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Indian Express
2 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
India's outreach to the Global South
GHANA, July 2-3 This will be Narendra Modi's first bilateral visit to Ghana, and the first Indian Prime Ministerial visit to the country in three decades. John Mahama, who was elected President in January, visited India in 2015 for the India-Africa Forum Summit. Ghana is one of West Africa's fastest-growing economies; its relationship with India is marked by robust and expanding trade and investment. India is the largest destination for Ghanaian exports; gold accounts for more than 70% of India's imports from Ghana. PM will hold talks with President Mahama to review the bilateral partnership and discuss ways to enhance it through economic, energy, defence, and development cooperation. TRINIDAD & TOBAGO, July 3-4 40-45% of the Indian diaspora in the Caribbean lives in Trinidad and Tobago; both Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and President Christine Carla Kangaloo are of Indian origin. This will be Modi's first visit to T&T as Prime Minister and the first bilateral visit by an Indian PM after 1999. The PM visited Guyana in November 2024; his second visit to the Caribbean in eight months indicates the importance India accords to the region. The visit will mark 180 years of the arrival of Indian immigrants in T&T. The bilateral economic relationship has witnessed steady growth, with total trade reaching $ 341.61 million in FY 2024-25. ARGENTINA, July 4-5 Modi will meet Javier Milei — US President Donald Trump's 'favourite President' — during the first bilateral visit by an Indian PM in 57 years. They will review ongoing cooperation and discuss ways to enhance defence, agriculture, mining, oil and gas, energy, etc. partnerships. The two leaders met earlier on the margins of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro in November 2024. India and Argentina have significantly advanced bilateral cooperation in the mineral resources sector, particularly in lithium, a critical input for India's green energy transition. Argentina is a major supplier of soybean and sunflower oil to India. In 2024, India was Argentina's fifth-largest trading partner and export destination. BRAZIL, July 5-8 Modi will meet President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva during the BRICS Leaders' Summit in Rio de Janeiro, which will be followed by a State Visit. At BRICS, the PM will discuss the reform of global governance, peace and security, strengthening multilateralism, responsible use of AI, climate action, global health, etc. He will likely have several bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the Summit. For the State Visit, the PM will travel to Brasilia where he will hold bilateral discussions with President Lula on broadening the Strategic Partnership in areas of mutual interest, including trade, defence, energy, space, technology, agriculture, and health. Brazil is India's largest trading partner in South America. NAMIBIA, July 9 During his first visit to Namibia (the third Indian Prime Ministerial visit to the country), Modi will meet President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, pay homage to the Founding Father of Namibia, Dr Sam Nujoma, and address the country's Parliament. Bilateral trade has grown from less than $3 million in 2000 to almost $600 million now. Indian companies have invested in mining, manufacturing, diamond processing and services in Namibia. Eight cheetahs from Namibia were released by the PM at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh in September 2022, the world's first intercontinental translocation of a major carnivore species.
