India Believed Its Own Independence Was Incomplete So Long as Its Brethren in Africa Continued to Suffer…

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee addressed the members of Parliament of the Republic of Namibia today (June 16, 2016) in Windhoek.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said the India-Namibia relationship has been built on the firm foundation of mutual trust and understanding. Our two nations are bound by our common experience of colonial rule and the struggle of our people for freedom. India believed that its own independence was incomplete so long as its brethren in Africa continued to suffer oppression by foreign masters. India was proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with the leaders and people of Namibia in their liberation struggle. We were among the first nations to raise the question of Namibian independence in the UN. It was India that inscribed on the agenda of the UN General Assembly in 1946 the problem of colonial oppression and racial discrimination in South Africa and Namibia. The first ever SWAPO Embassy abroad was established in New Delhi in 1986 and it was this move by India that started the chain of diplomatic recognition by other countries and the inevitability of Namibia’s independence. Diplomatic relations with independent Namibia were established right from the moment of its independence.

The President said Namibia’s commitment to democracy and the success of its national reconciliation programme has made it a role model for Africa. We, in India, admire Namibia's transformation into a vibrant, peaceful and fast progressing nation.We appreciate the vision of President Geingob in introducing the 'Harambee Prosperity Plan'.India stands ready to extend any assistance that Namibia may require for achieving the 'Harambee Prosperity Plan's socio-economic objectives. India would also be happy to partner with Namibia in the implementation of"Vision 2030"through inclusive development and capacity building.

The President said India remains committed to a strong development partnership with Namibia in the South-South framework. We will continue to extend all possible assistance for human resource development and capacity building in Namibia. India’s expertise in IT and digital technologies, agriculture and dairy development can be utilized to further cement our economic partnership. We look forward to more students and officials from Namibia coming to India, availing the scholarships and training programmes offered by our Government.

Founding President of Namibia Sam Nujoma also attended the address of President Mukherjee to the joint session of the Namibian Parliament.

This release issued at 2040 hrs.