‘Cooperation, conservation, compassion’: PM Modi lauds Namibia’s role in cheetah reintroduction, calls it a symbol of India-Africa cooperation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday thanked Namibia for its support in the successful reintroduction of cheetahs to India, calling it a “powerful story of cooperation, conservation, and compassion” between the two countries.

Addressing a Joint Session of the Parliament of the Republic of Namibia, Modi recalled the privilege of personally releasing the cheetahs into Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno National Park.

”India and Namibia have a powerful story of cooperation, conservation, and compassion, when you helped us in reintroducing cheetahs in our country. We are deeply grateful for your gift,” he remarked.

In a light-hearted moment, Modi said the cheetahs ”have sent a message for you: Everything is fine”.

They are happy and have adapted well in their new home. They have grown in numbers as well. Clearly, they are enjoying their time in India, the prime minister said.

He also praised Namibia for a historic milestone — the election of its first woman president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.

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.

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.