Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a five-nation tour on July 2, 2025, with Ghana as his first stop, marking a historic moment as the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the nation in three decades. He was warmly received by Ghana's President, John Dramani Mahama, at the airport in Accra, signifying the strong and enduring friendship between the two countries. This visit underscores India's commitment to strengthening its engagement with Africa and its partners in the Global South.
The Prime Minister's two-day visit to Ghana is expected to deepen cooperation across various sectors, including trade, development, capacity building, and cultural exchange. Discussions between the two leaders will focus on enhancing collaboration in trade, investment, agriculture, technology, education, healthcare, and energy. They will also exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. Several bilateral agreements are expected to be signed to consolidate cooperation frameworks between Ghana and India.
India and Ghana share historical ties rooted in anti-colonial solidarity. India has been a committed development partner for Ghana, extending approximately $450 million in concessional credit and grants for infrastructure and capacity-building projects. Landmark initiatives include the India-Ghana Kofi Annan ICT Centre of Excellence, the Rural Electrification Project, and the Jubilee House Presidential Complex.
Ghana holds economic significance for India, with bilateral trade standing at approximately $3 billion in 2023-24. India is a major destination for Ghanaian exports, primarily gold, while Ghana imports pharmaceuticals, electrical goods, machinery, and automobiles from India. India is also among the top investors in Ghana, with investments exceeding $1.2 billion in sectors like agro-processing, mining, manufacturing, construction, and ICT.
In addition to economic ties, India and Ghana have built robust institutional mechanisms to sustain regular dialogue. The Joint Commission, established in 1995 and reinforced in 2016, and the Joint Trade Committee, operational since 1981, facilitate policy coordination and development cooperation. Cultural exchange remains a vibrant aspect of the partnership, anchored by a Cultural Agreement.
Following his visit to Ghana, Prime Minister Modi will proceed to Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia. In Trinidad and Tobago, he will commemorate the 180th anniversary of the arrival of Indian immigrants. His visit to Brazil will center around the BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro. The final stop will be Namibia, where discussions will focus on deepening cooperation in energy, wildlife conservation, and trade.
This five-nation tour demonstrates India's commitment to strengthening its partnerships with countries in the Global South. The visit to Ghana, in particular, signifies the renewed importance India places on its relationship with the West African nation, seeking to deepen cooperation and foster stronger bonds of friendship.
