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Hans India
a day ago
- Politics
- Hans India
PM's Ghana visit a boost to Global South outreach initiative
The salience of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Ghana has unfolded along expected lines, marking another step in India's sustained outreach to the Global South. In an era where India is actively recalibrating its foreign policy, Modi's visit reaffirms New Delhi's commitment to the principle of strategic autonomy while strengthening ties with Africa, a continent increasingly pivotal to the evolving global order. This is Modi's first bilateral visit to Ghana and, notably, the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the west African nation in over three decades. The significance of this trip transcends ceremonial optics; it signals India's intent to forge deeper partnerships beyond traditional allies, as the country positions itself as a credible and independent player in a multipolar world. Addressing Ghana's Parliament, Modi underscored the rapid changes sweeping the global landscape. He argued that the post-World War II global order is becoming obsolete, unable to sufficiently address the emerging realities shaped by technology, the growing influence of the Global South, and shifting demographic patterns. In this context, he emphasised the urgent need for 'credible and effective reforms in global governance' to ensure that the institutions guiding international relations are more inclusive and reflective of contemporary power structures. Modi announced that India has decided to elevate its relationship with Ghana to a 'comprehensive partnership,' signaling an expansion of cooperation beyond trade and investment into areas such as technology, education, defence, and sustainable development. He affirmed India's support for Africa's indigenous development frameworks, asserting that India would work alongside African nations to craft a future anchored in mutual growth and shared prosperity. Earlier in the day, Modi paid homage at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, which commemorates Ghana's founding president and a towering figure in Africa's struggle for independence. Nkrumah was also a prominent advocate of Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), a platform that India historically championed during the Cold War to maintain strategic distance from both the US and Soviet power blocs. The reference to Nkrumah and the NAM legacy is telling. India's modern foreign policy discourse, particularly under Modi, has sought to move beyond the passive equidistance of the original NAM. Instead, New Delhi has articulated a vision of strategic autonomy—the freedom to pursue national interests without being subsumed into rigid alliance structures. However, as India's diplomatic engagements with the Global South deepen, a cautionary note is warranted. While outreach to the Global South is both necessary and commendable, Modi must avoid inadvertently endorsing a regressive interpretation of strategic autonomy that resembles Non-Alignment 2.0. The original NAM framework often slid into a posture of moralistic aloofness and anti-Western positions, limiting India's ability to decisively shape global events. Today's world is vastly different. It is defined by complex interdependencies, fluid alliances, and multifaceted threats such as climate change, cybersecurity, pandemics and shifting trade regimes. In this context, strategic autonomy must evolve from the earlier doctrine of non-alignment into a more assertive, interest-driven, and partnership-oriented approach. India cannot afford to be seen as disengaged or hesitant on the world stage, particularly when it aspires to become a key shaper of the global agenda. For India to truly seize the moment, strategic autonomy must be reinterpreted as purposeful and agile diplomacy rather than as a revival of the non-alignment playbook of the past.
News18
3 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Where Is Ghana & Why Did It Honour PM Modi? How Important Is This Country For India?
Last Updated: India-Ghana ties date back to its anti-colonial struggle. Ghana's first President Kwame Nkrumah and Jawaharlal Nehru advocated for Global South solidarity against Cold War Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded Ghana's highest civilian honour, 'The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana', by President John Dramani Mahama on Thursday. This historic moment came during Modi's visit—the first by an Indian PM to Ghana in over 30 years—and underscores deepening bilateral ties. But where is Ghana located, and why does it matter to India? Let's explore what is Ghana's strategic importance, its historical ties with India, and how this relationship can bolster India's global influence. Where Is Ghana? Ghana is located in West Africa along the Gulf of Guinea, bordered by Côte d'Ivoire to the west, Burkina Faso to the north, Togo to the east, and the Atlantic Ocean to the south. Its capital, Accra, is a bustling coastal city and a hub for regional diplomacy. Positioned just north of the equator, Ghana spans around 238,535 sq km, with a population of about 33 million as of 2025. Once called the 'Gold Coast" for its gold riches, Ghana became the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence from British rule in 1957 — a milestone in Africa's freedom movement. The India-Ghana ties is rooted in shared histories of anti-colonial struggle and democratic values. Ghana's first President Kwame Nkrumah and India's first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru