State House, Banquet Hall, Windhoek, 23 February 2026.
____________________________________________________________
Ladies and gentlemen,
It is both my distinct honour and solemn constitutional responsibility to officiate at this important ceremony as I commission the newly appointed high commissioner of the Republic of Namibia to the Republic of India.
In accordance with Article 32(3)(c) of the Constitution of the Republic of Namibia, I formally entrust you with the noble responsibility of representing our republic in your country of accreditation, as well as in the countries of concurrent accreditation entrusted to your care.
Today marks not merely an appointment, but the assumption of national duty.
Allow me to extend my warmest congratulations to you and your family as you embark upon this important assignment in service of the Namibian people. You assume an office of immense responsibility, one that demands discipline, integrity, sound judgement and unwavering patriotism.
As you go forth, you are the face, voice and conscience of Namibia abroad.
You are called upon to safeguard our national interests, advance our development priorities and embody the values upon which our republic was founded.
Namibia and India share long-standing and fraternal relations rooted in solidarity during our liberation struggle. During some of Namibia’s most difficult years, India stood firmly alongside our people and was among the earliest advocates for our independence within the international community.
Since independence, our partnership has continued to deepen, guided by mutual respect and strengthened through genuine South–South cooperation across trade, health, education, tourism, defence cooperation, environmental management and capacity development, among others.
The historic state visit of Shri Narendra Modi, prime minister of the Republic of India, to Namibia in 2025 further elevated this partnership and opened new avenues of cooperation across priority sectors.
As high commissioner, you are expected to champion the effective implementation of agreements concluded during that engagement and to actively identify new opportunities that deliver tangible benefits to the ordinary Namibian citizen.
I am equally encouraged by the successful convening of the fifth foreign office consultations between Namibia and India in New Delhi earlier this year. These engagements reaffirm the strength of our political dialogue and prepare the ground for the forthcoming joint ministerial commission of cooperation.
It remains my intention to undertake a reciprocal visit to India later this year, at the invitation of the prime minister, to further consolidate this important bilateral partnership.
India’s remarkable progress in information technology, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, education, innovation and space science presents valuable opportunities for collaboration aligned with Namibia’s national development agenda.
As you execute your mandate, remain firmly anchored in the guiding principles of Namibia’s foreign policy: the protection of our sovereignty, the advancement of our national interests and the importance of international peace within multilateralism.
You assume office at a decisive moment in our national journey. With only a few years remaining towards the attainment of Vision 2030, Namibia must intensify efforts to accelerate development outcomes under the Sixth National Development Plan.
Particular emphasis remains on agriculture and food security, youth empowerment, quality education and skills development, sport and creative industries, health and social welfare, as well as land, housing and sanitation.
Economic diplomacy remains a cornerstone of Namibia’s foreign policy. You are therefore called upon to promote trade expansion, attract sustainable investment, open new markets for Namibian products and facilitate partnerships that contribute meaningfully to national development.
As head of mission, you are expected to articulate and defend Namibia’s positions on regional, continental and global matters while contributing to peace, stability and international cooperation.
As you depart to assume this sacred national duty, remember always that diplomacy is ultimately about people.
Carry with you the hopes of our youth seeking opportunity, our entrepreneurs pursuing growth, our farmers searching for markets and our nation striving for inclusive prosperity.
Serve with honour.
Lead with integrity.
I thank you.
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