The Star
30-04-2025
- Business
- The Star
Global South must forge a new path in a changing world, says Tok Mat
PETALING JAYA: The Global South must chart a new course forward as existing economic structures are increasingly undermined by the current international system, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. Speaking at the BRICS Partners Foreign Ministers Meeting 2025 in Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday (April 29), Mohamad said recent developments, such as the tariffs announced by the United States, should not be seen merely as threats, but as opportunities to recalibrate global cooperation. "This is an opportunity to reshape international cooperation in ways that reflect our strengths and better serve our needs. "Some might make the mistake of belittling the role of the Global South. They might say, wrongly, that the Global South countries are not worthwhile partners. But the facts say otherwise. "The Global South, as a collective, is becoming a key actor in global realignment," said Mohamad. The term "Global South" generally refers to developing or less economically advanced countries, as opposed to the "Global North," which includes more developed, largely Western nations. Mohamad highlighted Asean's economic significance, noting its position as the fifth-largest economy globally, with a combined GDP of US$3.8 trillion and a population of 677 million. 'We offer significant purchasing power, strong export performance and open-minded diplomacy,' he said. With this emerging role in mind, Mohamad said Malaysia, as the chair of Asean this year, is guiding the region towards unity, economic integration and strategic diversification. "Through our commitment to an open, rules-based and inclusive regional architecture, Asean is focused on strengthening intra-regional trade, developing resilient supply chains and embracing emerging industries that place sustainability and innovation at their core,' he said. 'We believe that the BRICS community shares our aspirations.' He added that BRICS is not just a forum, as it is a force for economic resilience, political balance and social advancement. "Together, we have the power to reshape the contours of international cooperation - not just as critics of the outgoing system, but as architects of a fairer one,' added Mohamad. He also voiced Malaysia's support for Brazil's BRICS chairmanship and its 2025 agenda, which he described as timely and essential. 'Malaysia is ready to work with BRICS to strengthen healthcare systems, share expertise, and promote sustainable, inclusive solutions through our hybrid public-private financing model, which ensures affordability and sustainability,' said Mohamad. He stressed that the Global South must not be content with a passive role in global decision making, as it must be proactive and united in shaping a cooperative and fair world order. 'The road ahead may be uncertain, but together, we can shape it with purpose,' added Mohamad. Malaysia became an official BRICS partner country on Jan 1. The foreign ministers' meeting is a lead-up to the BRICS Leaders' Summit, scheduled for July 6 and 7 under Brazil's chairmanship.
The Star
29-04-2025
- Business
- The Star
Asean a key bridge at BRICS meet
PETALING JAYA: Highlighting the role of Asean as a constructive bridge during the BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs Meeting in Brazil is crucial in light of recent global happenings, say geopolitical experts. Institute of Strategic Analysis and Policy Research (Insap) chairman Datuk Dr Pamela Yong characterised Malaysia's participation in the meeting as particularly timely and a strategic move, given the recent developments on the global stage. 'With the global trade system facing unprecedented disruption, particularly due to recent unilateral actions by major economies like the United States, there is an urgent need for Asean to act as a collective voice for developing nations,' she said when contacted yesterday. She added that the meeting would not merely provide a platform for engagement to strengthen its stance on multilateralism, but also ensure that Asean's priorities are highlighted. 'It is also about ensuring that Asean priorities, from trade resilience to sustainable growth, are represented in shaping a more inclusive and predictable global framework. 'Rather than being caught between competing powers, Malaysia's leadership aims to position Asean as a constructive bridge and an advocate for the Global South,' she said. Yong's views come in the wake of the BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs Meeting in Rio de Janeiro held yesterday and today, attended by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan (pic). The BRICS foreign ministers meeting is one of the important precursors to the BRICS Leaders' Summit, scheduled to take place on July 6 and 7 under Brazil's chairmanship. The meeting also marks the first gathering of foreign ministers from BRICS members and partner countries for this year. It will concentrate on six priority areas: global health, trade, investment and finance, climate change, artificial intelligence, and the reform of the peace and security multilateral system, alongside the institutional development of BRICS. Malaysia officially attained BRICS partner country status on Jan 1. In a statement, Mohamad expressed that Malaysia will actively promote engagement between Asean and BRICS with the aim of enhancing regional and economic cooperation. 'As Asean Chair for 2025, Malaysia will actively advocate for deeper engagement between Asean and BRICS aimed at fostering regional cooperation and enhancing economic collaboration,' he said. He added that the meeting would look into ways to reinforce collective efforts towards a fairer, more sustainable global economy, which resonates strongly with Malaysia's national interests and commitment to inclusive sustainable development. 'In particular, the emphasis on trade and investment is apt and timely, given the growing uncertainties in the global economic landscape in the wake of the United States' unilateral tariffs,' added Mohamad. He is also scheduled to deliver Malaysia's national intervention during a dedicated session focused on 'The Role of the Global South in Reinforcing Multilateralism', which reflects Malaysia's steadfast commitment to strengthening multilateralism and amplifying the voices of developing countries. Meanwhile, Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research senior fellow Dr Azmi Hassan said the multilateralism approach taken by Malaysia would resonate well during the meeting. 'We do not want to bring Asean closer to any particular global power, such as China or the United States, but we want to raise our stand on multilateralism. It will show that we should be talking to all countries,' he said. He added that highlighting the role of the Global South was also crucial during the meeting. 'While only four Asean nations are part of BRICS, all 10 Asean members are part of the Global South,' he said.