forged strong ties through the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), advocating for Global South solidarity against Cold War. As the current President, Mahama, noted, 'This visit (PM Modi's) is a testament to the deep-rooted historical ties between Ghana and India, founded on the visionary leadership of Nkrumah and Nehru". India supported Ghana's independence movement, and both nations have since nurtured ties through cultural exchanges and economic cooperation. The Indian community in Ghana, numbering over 15,000, including fourth-generation families, strengthens these bonds, with many contributing to local businesses and multinational corporations. Why Ghana Matters To India Ghana's significance to India spans geopolitical, economic, and developmental dimensions, amplified by Modi's 2025 visit and the conferment of its highest honour. Geopolitical Significance Ghana is a key player in West Africa, holding influential roles in the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Modi highlighted Ghana's role as a 'valued partner in the Global South" and a 'Beacon of Hope" for vibrant democracy in West Africa. India's engagement with Ghana aligns with its broader Africa strategy, particularly ahead of the India-Africa Forum Summit. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar noted that Modi's honour reflects his 'steadfast efforts in strengthening the voice of the Global South", positioning Ghana as a strategic ally in amplifying India's global influence. India contributed to building Ghana's Jubilee House presidential palace and supporting its air force and intelligence service. Modi's visit included agreements to elevate bilateral ties to a 'Comprehensive Partnership," focusing on security, maritime cooperation, and cybersecurity. This partnership strengthens India's role as a counterbalance to other global powers, like China, in Africa. Economic and Trade Relations Bilateral trade between India and Ghana has surpassed $3 billion, with Indian investments of $2 billion across 900 projects, particularly in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and infrastructure, as per government reports. Ghana's stable democracy and resource-rich economy—gold, cocoa, and emerging oil sectors—make it an attractive partner. During Modi's visit, four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed, covering agriculture, health, and digital technology, with India committing to support Ghana's 'Feed Ghana' program and establish a Skill Development Centre. India's expertise in affordable healthcare, like Jan Aushadhi Kendra, and digital payments, such as Bharat UPI, aims to boost Ghana's development. As per an India Today report, plans are afoot to double trade within five years, leveraging Ghana's role as a gateway to West African markets. Indian companies like Tata and Mahindra have a strong presence, and Ghana's ambition to become Africa's vaccine hub aligns with India's pharmaceutical prowess, with discussions on vaccine production cooperation. These initiatives reflect India's strategic interest in Ghana as a hub for economic expansion in Africa. India's development assistance to Ghana includes doubling ITEC and ICCR scholarships for Ghanaian youth, enhancing vocational education, and supporting capacity-building projects. Modi's address to Ghana's Parliament and interaction with the Indian diaspora underscored cultural ties, with the community chanting 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' during his welcome in Accra. These efforts reinforce people-to-people connections, vital for India's soft power in Africa. Ghana's democratic stability and cultural diversity resonate with India's values, as Modi noted: 'Shared democratic values and traditions will continue to nurture the partnership". The honour conferred on Modi symbolises this mutual respect, with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) describing it as 'a testament to deep and long-standing India-Ghana ties". Why PM Modi's Honour Is Important The conferment of 'The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana' on Modi, during a state banquet in Accra, was a historic moment. The PM dedicated the award to 'the aspirations of the youth, their bright future, our rich cultural diversity, and the historical ties between India and Ghana." The MEA stressed that the award recognises Modi's 'distinguished statesmanship and influential global leadership". This honour, Modi's 24th global award according to BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya, reflects India's rising global stature under his leadership. The award was presented during Modi's landmark visit, which included a ceremonial welcome, a 21-gun salute, and wide-ranging talks with President Mahama. The visit, part of a five-nation tour, marked a renewed thrust in India's engagement with the Global South, with Ghana as a key partner. Modi's acceptance speech stressed a 'responsibility to keep working towards stronger India-Ghana friendship," signalling India's commitment to Ghana as a trusted development partner. About the Author Shilpy Bisht Shilpy Bisht, Deputy News Editor at News18, writes and edits national, world and business stories. She started off as a print journalist, and then transitioned to online, in her 12 years of experience. Her More Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : africa ghana soft power Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 03, 2025, 10:20 IST News india Where Is Ghana & Why Did It Honour PM Modi? How Important Is This Country For India?
