India and Namibia: diplomatic relations and milestones

This article covers the background of relations between India and Namibia, visits at the level of heads of state and government and foreign ministers, dialogue mechanisms and parliamentary exchanges. It is based on the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) bilateral brief on Namibia. The brief is undated; March 2026 is the latest month it mentions, so this guide refers to it as the MEA brief of March 2026.

Character of relations

According to the MEA brief of March 2026, India and Namibia "enjoy warm and cordial relations". The brief states that the Namibian people and leadership view India as a dependable and trusted friend, and that Namibian leaders warmly recall Indian support during their liberation struggle.

Background

The brief records that India was among the first nations to raise the question of Namibian independence in the UN, in 1946. It states that the accordance of full diplomatic status and support at NAM were also accompanied by material assistance and military training.

Prime Minister's State Visit, 2025

The brief states that high-level visits at the level of head of state, head of government and foreign minister have taken place regularly from both sides since 1990.

Prime Minister Modi paid a State Visit to Namibia on 9 July 2025 and held a bilateral meeting with Dr. Netumo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of the Republic of Namibia. The Prime Minister was conferred the highest civilian award of Namibia, the Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis. He addressed the Parliament of Namibia and met the Indian diaspora. Two MoUs were signed during the visit, and Namibia joined two international initiatives and became an observer at a third.

Earlier visits by leaders

Prime Minister Modi and President of Namibia Dr Hage Geingob met on the sidelines of the UNGA session in New York in September 2019.
President Pranab Mukherjee paid a State visit to Namibia in June 2016.
President of Namibia Dr Hage Geingob visited India in October 2015 to attend the 3rd India-Africa Forum Summit.

Foreign ministers

External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S Jaishankar paid a three-day official visit to Namibia from 4-6 June 2023. He called on President Dr. Hage G Geingob, held talks with the Deputy Prime Minister, and co-chaired the first Joint Commission Meeting.

The EAM met Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah in Kigali on the sidelines of CHOGM in June 2022.

Foreign Office Consultations

India and Namibia held the 5th Foreign Office Consultations in New Delhi on 19-20 January 2026 and reviewed the bilateral relationship in sectors of mutual interest.

Parliamentary exchanges

Lukas Sinimbo Muha, Chairperson of the National Council of Namibia, accompanied by Phillipus Katamelo, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, attended the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) in New Delhi from 14-16 January 2026.
Speaker of the Lok Sabha Shri Om Birla and former Speaker of the National Assembly of Namibia Dr. Peter Katjavivi met during the 149th Inter Parliamentary Union meeting in Geneva on 14th October 2024.
Shri Om Birla met the Chairperson of the Namibian National Council, Mr Lukas Sinimbo Muha, on the sidelines of the 5th World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Vienna, Austria, on 9 September 2021.

Questions and answers

When did Prime Minister Modi visit Namibia?

Prime Minister Modi paid a State Visit to Namibia on 9 July 2025, held a bilateral meeting with President Dr. Netumo Nandi-Ndaitwah and was conferred the Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis.

How did India support Namibian independence?

The MEA brief records that India was among the first nations to raise the question of Namibian independence in the UN, in 1946, and that its support was accompanied by material assistance and military training.

When were the last India-Namibia Foreign Office Consultations?

India and Namibia held the 5th Foreign Office Consultations in New Delhi on 19-20 January 2026.

Sources

This article reports what the sources state at their date and does not add facts from elsewhere. Figures, office holders and agreements may have changed since. Diplo is independent and not affiliated with any government. Suggest a correction.