Is PM Modi Set to Strengthen Global Ties on His 5-Nation Tour?

New Delhi, July 2 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has commenced his journey to Accra, Ghana, marking the initial stop of his significant five-nation tour. This mission is designed to bolster India's international collaborations, placing a strong emphasis on enhancing relationships within the Global South and across both sides of the Atlantic.

The itinerary features visits to Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia—countries that PM Modi identifies as essential allies in India’s dynamic foreign policy framework, encompassing historical connections, cultural ties, economic partnerships, and multilateral collaboration.

In his pre-departure remarks, PM Modi stated, "At the invitation of President John Dramani Mahama, I'm visiting Ghana from July 2-3. Ghana is a cherished partner in the Global South and plays a pivotal role in the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States."

He expressed his eagerness to enhance bilateral cooperation in sectors such as investment, energy, healthcare, security, and developmental partnerships.

"As fellow democracies, it will be a privilege to address the Parliament of Ghana," he remarked.

Following Ghana, PM Modi will travel to Trinidad & Tobago from July 3-4, a nation he says shares a "deep-rooted historical, cultural, and people-to-people connection" with India.

"I will meet President Christine Carla Kangaloo, who was the Chief Guest at this year's Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who has recently been re-elected," he added.

Recalling the longstanding diaspora relationship, PM Modi noted, "Indians first arrived in Trinidad and Tobago 180 years ago. This visit will rekindle the special ties of ancestry and kinship that bind us together."

From Port of Spain, PM Modi will proceed to Buenos Aires, marking the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Argentina in 57 years.

Describing Argentina as "a critical economic ally in Latin America and a close collaborator in the G20," he stated, "I look forward to my discussions with President Javier Milei, whom I had the pleasure of meeting last year. Our focus will be on enhancing our mutually beneficial cooperation in agriculture, critical minerals, energy, trade, tourism, technology, and investment."

After Argentina, the Prime Minister will participate in the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro on July 6-7.

Highlighting India's foundational role in the bloc, he affirmed, "As a founding member, India is dedicated to BRICS as a crucial platform for collaboration among emerging economies. Together, we aim for a more peaceful, equitable, just, democratic, and balanced multipolar world order."

PM Modi also confirmed that he will engage with several world leaders on the sidelines of the summit.

The visit to Brazil will continue with a state visit to Brasilia, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in nearly 60 years.

"This visit will create an opportunity to fortify our close partnership with Brazil and collaborate with my friend, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, on advancing the priorities of the Global South," he said.

The final destination of PM Modi's tour will be Namibia, which he described as "a reliable partner sharing a common history of resistance against colonialism."

The Prime Minister expressed his anticipation for meeting President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and "crafting a new roadmap for cooperation that benefits our peoples, our regions, and the wider Global South."

He will also address the Joint Session of the Namibian Parliament.

In conclusion, PM Modi conveyed optimism about the outcomes of his multi-nation tour, stating, "I am confident that my visits to these five countries will strengthen our friendships across the Global South, reinforce our partnerships on both sides of the Atlantic, and deepen our engagements in multilateral platforms such as BRICS, the African Union, ECOWAS, and CARICOM."