'In India we also proudly say Madam President': PM Modi hails Namibia’s first woman president in Parliament address

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday praised Namibia for a historic milestone — the election of its first woman president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.

#WATCH | Windhoek: Addressing the Parliament of Namibia, PM Narendra Modi says, "A few months ago, you celebrated a historic moment, Namibia elected its first woman president. We understand and share your pride and joy because in India, we also proudly say Madam President. It is… pic.twitter.com/7dr3mldANa

— ANI (@ANI) July 9, 2025

Addressing the Parliament of Namibia, PM Modi said both India and Namibia take pride in the empowerment of women and the strength of their democratic constitutions.

“A few months ago, you celebrated a historic moment, Namibia elected its first woman president. We understand and share your pride and joy because in India, we also proudly say Madam President,” the Prime Minister said.

He highlighted that India’s President Droupadi Murmu, comes from a poor tribal family, and her rise reflects the inclusive power of the Indian Constitution.

“It is the power of the Constitution of India that the daughter of a poor tribal family is the President of the world’s largest democracy. It is the power of the Constitution that gave a person like me, born in a poor family, the opportunity to become Prime Minister thrice. Those who have nothing, have the guarantee of the Constitution,” PM Modi said.

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He also thanked Namibia for conferring him with country’s highest civilian award, the Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis, in recognition of his contributions to strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.

#WATCH | Windhoek: Addressing the Parliament of Namibia, PM Narendra Modi says, "I am deeply honoured to receive the highest civilian award of Namibia as a symbol of the friendship between our peoples. Like the tough and elegant plants of Namibia, our friendship has stood the… pic.twitter.com/PAWyXLohHY

— ANI (@ANI) July 9, 2025

“I am deeply honoured to receive the highest civilian award of Namibia as a symbol of the friendship between our peoples. Like the tough and elegant plants of Namibia, our friendship has stood the test of time. And, just like your national plant, Welwitschia Mirabilis, it only grows stronger with age and time…” he said.

“I thank you for giving me this honour. I stand before you as a representative of the Mother of Democracy, and I bring with me warm greetings from 1.4 billion people of India…,” he added.

The honour was presented by Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah earlier during a formal ceremony, marking a significant milestone in India–Namibia diplomatic ties.

Before receiving the award, PM Modi held talks with President Nandi-Ndaitwah and discussed ways to bolster bilateral cooperation in areas such as digital technology, defence, security, agriculture, healthcare, education and critical minerals.

During the delegation-level talks, the two leaders reviewed the full range of India-Namibia relations.

With inputs from agencies