The Star
28-04-2025
- Business
- The Star
Malaysia to push for greater Asean-BRICS cooperation at foreign ministers' meeting
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia will actively promote engagement between Asean and BRICS with the aim of regional and economic cooperation, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. The Foreign Minister said this will be among the matters Malaysia will raise during the BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil during his visit on Monday and Tuesday (April 28 and 29). "As Asean Chair for 2025, Malaysia will actively advocate for deeper engagement between Asean and BRICS aimed at fostering regional cooperation, enhancing economic collaboration," he said in a statement on Monday. He added that he would also look at reinforcing collective efforts towards a fairer, more sustainable global economy. The BRICS foreign ministers meeting is one of the important precursors to the BRICS Leaders' Summit, scheduled to take place on July 6 and 7 under Brazil's chairmanship. The meeting also marks the first gathering of foreign ministers from BRICS member and partner countries for this year. Malaysia officially attained BRICS partner country status on Jan 1. On the BRICS meeting, Mohamad said Brazil will focus on six priority areas. Among the topics to be raised are global health, trade, investment and finance. Other topics included for discussion are climate change, artificial Intelligence (AI), reform of the peace and security multilateral system, and the institutional development of BRICS. "These priorities resonate strongly with Malaysia's national interests and its commitment to inclusive and sustainable development. "In particular, the emphasis on trade and investment is apt and timely, given the growing uncertainties in the global economic landscape, in the wake of the United States' unilateral tariffs," added Mohamad. He said Malaysia will also take the opportunity to share its perspectives and strategic priorities on pressing global issues. He is also scheduled to deliver Malaysia's national intervention during a dedicated session focused on 'The Role of the Global South in Reinforcing Multilateralism'. The intervention reflects Malaysia's steadfast commitment to strengthening multilateralism and amplifying the voice and interests of developing countries, aligned with the core objectives of BRICS 2025.
BusinessToday
28-04-2025
- Business
- BusinessToday
Foreign Affairs Minister To Share Malaysia's Stand On Multilateralism At BRICS Meeting
Minister of Foreign Affairs Dato' Mohamad Hasan is scheduled to attend BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs Meeting in Rio De Janeiro, which is a precursor to the BRICS Leaders' Summit, that takes place on 6 and 7 July 2025 under Brazil's Chairmanship. This Meeting will mark the first gathering of Ministers of Foreign Affairs from BRICS Member and Partner Countries in 2025. Malaysia officially attained BRICS Partner Country status on 1 January 2025. Under their Chairmanship, Brazil will focus on six priority areas, namely Global Health; Trade, Investment and Finance; Climate Change; Artificial Intelligence; Reform of the Peace and Security of the Multilateral System; and the Institutional Development of BRICS. The government said the priorities resonate strongly with Malaysia's national interests and its commitment for inclusive and sustainable development. In particular, the emphasis on trade and investment is apt and timely, given the growing uncertainties in the global economic landscape, in the wake of the United States' unilateral tariffs. During the Meeting, the Foreign Minister is scheduled to deliver Malaysia's national intervention during a dedicated session focused on 'The Role of the Global South in Reinforcing Multilateralism'. The intervention will reflect Malaysia's steadfast commitment to strengthening multilateralism and amplifying the voice and interests of developing countries, aligned with the core objectives of BRICS 2025. Wisma Putra added that during the meeting, Malaysia will take the opportunity to share its perspectives and strategic priorities on pressing global issues. As Chair of ASEAN for 2025, Malaysia will actively advocate for deeper engagement between ASEAN and BRICS, aimed at fostering regional cooperation, enhancing economic collaboration, and reinforcing collective efforts toward a fairer and more Related
