Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to New Delhi on Thursday morning after completing a historic and strategically significant five-nation tour from July 2 to 9, spanning Africa and Latin America. The visit included stops in Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia, with the Prime Minister attending the 17th BRICS Summit in Brazil and holding high-level bilateral engagements in each nation.
The journey was marked not only by diplomatic milestones but also by a series of prestigious recognitions, with PM Modi receiving the highest civilian honours from all five countries he visited — a rare and symbolic testament to India’s growing stature on the global stage.
Strengthening Ties with Ghana
PM Modi began his tour with a visit to Accra, Ghana, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in over three decades. He held wide-ranging discussions with Ghanaian President John Mahama, aimed at boosting cooperation in trade, energy, defence, and critical minerals. Both leaders agreed to elevate their ties to a Comprehensive Partnership. PM Modi was conferred the "Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana", the nation's highest civilian award.
Deepening Diaspora Ties in Trinidad & Tobago
On July 3, PM Modi landed in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. In a key announcement, he extended the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) eligibility up to the sixth generation of the Indian diaspora. He met Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, addressed Parliament, and was awarded the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the country’s highest national honour.
Expanding Strategic Engagement in Argentina
The third leg took the Prime Minister to Buenos Aires on July 4, where he met Argentine President Javier Milei. Discussions covered cooperation in agriculture, defence, mining, renewable energy, and trade. PM Modi emphasized India's intent to strengthen its presence in South America. He was also presented the Key to the City of Buenos Aires, marking the strong diplomatic goodwill between the two nations.
BRICS Diplomacy and Bilateral Talks in Brazil
From July 6 to 7, PM Modi participated in the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, hosted under Brazil’s chairmanship. He engaged with global leaders to discuss multilateral reforms, economic cooperation, and global security. Later, in Brasilia, he met Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, exploring enhanced cooperation in space, agriculture, health, and trade. PM Modi was awarded Brazil's highest civilian honour, the Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross.
Final Leg in Namibia: A Warm Parliamentary Ovation
PM Modi’s tour concluded in Namibia, where he addressed a joint sitting of the Namibian Parliament, receiving a standing ovation. Discussions with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah focused on wildlife conservation, strategic minerals, and renewable energy. He was conferred with the Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis, Namibia’s highest civilian decoration.
This ambitious diplomatic outreach not only deepened India’s strategic presence across continents but also highlighted PM Modi’s efforts to engage with the Global South, enhance cooperation on energy and minerals, and strengthen diaspora connections.
