.

Modi, while thanking Namibia for conferring him with their highest civilian award – ‘Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis’ – said he believes that the friendship between both the countries will continue to “shine like a diamond".

“Namibia is one of the biggest diamond producers, and India is the biggest diamond polishing industry and, that too, in my home state of Gujarat. I believe that in future, too, our friendship will shine like a diamond," Modi said during his speech.

The Prime Minister said India and Namibia have stood shoulder to shoulder since their freedom struggle. “Democratic values and a progressive vision are the bedrock of India-Namibia relations, and we’ll support each other in future too," he said.

The Welwitschia Mirabilis award was presented to him by Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who is the first woman to hold the office in the southern African country.

Modi explained the significance of the award, which was established in 1995 shortly after Namibia gained independence in 1990, to recognise distinguished service and leadership. He said it is named after the Welwitschia Mirabilis, a unique and ancient desert plant endemic to Namibia, which symbolises resilience, longevity and the enduring spirit of the Namibian people.

This was the 27th international honour bestowed upon the PM by a foreign government since he assumed office in May 2014. This was his first visit to Namibia and the third-ever prime ministerial visit from India to the country.

Earlier in the day, he and Nandi-Ndaitwah held bilateral talks, following which the two countries signed four agreements to bolster bilateral cooperation in several areas, including energy and healthcare.

Modi was in Namibia on the last leg of his five-nation tour.

Oindrila Mukherjee

Oindrila Mukherjee is a senior sub-editor who works for the rewrite and breaking news desks. Her nine years of experience in print and digital journalism range from editing and reporting to writing impactful st...Read More

Oindrila Mukherjee is a senior sub-editor who works for the rewrite and breaking news desks. Her nine years of experience in print and digital journalism range from editing and reporting to writing impactful st...

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Location :

Windhoek, Namibia

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News india 'Shine Like A Diamond': PM Modi On India-Namibia Ties After Receiving Highest Civilian Award