Permanent Mission of India
New York
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Special Commemorative Event of the Founding President of the Republic of Namibia,
H.E. Dr. Sam Shafishuna Nujoma

Remarks by Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, Permanent Representative

21 February, 2025

Mr. Noah Nujoma,

Dear brother, Ambassador Neville,

Excellencies, Colleagues,

​It is my honour to take the floor and speak on this special commemorative event of the Founding President of the Republic of Namibia H.E. Dr Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma today at the United Nations. A leader of the stature of H.E. Sam Nujoma needs no introduction and his many achievements have been a source of inspiration, not only for his own country, but for countries around the world. His leadership of the struggle for Namibia’s liberation, and later of the newly independent country, are deeply motivating and hold lessons for many across the world. I express my deepest condolences to his family and people of Namibia and pray to the almighty to rest his soul in peace.

My country, India, shared a profound and enduring relationship with President Nujoma, marked by mutual support during Namibia’s liberation struggle and continued collaboration post-independence. India was a steadfast ally to Namibia during its fight against apartheid and colonial rule. India was among the first nations to raise the question of Namibian independence in the United Nations. Since 1946, India took the lead in supporting the Namibian struggle in every international forum, especially at the UN Committee on Decolonization and provided all possible moral, material and diplomatic support to the Namibian leadership in exile. The first ever SWAPO Embassy abroad was established in New Delhi in 1986.

In recognition of his outstanding contribution in leading the people of Namibia to freedom, among his many honours and achievements, is also the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and development that my Government bestowed on President Nujoma in 1990. We also had the distinct privilege of welcoming him on his State visit to India in 2003.

Excellencies,

The India-Namibia partnership has been based on this firm foundation of immense goodwill arising from the shared struggle for freedom. President Nujoma also sowed the seeds of our growing development partnership, stronger capacity building, expanded trade and investments.

The bond between President Sam Nujoma and India exemplifies a partnership rooted in shared values and mutual support. Our relationship today is a model for South-South cooperation. The vision and guidance of the leadership of our two countries and President Nujoma’s thoughts keep guiding us in this quest for strengthening this Global South solidarity.

I Thank You, excellencies.

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