PM Modi Embarks on Historic Five-Nation Tour to Strengthen India’s Ties with Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean
In a significant diplomatic outreach, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a five-nation tour beginning July 2, covering Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia.
This high-level visit underscores India’s growing strategic and economic engagement with the Global South, particularly Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean, and reflects New Delhi’s commitment to deepening ties with long-standing partners and emerging economies alike.
Ghana: A Milestone Visit After Three Decades
The first leg of the tour will take the Prime Minister to Ghana on July 2–3, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in over 30 years to the West African nation.
The visit comes at a pivotal time as President John Dramani Mahama assumes office following a decisive electoral mandate.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the visit holds historical and strategic significance. PM Modi and President Mahama, who share a cordial rapport since the India-Africa Forum Summit 2015, will explore ways to intensify bilateral engagement.
Key areas expected to dominate the agenda include:
-
Agricultural innovation and food security
-
Defence and maritime cooperation
-
Critical minerals collaboration
-
Establishing a regional vaccine manufacturing hub for West Africa.
India’s development partnerships, such as the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program, have significantly contributed to Ghana’s human resource capacity.
The two nations are also expected to sign Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in sectors like traditional medicine, regulatory standards, and cultural exchanges, enhancing people-to-people and institutional ties.
Trinidad and Tobago: Celebrating Shared Heritage and Strengthening Economic Cooperation
On July 3–4, PM Modi will land in Trinidad and Tobago, marking the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister since 1999.
The visit coincides with the 180th anniversary of the arrival of Indian indentured labourers to the island, making it deeply symbolic for the Indian diaspora, which constitutes a significant portion of the Caribbean nation’s population.
In Port of Spain, PM Modi will engage in high-level discussions with President Christine Carla Kangaloo and Prime Minister Kamala Prasad Bisessar, both of Indian descent. Bilateral talks will focus on:
-
Pharmaceutical and healthcare cooperation
-
Renewable energy and climate resilience
-
Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) frameworks
-
Agricultural technology and disaster preparedness
-
Educational and cultural exchange programmes
Highlighting India and Trinidad’s shared heritage, PM Modi will address a joint session of Parliament and interact with prominent members of the Indian-origin diaspora, further cementing cultural bonds and diaspora diplomacy.
Argentina: Unlocking New Economic and Strategic Frontiers
From July 4–5, PM Modi will visit Argentina, marking the first standalone bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister in nearly 60 years.
The visit comes as Argentina undertakes bold economic reforms under President Javier Milei, creating new opportunities for global partnerships.
The bilateral talks are expected to focus on:
-
Co-development in defence manufacturing
-
Digital transformation and telemedicine
-
Mining partnerships in lithium, copper, and rare earths
-
Green hydrogen, renewable energy, and food security
India’s state-run KABIL (Khanij Bidesh India Limited) has already acquired mining concessions in Argentina this year, demonstrating growing alignment between the two nations on securing critical mineral supply chains.
Discussions will also span areas like infrastructure development, space cooperation, and science and technology innovation.
Brazil: BRICS Summit and Deepening Strategic Partnership
PM Modi’s next stop will be Brazil, where he will participate in the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro on July 6–7. The summit’s theme, “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for Inclusive and Sustainable Governance,” is in line with India’s vision of equitable global development and multilateral reform.
Key themes for the summit include:
-
Global governance and UN reforms
-
Peace, security, and multipolarity
-
Climate finance and Just Energy Transitions
-
Artificial Intelligence regulation and ethics
India is expected to actively support proposals on socially determined diseases, climate resilience, and inclusive economic growth, with the summit likely to conclude with a comprehensive Leaders’ Declaration.
On July 8, PM Modi will proceed to Brasilia for bilateral talks with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The two leaders will assess the state of economic ties—currently valued at $12.2 billion—and aim to raise bilateral trade to $20 billion. Areas of collaboration include:
-
Oil and natural gas exploration
-
Sustainable agriculture
-
Critical minerals
-
Digital public infrastructure
-
Traditional medicine and wellness ecosystems
Namibia: Renewing a Historic Friendship and Enhancing Energy Ties
The final leg of the tour will be a landmark visit to Namibia on July 9, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 27 years. India shares deep historical ties with Namibia, having strongly supported its independence movement, and continues to be a valuable economic partner.
Currently, bilateral trade stands at approximately $600 million, while Indian investments in Namibia—primarily in the mining sector—have reached $800 million.
During the visit, PM Modi will:
-
Hold talks with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah
-
Address a special session of Namibia’s Parliament
-
Sign a technology cooperation agreement, enabling unified payment interface (UPI) interoperability—an important step toward deeper fintech collaboration.
