New Delhi, July 3: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi began a five-nation tour on Wednesday aimed at strengthening India’s partnerships across the Global South, with stops in Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia. The visit will include participation in the BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro and a series of bilateral meetings aimed at deepening ties in areas including trade, health, energy and regional cooperation.
Modi said the trip would help promote “a balanced multipolar world order” and enhance cooperation among emerging economies. “Together, we strive for a more peaceful, equitable, just, democratic and balanced multipolar world order,” he said in a departure statement.
The tour begins in Ghana, where Modi will hold talks with President John Dramani Mahama and address the country’s parliament. India and Ghana are expected to explore cooperation in vaccine production, as Accra aims to become a vaccine hub for Africa. Modi will also receive the Companion of the Order of the Star of Ghana, the West African nation’s highest civilian award.
In Trinidad and Tobago, Modi will be hosted by Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar, marking 180 years since the arrival of Indian indentured labourers to the Caribbean nation. Modi will be awarded the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the country’s highest honour. President Christine Carla Kangaloo had earlier attended this year’s Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in India as chief guest.
Modi’s next stop is Brazil, where he will attend the BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro and later proceed to Brasilia for a state visit. India, a founding member of BRICS, is expected to push for greater collaboration among member nations on economic and development issues. The Prime Minister is also expected to hold multiple bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit.
The final leg of the trip includes a visit to Namibia, where Modi will meet President Netumbo Nandi Ndaitwah and address a joint session of Namibia’s Parliament. India has historically supported Namibia’s anti-colonial struggle, and the visit aims to build on longstanding ties.
“I am confident that my visits to the five countries will reinforce our bonds of friendship across the Global South, strengthen our partnerships on both sides of the Atlantic and deepen engagements in multilateral platforms such as BRICS, the African Union, ECOWAS, and CARICOM,” Modi said.
The tour, which runs through July 9, is expected to further position India as a leading voice among developing nations and bolster New Delhi’s global diplomatic outreach.
