What PM Modi's Five-Nation Tour Achieved: Global South Ties And Countering China
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's whirlwind tour of five nations—Ghana, Namibia, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, and Brazil—has made waves across continents. It wasn't just about the optics, or even the honours (though there were plenty). It was about reasserting India's global posture: as a committed development partner to the Global South, as a responsible voice against terrorism, and as a strategic alternative to China.
A shared theme among these countries is their desire to counterbalance China—and in doing so, they find comfort in partnering with India, a nation that doesn't trigger concerns about debt traps, exploitation, or coercive diplomacy. It's that reputational dividend that is driving the wave of historic state honours, deepening economic and strategic ties, and rallying support to India against terror.
Namibia: From Development to Diamonds
The most recent of Modi's visits was to Namibia. Modi's arrival in Namibia marked the first visit by an Indian PM in nearly 30 years. PM Modi was received with a ceremonial welcome and a 21-gun salute. The prime minister was honoured with Namibia's highest civilian honour, again a historic moment.
Remember the eight cheetahs that were translocated to India? Well, they were from the deserts of Namibia. Of course, it's not about Cheetahs this time. It's about development, democracy and diamonds.
pic.twitter.com/YXqoSx9FRI — Vikrant (@Vikspeaks1) July 9, 2025
A stable democracy in Africa, Namibia is a powerhouse of untapped natural wealth—marine diamonds, uranium, cobalt, lithium, rare earths, all of which India is interested in. These are the new currency of global diplomacy. And India wants direct access to Namibian diamonds— bypassing the expensive hubs like London and Antwerp.
Indian companies have already invested $800 million in Namibia's mining sector. The visit was aimed at scaling that further. As per MEA, 'We see Namibia as more than just a supplier." And rightly so—this is a strategic relationship, not a transactional one.
Namibia could become central to India's supply chain for critical minerals, helping reduce reliance on China. For a country eyeing electric vehicles, solar panels, and semiconductor sovereignty, a partnership with Namibia makes sense.
Ghana: Gold, Lithium & Guard of Honour
PM Modi kickstarted this 8-day tour with his visit to Ghana, a first by an Indian PM in three decades, was heavy with symbolism and substance. He was received by the Ghanaian President at the airport and welcomed with chants of 'Hare Rama Hare Krishna,". The Indian Prime Minister received the country's highest civilian award, the Order of the Star.
This was a diplomatic handshake rooted in shared democratic values, a hunger for growth and a shared concern about terrorism. With a record of peaceful transfers of power, Ghana is an oasis of democracy and stability in a region fraught with coups and conflicts. It makes a natural African partner for India.
Ghana, Africa's largest gold producer, is now becoming central to India's EV ambitions thanks to its lithium reserves. PM Modi made it clear: India is here to partner, not plunder. Deals were signed across fintech, defence, and culture. A notable highlight? Ghana's agreement to adopt India's UPI within six months— digital diplomacy in action.
There were security concerns too. Ghana, bordering the increasingly unstable Sahel region with terrorism-stricken Burkina Faso to its north, is facing the threat of jihadi extremism. India has stepped up, offering defence cooperation, training, and cybersecurity assistance. In return, President John Mahama stood firmly with India, even condemning the Pahalgam terror attack. Ghana also supports India's bid for UNSC reform.
Indian companies have already invested close to $2 billion across nearly 900 projects, and now both nations have set an ambitious goal: to double bilateral trade over the next five years.
As PM Modi put it, 'India is not just a partner but a co-traveller in Ghana's journey of nation-building."
In the Caribbean, it was emotion and history that took centre stage. Trinidad and Tobago, home to a large Indian diaspora (42% of its population), rolled out a uniquely personal welcome. This was the first visit by an Indian PM to T&T since 1999. But this wasn't the first time Narendra Modi was setting foot here. In 2000, he attended the World Hindu Conference in the Caribbean nation.
