PM Modi’s Diplomatic Tour

Prime Minister Narendra Modi undertook a 9-day, 5-nation diplomatic tour from 1st to 9th July 2025, covering Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia.

The Global South

• The term Global South refers to countries in Africa, Latin America, Asia, and Oceania with shared post-colonial experiences and aspirations for development and equity in global governance.
• These nations are increasingly assertive in shaping international priorities around climate justice, digital equity, and economic independence.
• India positions itself as a natural leader and voice of the Global South, promoting South-South cooperation, capacity building, and reformed multilateralism.

Strategic Objectives of the visit:

• Reinforce Development Partnerships through sustainable infrastructure, technology transfer, and capacity building.
• Strengthen India’s Leadership role in multilateral platforms such as BRICS, G20, and the UN.
• Enhance Mineral and Energy Security by securing strategic minerals and expanding clean energy cooperation.
• Promote Digital Diplomacy via Indian public digital infrastructure models (e.g., UPI, CoWIN, DigiLocker).
• Deepen Diaspora Engagement to boost people-to-people ties and India’s soft power.

Country-Wise Visit:

1. Ghana

• First visit by an Indian Prime Minister in over 30 years.
• Focus Areas:
  • Strategic minerals: Bauxite and manganese for clean energy.
  • Health and energy partnerships.
  • Diaspora engagement with 15,000+ Indian-origin residents.
• Emphasized democratic solidarity and long-term development cooperation.

2. Trinidad & Tobago

• Commemorated 180 years of Indian heritage.
• First bilateral visit since 1999.
• Key Initiatives:
  • Collaboration on digital health platforms, telemedicine, and e-governance.
  • Focus on climate resilience and disaster preparedness.
  • Celebration of diaspora culture strengthens India's soft power diplomacy.

3. Argentina

• First bilateral visit by an Indian PM in 57 years.
• Strategic Focus:
  • Lithium mining in the Lithium Triangle (Argentina–Bolivia–Chile).
  • Agriculture, space cooperation, and AI governance.
  • Critical for India’s EV battery supply chain and energy transition.
  • Strengthening trade and technological cooperation despite ideological differences.

4. Brazil

• Attended the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro.
• Key Themes:
  • Multilateral reform, AI ethics, climate finance, and inclusive global governance.
  • Bilateral discussions in Brasilia focused on:
    • Defence cooperation
    • Biofuels and sustainable agriculture
    • Space technology
• Reaffirmed the India-Brazil Strategic Partnership.

5. Namibia

• Third visit by an Indian Prime Minister; first by PM Modi.
• Key Focus Areas:
  • Renewable energy: Solar and green hydrogen.
  • Wildlife diplomacy: Extension of cheetah translocation program.
  • Digital governance and vocational training support.
• Symbolized anti-colonial solidarity and future-focused development.

Key Strategic Themes Emerging from the visit:

• Minerals and Energy Diplomacy
  • Securing critical minerals like lithium, bauxite, manganese vital for India’s energy and EV ambitions.
  • Emphasis on sustainable mining, value addition at source, and technology sharing.
• Digital Public Infrastructure Cooperation
  • Export of India’s successful digital platforms like UPI, DigiLocker, and CoWIN.
  • Focus on bridging the digital divide in the Global South.
  • India redefined as a knowledge-sharing development partner, not merely a donor.
• Climate Resilience and Environmental Diplomacy
  • Bilateral cooperation on green hydrogen (Namibia), biofuels (Brazil), and climate-smart agriculture (Argentina).
  • Promotes community-led, context-sensitive climate solutions aligned with India’s sustainability goals.
• South-South Cooperation and Multilateral Reform
  • India’s leadership in BRICS+ and G20 strengthens Global South’s presence in global institutions.
  • Advocates for UN, WTO, IMF reform and equitable global governance frameworks.
  • Acts as a bridge-builder between developing and developed worlds.