Windhoek, February 23 – President Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah today commissioned Wing Commander (Rtd) Alex Lunyazo Tukuhupwele as Namibia’s new High Commissioner to the Republic of India, tasking him with advancing economic diplomacy and deepening bilateral ties at a ceremony held at State House Banquet Hall.
In a formal address attended by Vice President Lucia Witbooi, Prime Minister Dr. Elijah Ngurare, Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, Chief Justice Peter Shivute and Indian High Commissioner Rahul Shrivastava among other dignitaries, the President invoked Article 32(3)(c) of the Namibian Constitution to entrust Tukuhupwele with representing Namibia in India and concurrent accreditation countries.
“You assume an office of immense responsibility, one that demands discipline, integrity, sound judgement and unwavering patriotism,” Nandi-Ndaitwah told the head of mission designate and his family. As you go forth, you are the face, voice and conscience of Namibia abroad.”
The President highlighted the long-standing and fraternal relations between Namibia and India rooted in India’s support during Namibia’s liberation struggle. She noted deepened post-independence cooperation in trade, health, education, tourism, defence and environmental management, elevated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic 2025 state visit to Namibia.
Tukuhupwele must champion agreements from that visit pursue opportunities in India’s strengths like information technology, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, space science and align them with Namibia’s Vision 2030 and Sixth National Development Plan priorities, including agriculture, youth empowerment and economic growth.
Nandi-Ndaitwah praised recent Fifth Foreign Office Consultations in New Delhi and announced her planned reciprocal visit to India later this year at Modi’s invitation. She urged the new envoy to promote trade, attract investment and open markets for Namibian products through economic diplomacy.
“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,” she concluded. “Serve with honour, Lead with integrity.”
Tukuhupwele a retired Wing Commander and former military figure steps into the role amid Namibia’s push for South-South cooperation and multilateralism. The ceremony underscores India’s growing importance as a partner in Namibia’s development agenda.