AllAfrica
3 days ago
- Business
- AllAfrica
India and Ghana: Narendra Modi's visit rekindles historical ties
Narendra Modi's trip to Ghana in July 2025, part of a five-nation visit, is the first by an Indian prime minister in over 30 years. The two countries' relationship goes back more than half a century to when India helped the newly independent Ghana set up its intelligence agencies. Ghana is also home to several large Indian-owned manufacturing and trading companies. International relations scholar Pius Siakwah unpacks the context of the visit. It can be traced to links between Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana's first president, and his Indian counterpart, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, in 1957. It is not surprising that the Indian High Commission is situated near the seat of the Ghana government, Jubilee House. Nkrumah and Nehru were co-founders of the Non-Aligned Movement, a group of states not formally aligned with major power blocs during the cold war. Its principles focused on respect for sovereignty, neutrality, non-interference, and peaceful dispute resolution. It was also a strong voice against the neo-colonial ambitions of some of the large powers. The movement emerged in the wave of decolonization after the Second World War. It held its first conference in 1961 under the leadership of Josip Bros Tito (Yugoslavia), Gamal Abdel Nasser (Egypt) and Sukarno (Indonesia) as well as Nehru and Nkrumah. The relationship between Ghana and India seemingly went into decline after the overthrow of Nkrumah in 1966, coinciding with the decline of Indian presence in global geopolitics. In 2002, President John Kufuor re-energised India-Ghana relations. This led to the Indian government's financial support in the construction of Ghana's seat of government in 2008. Though the concept of the Non-Aligned Movement has faded this century, its principles have crystallized into South-South cooperation. This is the exchange of knowledge, skills, resources and technologies among regions in the developing world. South-South cooperation has fueled India-Ghana relations. Modi's diplomatic efforts since 2014 have sought to relaunch India's presence in Africa. In recent times, India has engaged Africa through the India–Africa Forum Summit. The first summit was held in 2008 in New Delhi with 14 countries from Africa. The largest one was held in 2015. The fourth was postponed in 2020 due to Covid-19. The summit has led to 50,000 scholarships, a focus on renewable energy through the International Solar Alliance and an expansion of the Pan-African e-Network to bridge healthcare and educational gaps. Development projects are financed through India's EXIM Bank. India is now one of Ghana's major trading partners, importing primary products like minerals, while exporting manufactured products such as pharmaceuticals, transport and agricultural machinery. The Ghana-India Trade Advisory Chamber was established in 2018 for socio-economic exchange. Modi's visit supports the strengthening of economic and defence ties. The bilateral trade between India and Ghana moved from US$1 billion in 2011-12 to US$4.5 billion in 2018-19. It then dipped to US$2.2 billion in 2020-21 due to Covid. By 2023, bilateral trade amounted to around US$3.3 billion, making India the third-largest export and import partner behind China and Switzerland. Indian companies have invested in over 700 projects in Ghana. These include B5 Plus, a leading iron and steel manufacturer, and Melcom, Ghana's largest supermarket chain. India is also one of the leading sources of foreign direct investment into Ghana. Indian companies had invested over US$2 billion in Ghana by 2021, according to the Ghana Investment Promotion Center. The key areas of collaboration are economic, particularly: energy infrastructure (for example, construction of the Tema to Mpakadan railway line) defence technology pharmaceuticals agriculture (agro-processing, mechanisation and irrigation systems) industrial (light manufacturing). Modi's visit is part of a broader visit to strengthen bilateral ties and a follow-up to the BRICS Summit to be held in Brazil. Thus, whereas South Africa is often seen as the gateway to Africa, Ghana is becoming the opening to West Africa. Modi's visit can be viewed in several ways. First, India as a neo-colonialist. Some commentators see India's presence as just a continuation of exploitative relations. This manifests in financial and agricultural exploitation and land grabbing. Second, India as smart influencer. This is where the country adopts a low profile but benefits from soft power; linguistic, cultural and historical advantages; and good relationships at various societal and governmental levels. Third, India as a perennial underdog. India has less funding, underdeveloped communications, limited diplomatic capacity, little soft power advantage and an underwhelming media presence compared with China. China is able to project its power in Africa through project financing and loans, visible diplomatic presence with visits and media coverage in Ghana. Some of the coverage of Chinese activities in Ghana is negative – illegal mining is an example. India benefits from limited negative media presence but its contributions in areas of pharmaceuticals and infrastructure don't get attention. Modi will want his visit to build on ideas of South-South cooperation, soft power and smart operating. He'll want to refute notions that India is a perennial underdog or a neo-colonialist in a new scramble for Africa. In 2025, Ghana has to navigate a complex geopolitical space. Pius Siakwah is a senior research fellow at the Institute of African Studies, University of Ghana. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Why PM Modi's visit to Ghana matters: A look at India–Ghana bilateral relations
Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins his five-nation tour with a historic visit to Ghana, marking a significant diplomatic milestone in India's outreach to Africa. With trade, health, energy, and capacity-building at the forefront, the visit is poised to recalibrate bilateral relations that have spanned over seven decades. Also Read: PM Modi embarks on 5-nation visit, says 'India committed to BRICS' During the two-day visit to Ghana, Mr. Modi will hold high-level talks with President John Dramani Mahama, address Ghana's Parliament, and oversee the signing of several agreements across sectors, including health, agriculture, digital infrastructure, and defence. Here are the key things you need to know about India-Ghana relations How have India and Ghana collaborated on diplomacy and institutional frameworks? India and Ghana share a diplomatic history that dates back to 1953, when India opened a representative office in Accra, formalising full diplomatic relations in 1957, the same year Ghana gained independence. Both nations are founding members of the Non-Aligned Movement, a group of states that are not formally aligned with or against any significant power bloc, and have historically stood together on issues of decolonisation and international solidarity. Over the decades, high-level visits from both sides have underscored the importance of this partnership. Ghanaian leaders, including Kwame Nkrumah, Jerry Rawlings, and Nana Akufo-Addo, have visited India. President Pranab Mukherjee (2016) and former Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao (1995) have travelled to Accra. The two countries have established structured mechanisms for dialogue, including the India–Ghana Joint Commission (established in 1995), which facilitates high-level discussions on various aspects of bilateral relations. Additionally, there is the Joint Trade Committee, which promotes trade and investment, as well as regular Foreign Office Consultations, which address diplomatic issues and foster mutual understanding. These institutional frameworks have provided a steady foundation for policy coordination and development cooperation. Prime Minister Modi's visit comes at a time when Ghana is under the newly inaugurated leadership of President John Dramani Mahama. What defines India–Ghana economic relations? Bilateral trade between India and Ghana stood at approximately USD 3 billion in 2023–24, forming a vital pillar of bilateral relations. India imports gold and cocoa from Ghana and exports pharmaceuticals, electrical goods, machinery, and automobiles to the West African country. Ghana is a key destination for Indian pharmaceutical exports, which are critical to the country's healthcare system. Ghana received a total of 6.52 lakh doses of Made-in-India COVID-19 vaccines, including six lakh through COVAX and 50,000 doses through a grant. On the investment front, India is among the top investors in Ghana, with more than $1.2 billion channelled into sectors such as agro-processing, mining, manufacturing, construction, and ICT. Indian public and private sector participation has contributed significantly to Ghana's industrial growth, a promising sign for the future of this economic partnership. The bilateral trade relationship is complemented by concessional financing support from India, which refers to financial assistance provided on terms substantially more generous than market loans, including lines of credit and grants amounting to nearly USD 450 million. These funds have enabled major projects such as rural electrification programmes, sugar processing plants, and fish-processing units. Several infrastructure projects in Ghana have been completed with Indian support, including the Jubilee House (the official residence and office of the President), Komenda Sugar Factory, and Elmina fish-processing facility. The Tema–Mpakadan railway project, one of the most significant India-funded infrastructure projects in Africa, serves as a symbol of this partnership, featuring a 300-metre bridge across the Volta River that connects Ghana's eastern corridor to the port. In which areas have the two nations collaborated on development and digital growth? India's development partnership with Ghana has spanned key areas, including infrastructure, ICT, education, and health. A landmark example is the Ghana–India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT, inaugurated in 2003, which serves as West Africa's foremost hub for IT education and research. India provided the technical support, hardware, software, and training that laid the foundation for this centre. Additionally, Ghana has benefited from India's Pan-African e-Network initiative, enabling telemedicine and tele-education services through Indian institutions. Under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme, over 1,100 Ghanaian professionals have received training in various sectors, including public administration and IT. The bilateral development partnership has been further enriched by India's support to Ghana's Electoral Commission, including donations of indelible ink and IT equipment for election management. Also Read: NAM at 60 marks an age of Indian alignment
First Post
23-06-2025
- Business
- First Post
India Reboots Ties with North Korea. Here's Why It Matters Vantage with Palki Sharma
India Reboots Ties with North Korea. Here's Why It Matters | Vantage with Palki Sharma | N18G India Reboots Ties with North Korea. Here's Why It Matters | Vantage with Palki Sharma | N18G India and North Korea might seem like unlikely partners—but their ties run deep. From mediating the Korean War in the 1950s to joining hands in the Non-Aligned Movement, New Delhi and Pyongyang have shared decades of quiet diplomacy. Trade flourished, high-level visits took place, and goodwill endured—until sanctions froze the momentum. Now, India is back, appointing a new ambassador after a four-year gap. Aliawati Longkumer, who is currently the Charge d'affaires of the Embassy of India in Paraguay, has been named as the next Indian Ambassador to North Korea. Why? Palki Sharma tells you. See More
