PM Modi’s Five-Nation Tour: Strengthening Global South

PM Modi’s Five-Nation Visit – July 2025: Strengthening Ties with the Global South

Prime Minister Narendra Modi undertook a significant five-nation diplomatic tour in July 2025, visiting Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia. This visit underscores India’s commitment to strengthening its relationships with nations of the Global South and fostering cooperation across various strategic sectors.

Itinerary and Strategic Objectives

The tour was meticulously planned to address specific areas of mutual interest with each nation.

• Ghana (July 1st): As the first-ever bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister, the focus was on bolstering trade, particularly in energy (renewables and hydrocarbons) and defence. Digital partnerships, infrastructure development, and India’s commitment to development assistance through scholarships and capacity building were also key agenda items. With bilateral trade exceeding $2.5 billion, this visit aimed to further cement India’s position as a significant investor in Ghana’s pharmaceutical, ICT, and agro-processing industries.
• Trinidad and Tobago (July 2nd): The visit to Trinidad and Tobago centered around digital transformation, climate resilience, healthcare cooperation, and strengthening diaspora ties. A notable event was PM Modi’s address to a Joint Session of Parliament, highlighting the strong cultural and historical connections, especially given that over 40% of the population is of Indian origin. The Commonwealth and CARICOM further strengthen these ties.
• Argentina (from July 4th): Discussions in Argentina focused on deepening cooperation in defence, including joint manufacturing and technology transfer, as well as mining, particularly lithium, crucial for India’s EV battery supply chain. Renewable energy cooperation (solar, biofuels) and boosting trade, agriculture, and investment were also prioritized. Argentina’s membership in the India-MERCOSUR PTA adds significant economic weight to this relationship.
• Brazil (July 5th–8th): PM Modi’s fourth visit to Brazil coincided with the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro. The BRICS agenda included reform of the UNSC, WTO, and global financial systems, alongside discussions on climate finance, AI governance, and health security. Strengthening the New Development Bank (NDB) was also a key objective. Bilateral talks centered on space collaboration, cybersecurity, bioenergy, and urban planning.
• Namibia (July 9th): As the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in recent decades, the agenda in Namibia emphasized wildlife conservation, especially the Cheetah Project, and cooperation in diamonds, IT, education, and training. The visit also underscored South-South development and strategic outreach. India is Namibia’s top partner under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program, positioning Namibia as a gateway to Southern Africa and broader India-Africa engagements.

Strategic Significance

This five-nation tour has considerable strategic importance for India. It strengthens India’s image as a leader of the Global South and deepens cooperation in critical minerals (lithium, diamonds), defence manufacturing, green energy, and AI governance. The tour also expands India’s diaspora diplomacy, particularly in Trinidad and Tobago. Moreover, it reinforces India’s ambition for a permanent seat on the UNSC and its leadership role within BRICS+, G20, and other multilateral forums, advocating for comprehensive global reforms.