Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a transformative five-nation diplomatic tour, reinforcing India’s strategic ties across Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean, and delivering a strong message of peace and cooperation at the 17th BRICS Summit in Brazil.
Modi began his tour in Ghana on July 2, where he announced the creation of a new Skills Development Centre to support youth training under Ghana’s “Feed Ghana” programme.
“India will deepen cooperation with Ghana in key sectors including agriculture, education, health, digital payments, and defence,” he stated during a joint press briefing with Ghanaian President John Mahama.
He also pledged to double ITEC and ICCR scholarships and extend healthcare through India’s Jan Aushadhi initiative and vaccine partnerships.
India’s digital payment system, Bharat UPI, is expected to be integrated to enhance financial inclusion.
In Trinidad and Tobago, Modi received the country’s highest civilian honour, the Order of the Republic, recognizing his global leadership and humanitarian outreach during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The two nations signed six MoUs covering pharmaceuticals, sports, education, cultural exchange, and diplomatic training.
Modi announced the expansion of OCI card eligibility to sixth-generation diaspora members and donated medical equipment, including dialysis units and maritime ambulances.
He also introduced solarization initiatives for Trinidad’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and CARICOM headquarters.
On July 5, Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister in 57 years to visit Argentina.
In talks with President Javier Milei, he highlighted cooperation in defence, space technology, agriculture, and digital health.
“Distance is no barrier to cultural connection,” Modi wrote on social media, celebrating ties with the Indian diaspora in Buenos Aires.
India and Argentina marked 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2024.
At the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro (July 6–8), Modi addressed the forum’s session on peace and security, inviting leaders to India for the 2026 summit.
He condemned terrorism as “the most serious challenge to humanity” and urged unified, principled action against it.
“Words and actions on terrorism must match,” he stated. “Victims and supporters of terrorism cannot be treated equally.”
Citing India’s spiritual legacy, he emphasized a vision of peace over violence.
“We are the land of Buddha and Gandhi. There is no place for war,” he declared, advocating global cooperation, dialogue, and solidarity.
Modi’s final stop will be Namibia on July 9, where further diplomatic and developmental engagements are scheduled.
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