Northeast Press | July 2, 2025 | New Delhi / Accra / Port of Spain / Buenos Aires / Rio de Janeiro / Windhoek:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has officially commenced a week-long five-nation diplomatic tour, reaffirming India’s commitment to strengthening strategic, economic, and cultural ties across the Global South. The visit, taking place from July 2 to July 9, includes stops in Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia.
The high-level tour coincides with the upcoming BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, where India is expected to play a pivotal role in pushing forward the collective agenda of emerging economies. Ahead of his departure, Prime Minister Modi emphasized India’s enduring dedication to BRICS, calling it a “vital platform” to promote a democratic, equitable, and multipolar world order.
Strengthening South-South Cooperation
In a pre-departure statement issued on July 2, PM Modi stated,
“India remains steadfast in its commitment to BRICS as a founding member. Our efforts are directed towards building a peaceful and just global system that reflects the voices and aspirations of the Global South.”
Highlighting the significance of his journey, he noted that the tour aims to deepen partnerships on both sides of the Atlantic and expand engagement through multilateral platforms such as BRICS, the African Union, ECOWAS, and CARICOM.
The Prime Minister’s first destination is Ghana, where he will engage in bilateral discussions with President John Dramani Mahama on July 2–3. PM Modi described Ghana as a “valued partner” within the African Union and a key member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
During the visit, talks will focus on enhancing cooperation in critical areas such as investment, energy, healthcare, security, skill development, and development partnerships. PM Modi is also scheduled to address the Parliament of Ghana, a symbolic gesture aimed at strengthening democratic and parliamentary relations between the two nations.
From Accra, the Indian delegation will fly to Trinidad and Tobago, where PM Modi will be received by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. The island nation shares deep historical ties with India, and this year marks the 180th anniversary of the arrival of Indian indentured laborers to its shores.
PM Modi highlighted the emotional significance of the visit, stating,
“This is an opportunity to reconnect with our shared history and celebrate the bonds of ancestry and kinship that continue to bind our nations.”
The President of Trinidad and Tobago, Christine Carla Kangaloo, was also the Chief Guest at the 2025 Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, reflecting strong bilateral cultural engagement.
The next stop on the itinerary is Buenos Aires, marking the first official bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Argentina in 57 years. PM Modi is expected to hold high-level discussions with President Javier Milei, focusing on mutual priorities including agriculture, energy security, critical minerals, technology exchange, trade, tourism, and foreign investment.
“Argentina is a key economic partner in Latin America and a collaborative voice in the G20. This visit will further solidify our comprehensive and mutually beneficial engagement,” PM Modi said.
BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro: A Platform for Emerging Voices
On July 6 and 7, the Prime Minister will participate in the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. India, along with other member nations—Brazil, Russia, China, and South Africa—will deliberate on key geopolitical and economic challenges facing the developing world.
During the summit, PM Modi is expected to hold bilateral meetings with global leaders, discuss India’s role in climate action, digital innovation, and inclusive growth, and push for a stronger voice for the Global South in global governance institutions.
Following the summit, PM Modi will travel to Brasilia for a State visit, the first by an Indian leader in nearly 60 years. He will meet with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, with whom he shares a strong diplomatic rapport. The agenda includes deeper collaboration in bioenergy, agriculture, climate resilience, and multilateral coordination.
Final Leg: Strengthening Historical Solidarity with Namibia
On the return leg of the tour, PM Modi will stop in Namibia, a nation with which India shares a deep historical relationship, particularly during Namibia’s struggle for decolonization.
He will hold discussions with Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, and also address a Joint Session of the Namibian Parliament, reinforcing the themes of freedom, equality, and sustainable development.
“It will be a privilege to speak at the Namibian Parliament and reaffirm our long-standing support for Namibia’s path to independence and development,” the Prime Minister remarked.
Concluding his statement, PM Modi expressed confidence that the five-nation tour would play a transformative role in elevating India’s diplomatic footprint. “These engagements reflect our commitment to inclusive global governance and the strengthening of South-South cooperation,” he said.
