Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent nine-day, five-nation tour to Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia, which took place from July 2nd to July 9th, 2025, holds significant importance for India's foreign policy and its role in the Global South. This extensive diplomatic outreach underscores India's commitment to strengthening ties with developing nations, fostering partnerships across the Atlantic, and deepening engagement in multilateral platforms.
Focus on the Global South
A primary focus of PM Modi's trip was to reinforce India's bonds of friendship with countries in the Global South. These nations often share similar developmental challenges and aspirations, making them natural partners for collaboration. By engaging with these countries, India aims to amplify their collective voice on the global stage and advocate for a more equitable and balanced world order.
Bilateral Engagements and Key Areas of Cooperation
- Ghana: PM Modi's visit to Ghana, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in over 30 years, highlights the importance India places on its relationship with the West African nation. Discussions with President John Dramani Mahama focused on strengthening cooperation in areas such as investment, energy, health, security, and development partnerships. India also aims to enhance collaboration in digital public infrastructure.
- Trinidad & Tobago: The Prime Minister's visit to Trinidad & Tobago, the first since 1999, coincided with the 180th anniversary of the arrival of Indian immigrants to the Caribbean nation. Meetings with President Christine Carla Kangaloo and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar sought to rejuvenate the special bonds of ancestry and kinship that unite the two countries.
- Argentina: As the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Argentina in nearly six decades, this leg of the tour emphasized exploring cooperation in defense production, space technology, and digital public infrastructure. Argentina's rich reserves of shale gas, shale oil, lithium, copper, and rare earth elements are of strategic interest to India, which seeks to secure its mineral supply chains.
- Brazil: PM Modi's visit to Brasilia included bilateral discussions with President Lula on broadening the Strategic Partnership in areas of mutual interest, including trade, defense, energy, space, technology, agriculture, and health. Brazil is India's largest trading partner in South America, making this visit crucial for strengthening economic ties.
- Namibia: The tour concluded in Namibia, a nation with a shared history of struggle against colonialism. PM Modi met with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and addressed the Joint Session of Namibian Parliament, reaffirming India's solidarity and commitment to freedom and development.
BRICS Summit
A key component of the Prime Minister's trip was his participation in the BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro. As a founding member, India views BRICS as a vital platform for cooperation among emerging economies. The summit provided an opportunity to discuss and coordinate strategies on global issues, promote trade and investment, and advocate for reforms in international institutions.
India's Growing Global Influence
PM Modi's nine-day, five-nation tour underscores India's growing global influence and its commitment to fostering stronger relationships with countries in the Global South. By focusing on enhanced cooperation in key sectors, promoting multilateralism, and addressing shared challenges, India is solidifying its position as a leading voice for developing nations and a key player in shaping a more just and equitable world order.
