Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to New Delhi on Thursday morning, wrapping up a historic five-nation diplomatic tour spanning from July 2 to July 9. The visit covered Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia, and included participation in the 17th BRICS Summit held in Rio de Janeiro under Brazil’s chairmanship.
1. Ghana (July 2) – Strengthening African Ties
PM Modi began his tour in Accra, Ghana, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in over three decades. He held bilateral talks with President John Mahama, focusing on economic, energy, defence, and development cooperation. Both leaders agreed to elevate ties to a Comprehensive Partnership.
In recognition of his efforts, PM Modi was conferred with Ghana’s highest civilian honour, “The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana.”
2. Trinidad & Tobago (July 3) – Honouring Diaspora Connections
In Port of Spain, PM Modi met Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, becoming the first Indian PM to visit the country since 1999. He addressed the Trinidad and Tobago Parliament and announced that Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cards will now be extended up to the sixth generation of the Indian diaspora.
He was awarded Trinidad & Tobago’s highest honour, “The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.”
3. Argentina (July 4) – Boosting Strategic Collaboration
In Buenos Aires, PM Modi held talks with President Javier Milei, reviewing and expanding cooperation in defence, energy, mining, agriculture, and trade. He described the visit as “productive”, emphasizing growing bilateral momentum.
He was presented with the Key to the City of Buenos Aires by Jorge Macri, Chief of the City Government.
4. Brazil (July 6–7) – BRICS Summit and Bilateral Growth
PM Modi attended the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, engaging with leaders of Brazil, Russia, China, and South Africa. He later held bilateral meetings in Brasilia with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, aiming to deepen the India-Brazil Strategic Partnership in areas like trade, defence, space, energy, and agriculture.
In a ceremonial gesture, PM Modi received Brazil’s highest civilian honour, “The Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross.”
5. Namibia (July 8–9) – Historic Honour and Parliament Address
In the final leg, PM Modi visited Namibia, where he addressed the Namibian Parliament and received a standing ovation for his speech. Discussions focused on areas like wildlife conservation, sustainable energy, and South-South cooperation.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah awarded PM Modi the Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis, Namibia’s highest civilian award.
This five-nation tour marks a significant step in India’s global diplomatic outreach, bolstering relations across Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean, while reaffirming India’s growing stature in global affairs.