New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s eight-day diplomatic tour from July 2 to 9, 2025, spanning Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia, underscores India’s commitment to deepening ties with the Global South. This strategic visit, which includes participation in the 17th BRICS Summit in Brazil, aims to enhance bilateral trade, defense cooperation, and cultural linkages while promoting India’s vision for a peaceful, equitable, and multipolar world order.
Overview of the Tour: A Focus on the Global South
PM Modi’s five-nation tour is part of India’s broader diplomatic strategy to strengthen economic and political partnerships with the Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) region and Africa. The LAC region, comprising 45 countries across South America, Central America, and the Caribbean, is a vital partner for India, with total bilateral trade reaching USD 35.73 billion in 2023-24, including USD 14.50 billion in Indian exports. India aims to scale this trade to USD 100 billion by 2027-28, leveraging existing agreements like the Preferential Trade Agreement with MERCOSUR, the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with Chile, and ongoing Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations with Peru.
The tour also reinforces India’s engagement with regional blocs such as the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), the Central American Integration System (SICA), and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Additionally, the LAC region serves as a key supplier of critical minerals like gold, copper, and lithium, essential for India’s energy and infrastructure ambitions.
First Stop: Ghana (July 2–3, 2025)
PM Modi commenced his tour in Ghana, arriving on July 2 for a two-day visit. He held extensive discussions with President John Dramani Mahama, focusing on economic, defense, and energy cooperation. The visit culminated in the signing of multiple pacts to bolster bilateral ties. A significant highlight was PM Modi being conferred with ‘The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana,’ the country’s highest national honor, recognizing his contributions to India-Ghana relations.
Addressing the Ghanaian Parliament, PM Modi emphasized India’s commitment to the Global South, stating that India’s responsibility and priority will always be “Global South first.” This visit set the tone for the tour, reinforcing India’s role as a partner in Africa’s development.
Second Stop: Trinidad and Tobago (July 3–4, 2025)
On July 3, PM Modi arrived in Trinidad and Tobago for a two-day visit, where he was warmly received by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and President Christine Kangaloo. The visit strengthened bilateral ties through the signing of six agreements in sectors such as infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, and culture. PM Modi addressed the Joint Assembly of the Parliament, hailing the deep historical and cultural connections between India and Trinidad and Tobago.
A notable cultural diplomacy moment occurred when PM Modi and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar planted a neem tree together in Port of Spain, India, symbolizing their shared commitment to environmental and cultural initiatives. PM Modi was also conferred with ‘The Order of the Republic,’ Trinidad and Tobago’s highest national honor, further cementing the strong bilateral relationship.
Third Stop: Argentina (July 4–5, 2025)
PM Modi arrived in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on August 4, 2025, marking the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in nearly six decades. Invited by President Javier Milei, PM Modi held comprehensive bilateral discussions at Casa Rosada, reviewing ongoing cooperation and identifying new avenues for collaboration in defense, agriculture, mining, oil and gas, renewable energy, trade, investment, nuclear energy, science and technology, and ICT.
Key Outcomes
- Trade Diversification: Both leaders agreed to diversify the bilateral trade basket, which currently sees LAC as India’s 8th largest import source and India as LAC’s 9th largest export partner. Major Indian exports to Argentina include motor vehicles, chemical products, and mineral fuels, while imports comprise crude and petroleum products, pearls, precious stones, and vegetable oils.
- Defense Cooperation: PM Modi and President Milei emphasized boosting defense ties, noting that such collaboration serves mutual strategic interests.
- Critical Minerals and Energy: Discussions highlighted Argentina’s role as a supplier of critical minerals like lithium, essential for India’s renewable energy goals.
- Global South Advocacy: Both leaders called for amplifying the voice of the Global South in global forums and reaffirmed their commitment to combating terrorism, which PM Modi described as a “grave threat to humanity.”
- Cultural Gestures: PM Modi paid floral tributes at the busts of Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore and laid a wreath at the memorial of General Jose de San Martin, Argentina’s national hero. He was also presented with the key to the city of Buenos Aires by Chief of the City Government Jorge Macri, a special gesture of honor.
The visit coincided with the 75th anniversary of India-Argentina diplomatic ties, adding historical significance. PM Modi thanked President Milei for Argentina’s solidarity following the Pahalgam terror attack and invited him to visit India at a mutually convenient time. Describing the visit as “productive,” PM Modi expressed confidence that the discussions would add momentum to bilateral ties.
Fourth Stop: Brazil (July 5–8, 2025)
PM Modi arrived in Brazil on July 5, 2025, for a four-day visit, marking the fourth leg of his tour. He was accorded a ceremonial welcome at Galeao International Airport in Rio de Janeiro, where members of the Indian diaspora performed a cultural dance to greet him. The visit comprised two key components: participation in the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro (July 6–7) and a state visit to Brasilia.
BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro
The 17th BRICS Summit, attended by leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and the newly expanded members—Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE—focused on global governance reform, climate action, responsible AI, and economic progress. PM Modi addressed a session on ‘Environment, COP-30, and Global Health,’ announcing that India would redefine BRICS under its upcoming chairmanship as “Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability.” He emphasized India’s commitment to people-centric progress and South-South cooperation.
On the sidelines, PM Modi met Uruguay President Yamandu Orsi to discuss expanding the India-MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement and enhancing cooperation in digital collaboration, ICT, Digital Public Infrastructure, UPI, defense, railways, health, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, energy, culture, and people-to-people linkages. The leaders posed for the traditional BRICS family photo, symbolizing unity among emerging economies.
State Visit to Brasilia
On July 8, PM Modi arrived in Brasilia for a state visit at the invitation of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Received by Brazil’s Minister of Defence, Jose Mucio Monteiro Filho, PM Modi was welcomed with a traditional Samba Reggae performance. He held bilateral discussions with President Lula, focusing on broadening the India-Brazil Strategic Partnership in trade, defense, energy, space, technology, agriculture, health, and people-to-people linkages.
PM Modi described the Rio leg as “productive,” noting extensive deliberations at the BRICS Summit and bilateral meetings with world leaders that would boost India’s global friendships. He commended President Lula and the Brazilian government for their efforts in strengthening BRICS during Brazil’s presidency. The visit marked the first bilateral trip to Brazil by an Indian Prime Minister in nearly six decades, highlighting its historical significance.
Final Stop: Namibia (July 9, 2025)
PM Modi will conclude his tour in Namibia on July 9, 2025, with a historic address to the Namibian Parliament in Windhoek—the first by an Indian Prime Minister in decades. He will meet President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and pay homage to national icons Sam Nujoma and Hage Geingob. Discussions will focus on cooperation in renewable energy, public health, education, and infrastructure development.
PM Modi’s speech is expected to emphasize shared democratic values and India’s commitment to Africa’s economic advancement. The visit aims to increase bilateral trade and developmental partnerships while strengthening cultural and historical ties with Namibia.
Economic and Strategic Significance
The tour underscores India’s ambition to expand its economic footprint in the LAC region and Africa. With LAC ranking as India’s 8th largest import source and India as LAC’s 9th largest export partner, the focus on trade diversification and agreements like the India-MERCOSUR PTA expansion is critical. The LAC region’s supply of critical minerals supports India’s energy transition, while India’s exports of manufactured goods like motor vehicles and pharmaceuticals drive mutual economic growth.
BRICS remains a vital platform for India to advocate for a multipolar world order. PM Modi’s emphasis on BRICS as a mechanism for cooperation among emerging economies aligns with India’s upcoming chairmanship, where it will prioritize resilience, innovation, and sustainability.
Cultural and Diplomatic Highlights
Throughout the tour, PM Modi engaged in cultural diplomacy, from planting a neem tree in Trinidad and Tobago to paying tributes to national heroes in Argentina and Namibia. The warm welcome by the Indian diaspora in Brazil and the conferment of national honors in Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago reflect the global goodwill towards India.
Conclusion
PM Modi’s five-nation tour from July 2 to 9, 2025, is a testament to India’s proactive diplomacy in fostering partnerships with the Global South. By addressing parliaments, attending the BRICS Summit, and holding strategic talks, PM Modi has reinforced India’s role as a leader in South-South cooperation. The tour’s outcomes—strengthened trade ties, defense collaborations, and cultural exchanges—pave the way for a more connected and prosperous future for India and its partners in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Africa.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
1. What is the purpose of PM Modi’s five-nation tour in July 2025?
The tour aims to strengthen India’s ties with the Global South, focusing on boosting bilateral trade, defense cooperation, and cultural linkages with Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia. It also includes participation in the 17th BRICS Summit in Brazil to promote South-South cooperation and advocate for a multipolar world order.
2. Which countries did PM Modi visit during the tour, and when?
PM Modi visited Ghana (July 2–3), Trinidad and Tobago (July 3–4), Argentina (July 4–5), Brazil (July 5–8), and Namibia (July 9) from July 2 to July 9, 2025.
3. What were the key outcomes of PM Modi’s visit to Argentina?
In Argentina, PM Modi held talks with President Javier Milei on July 4–5, 2025, agreeing to diversify bilateral trade, enhance defense cooperation, and explore opportunities in critical minerals, agriculture, and renewable energy. The visit marked 75 years of diplomatic ties and included cultural gestures like receiving the key to Buenos Aires.
4. What was India’s role at the 17th BRICS Summit in Brazil?
At the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro (July 6–7, 2025), PM Modi emphasized India’s commitment to redefining BRICS as “Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability” under its upcoming chairmanship. He discussed global governance reform, climate action, and economic progress with leaders from Brazil, Russia, China, South Africa, and new members Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
5. How does the tour support India’s economic goals with the LAC region?
The tour aligns with India’s target to achieve USD 100 billion in trade with the Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) region by 2027-28. It leverages agreements like the India-MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement and focuses on diversifying trade, securing critical minerals like lithium, and enhancing cooperation in infrastructure and energy.
