Windhoek/New Delhi, July 9 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred Namibia’s highest civilian award, 'Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis’, in the Namibian capital Windhoek today.

The Prime Minister who is paying a State Visit to Namibia, was given the award by Namibian President Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
He is the first Indian leader to be given this award.

The award, established in 1995 shortly after Namibia gained independence in 1990, is given to recognise distinguished service and leadership.

Named after the Welwitschia Mirabilis, a unique and ancient desert plant endemic to Namibia, the order symbolises resilience, longevity and the enduring spirit of the Namibian people.
This is the Prime Minister’s 27th award and fourth during the current visit.

​The Prime Minister dedicated the award to the 1.4 billion people of India and to the historic and enduring ties between India and Namibia. He expressed his gratitude to President Nandi-Ndaitwah and the people of Namibia for the accolade.
The External Affairs Ministry said the conferment of the award on Prime Minister is a milestone in bilateral ties between India and Namibia and stands as a font of inspiration for the younger generations in both countries to take this special bilateral partnership to greater heights.
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