As he landed in Port of Spain, Bhojpuri songs filled the air. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, was dressed in traditional Indian attire. Having roots in Buxar, she was hailed by PM Modi as 'Bihar ki beti."
Like her ancestors, like the hundreds of thousands of other Indians were shipped to the other side of the world to Caribbean lands in 1845 as indentured labourers by the British. Since then, T&T became their home. But this diaspora has not forgotten its roots.
But it wasn't all nostalgia. T&T showered its love for India on PM Modi as he was conferred with the highest civilian award of the country, the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. This was a rare and telling gesture. No global head of state before him—neither American presidents nor Commonwealth dignitaries—has been bestowed with this recognition. It was a powerful gesture underscoring India's special place in the hearts of the Caribbean nation.
The symbolism extended to the very architecture of democracy—PM Modi addressed a joint sitting of Trinidad and Tobago's Parliament, standing beneath a speaker's chair gifted by India in 1968. The chair still bears the inscription: 'From the People of India to the People of Trinidad and Tobago."
Beyond honours, the visit was future-facing. Trinidad became the first Caribbean nation to adopt UPI. Both sides agreed to strengthen digital and cultural cooperation. And with that, the prime minister turned to Argentina.
Argentina: From Football to Fossils to Pharmaceuticals
Argentina—land of Messi and Maradona, and now libertarian President Javier Milei—saw its first Indian Prime Ministerial bilateral visit in 57 years. But it couldn't have come at a more opportune time. Argentina is a key player in the global race for critical minerals like lithium and copper, and India is pivoting hard towards clean energy and tech self-sufficiency.
With the world's second-largest shale gas and fourth-largest shale oil reserves, Argentina also offers energy solutions that India is actively scouting. The two countries set the stage for deeper economic integration, especially in energy, mining, and pharmaceuticals. Indian generic medicine manufacturers are likely to make inroads, offering Argentine citizens more affordable healthcare options.
India also showcased UPI as a stable financial model—a timely offering for an economy battling inflation and instability. Milei, by all accounts, was intrigued. This marks the beginning of a promising relationship with key player in South America.
Brazil: State Dinner, BRICS, and Defence
After attending the BRICS Summit in Rio, PM Modi headed to Brasilia for a full-fledged state visit. Brazil rolled out the red carpet. Modi was conferred the Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross, Brazil's highest civilian honour.
The two countries set an ambitious goal, doubling bilateral trade to $20 billion in five years. Brazil is the largest diversified economy in South America, with the seventh largest GDP in the world. As a critical supplier of crude oil, rare earths, and other minerals, with substantial production capacity, Brazil becomes an important partner for India.
It is a key mover in Global South politics alongside India and does it with grace, professionalism and honour, all while balancing giants like China and the US. This strategic partnership has tremendous potential.
Brazil is reportedly eyeing Indian defence systems like the Akash air defence and BrahMos missiles. The interest follows India's recent defence display during Operation Sindoor.
There was also a clear alignment of views against terror— zero tolerance on terrorism and no double standards.
With their personal camaraderie, PM Modi and President Lula are a formidable duo worth betting on at global forums.
Across continents, the themes of PM Modi's tour were strikingly consistent: Critical minerals, digital public infrastructure, led by UPI, defence cooperation and counter-terrorism, pharmaceuticals, diaspora connect and state honours showing India's rising prestige
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But perhaps most important was the underlying message: India is offering the Global South an alternative. One not rooted in debt traps (as often seen with China's Belt and Road), nor coloured by colonial baggage (as with many Western powers), but in mutual growth, democratic values, and mutual respect.
From the Sahel to the Southern Cross, India's foreign policy is proactive, purposeful, and deeply personal. And as the Global South looks for allies in a polarised world, New Delhi is fast becoming the partner of choice.
About the Author
Shubhangi Sharma
Shubhangi Sharma is News Editor - Special Projects at News18. She covers foreign affairs and geopolitics, and also keeps a close watch on the national pulse of India.
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First Published:
July 10, 2025, 14:37 IST
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