Perspective: PM Modi embarks on an eight-day, five-nation tour | 02 July, 2025

Brief Summary

Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on an 8-day diplomatic tour across five nations in Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean, marking his longest diplomatic visit in nearly a decade. The tour aims to reinforce India's partnerships across the Global South, enhance its presence on multilateral platforms, and strengthen ties across the Atlantic. Key points include:

• Focus on re-engaging with Africa, particularly Ghana, and leveraging historical ties and growing economic opportunities.
• Strengthening relationships with Latin American countries like Argentina and Brazil, diversifying partnerships beyond traditional allies.
• Utilizing cultural diplomacy to connect with the Indian diaspora in countries like Trinidad and Tobago.
• Emphasizing the importance of BRICS as an alternative global structure and shaping its agenda to align with India's interests.

Introduction

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is undertaking an 8-day diplomatic tour covering Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil (for the BRICS summit), and Namibia. This is his longest diplomatic visit in nearly 10 years, with the last similar tour occurring in 2016. The tour aims to strengthen India's partnerships in the Global South, enhance its multilateral presence, and foster ties across the Atlantic.

Significance of the Five-Nation Tour

The selection of these five nations demonstrates India's continuing focus on Africa, where it has traditional connections. The Prime Minister aims to correct the previous lack of high-level visits to the continent. Latin America, though geographically distant, is also a key focus, with visits to Brazil and Argentina to strengthen bilateral relations. The BRICS summit in Brazil provides an opportunity to engage with important countries in the region.

Message to the Global South

The Prime Minister's visit is significant because it includes countries that have not seen an Indian Prime Ministerial visit in decades. This tour signifies an alternative global structure of governance and finance, particularly through the BRICS summit. It reinforces ties with the Global South and strengthens the BRICS network, emphasizing partnerships with African countries and those with significant Indian diasporas like Trinidad and Tobago.

Re-energizing Ties with West Africa: Focus on Ghana

Ghana is a crucial Anglophone country in West Africa with a long-term relationship with India. There is significant potential for trade, investment, and capacity building. The visit aims to re-energize ties with West Africa, leveraging Ghana's role in the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Cooperation in energy, health, and security is also on the agenda.

Enhancing Cooperation with Ghana

Ghana has been a robust member of the African community, with a high degree of acceptance of India. The Prime Minister's visit will focus on strengthening relationships in energy, trade, investment, and technology collaboration, particularly in solar technology. While political connections have historically defined the relationship, there is an increasing emphasis on economic and trade ties, with trade already substantial and poised for further growth.

Addressing the Parliament of Ghana

The Prime Minister's address to the Parliament of Ghana is a rare and significant gesture, reflecting India's increasing stature and its role in global affairs. This honor underscores India's commitment to raising the voice of the Global South and promoting harmony in global relations, building on initiatives like the G20 summit and the principle of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" (the world is one family).

Historical Connect: Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago is a special country for India, with a significant Indian diaspora comprising about 50% of the population. As the largest economy in the Caribbean and an important member of CARICOM, Trinidad and Tobago holds strategic importance. The visit aims to strengthen bilateral relations and recognize the emotional attachment of the Indian diaspora to India.

Cultural Diplomacy as a Tool of Foreign Policy

Cultural diplomacy is a vital tool, especially in countries with substantial Indian diasporas. Trinidad and Tobago has preserved Indian culture significantly, making the Prime Minister's visit a major event for people of Indian origin. Leveraging cultural connect promotes India's image and strengthens ties with the local population.

India's Ties with Argentina

Argentina, as the third-largest economy in Latin America and a G20 co-partner, holds significant importance. The Prime Minister's visit aims to correct the anomaly of infrequent high-level visits and demonstrate India's intent to strengthen the relationship. Potential areas of cooperation include energy, trade, and renewable energy, with opportunities to diversify partnerships beyond traditional allies.

Developing a Latin American Strategy

The visits to both Argentina and Brazil present an opportunity for India to develop a comprehensive Latin American strategy. This includes deepening ties beyond trade into technology, space, and energy cooperation. The focus is on reinforcing connections with the Global South and establishing stronger economic ties with countries like Argentina.

BRICS 2025 Summit in Brazil

The BRICS summit is crucial for India's multilateral agenda, providing an alternative forum to voice opinions and connect with countries of the Global South. While India's relationship with the United States has strengthened, BRICS remains important as a counterpoise and an alternative opinion to the West, allowing India to keep its options open in global affairs.

Expectations from BRICS 2025

BRICS offers alternative options for global financial governance, which remains problematic for India. It allows India to address issues in global financial and strategic management. As a founding member, India plays a crucial role in ensuring that BRICS remains neutral and focused on its goals, preventing any single country from dominating the agenda.

Strategic and Environmental Dimensions: Namibia

The visit to Namibia highlights strategic and environmental dimensions, building on cooperation in wildlife conservation and uranium partnership. With strong political goodwill dating back to the support for Namibian freedom fighters, the visit aims to translate this goodwill into trade and economic engagement, focusing on critical minerals.

African Nations as Diplomatic Allies

Engaging with African nations is crucial for India's push for a permanent seat at the UN Security Council and increased trade engagement. These nations serve as diplomatic allies and provide support at multilateral forums. While the pursuit of a permanent seat is challenging, focusing on mutual economic interests and building enduring relationships is more important.