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First Post
4 hours ago
- Politics
- First Post
How India-Ghana ties can guide Delhi's Africa strategy
Prime Minister Narendra Modi being greeted by the President of Ghana, John Mahama, at the airport, on Wednesday. Image courtesy: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Ghana, en route to the Brics summit, stands out as a strategic use of an intercontinental journey. On the return leg, the Prime Minister is also scheduled to visit Namibia. With these visits, the PM will have engaged with two key countries on Africa's Atlantic coast, complementing his earlier outreach to nations in East and Southern Africa. There are several key takeaways from the Ghana visit that could shape India's future partnership through the upcoming India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS IV). STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Symbolism and Diplomatic Signalling One notable gesture was Ghana's re-elected President John Mahama personally receiving PM Modi at the airport, breaking protocol, on Wednesday. This symbolic act underscores how countries like Ghana, irrespective of their current depth of ties with India, see India as a model for their own aspirations. Despite having substantial engagements with China, the EU, and others, Ghana's admiration for India's democratic, pluralistic, economic success is evident. This respect also explains why the PM was invited to address the Ghanaian Parliament. India-Ghana economic ties are characterised by a diversity of engagements, especially in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and skill development. These sectors not only reflect India's strengths but are also areas of immense interest across the African continent. They should serve as the fulcrum of India's wider Africa engagement. From India's perspective, there is growing interest in defence cooperation, counter-terrorism, de-radicalisation, and the export of affordable defence equipment. Ghana, as a member of Ecowas, a regional bloc of 15 West African nations including Anglophone, Francophone, and Lusophone members, is strategically significant. Though Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have recently exited Ecowas following military coups, India could still collaborate with Ghana on counter-terrorism efforts, especially considering the rise of extremism in the Sahel region. Building joint training and support initiatives in this area would benefit both nations and the broader region. Trade Potential and Investment Focus Bilateral trade stands at approximately $3 billion annually. While Ghana's exports to India, mainly gold, are limited in diversity, the discovery and development of critical minerals and oil reserves offer room for expansion. However, Ghana does not qualify as a Least Developed Country (LDC) and thus does not benefit from India's Duty-Free Tariff Preference (DFTP) scheme, introduced in 2008 to boost trade with African Least Developed Countries. As a result, India must explore new trade mechanisms beyond concessional preferences. Indian defence and project exports could emerge as promising growth areas. Importantly, what Ghana seeks most from India is investment. With about $2 billion in Indian investments, India is the second-largest investor in Ghana by number of projects. This success is largely driven by Indian small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and professionals who have established a robust presence in the country. The growing diaspora, now around 15,000 strong, warmly welcomed PM Modi. They reflect this investment-led engagement. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India must now shift from its traditional development cooperation model, which emphasised Lines of Credit (LoCs), to a more sustainable and commercially viable model. Ghana, having approached the IMF for assistance 17 times, now faces limitations in borrowing and repayment. Hence, future cooperation should favour Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and support Indian investors without relying on sovereign guarantees. Leveraging Success Models for Capacity Building India's infrastructure contributions in Ghana, including government buildings and the Centre of Excellence in IT named after Kofi Annan, are noteworthy. Although established in 2002, before the India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) framework, this centre has been expanded under the IAFS and now stands as one of Africa's most successful and self-sustaining IT hubs. This model of capacity building, particularly through PPPs, should be replicated across the continent. Tapping into Continental Trade Integration Ghana hosts the Secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which, despite Covid-era delays, has been implemented, albeit sporadically. The AfCFTA allows regional markets to flourish, and Indian investors, particularly those in populous countries, now find it easier to expand across borders. India should actively tap into this opportunity to boost FDI-led growth in Africa. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Strategic Multilateral Engagement Most African nations support India's bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council. However, the African Union's Ezulwini Consensus has not gained wide traction within the UN system. Ghana, as a member of the AU's Committee of Ten on this issue, plays a crucial role. Strengthening bilateral cooperation with Ghana could further India's multilateral objectives. Ghana has consistently supported the IAFS process, from President Kufuor's enthusiastic participation in the 2008 summit in Delhi to Ghana's attendance at IAFS-III in 2015, when all African heads of state were invited. Whether Ghana will participate in IAFS-IV depends on the format, whether it remains inclusive or reverts to the more limited Banjul format. Ghana remains a pivotal partner for India in West Africa. Its influence within Ecowas and the AU, combined with India's economic, diplomatic, and cultural engagement, offers a strong foundation to further elevate ties. India must capitalise on this momentum, not just through aid or lines of credit, but through sustainable investment, skill-building, innovation, and multilateral cooperation. Revitalising ties with countries like Ghana will be essential to shaping India's future in Africa. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The author is a former ambassador to Germany, Indonesia, Ethiopia, ASEAN and the African Union. He tweets @AmbGurjitSingh. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost's views.
Hans India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
PM Modi begins landmark visit to Ghana, receives warm welcome from President Mahama at airport
Accra: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday arrived in Accra on a two-day visit, his first ever bilateral trip to the African nation - also the first Prime Ministerial visit from India to Ghana after three decades. In a special gesture showcasing the significance of the landmark visit, Ghana President John Dramani Mahama welcomed PM Modi at the Kotoka International Airport. PM Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the airport as both leaders then sat down for a brief interaction at the Jubilee Lounge of the airport. "Ghana is a valued partner in the Global South and plays an important role in the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States. I look forward to my exchanges aimed at further deepening our historical ties and opening up new windows of cooperation, including in the areas of investment, energy, health, security, capacity building and development partnership. As fellow democracies, it will be an honour to speak at the Parliament of Ghana," PM Modi said in his departure statement earlier in the day. Ghana is the first stop on Prime Minister Modi's five-nation visit. It will be followed by Trinidad and Tobago (T&T), Argentina, Brazil and Namibia. The delegation-level are scheduled to be held in Accra later in the evening, India time, as both countries review the bilateral relations and discuss various ways to strengthen and deepen partnerships. The Prime Minister will also have a one-on-one meeting with his counterpart which will be followed by a banquet dinner in honour of PM Modi. On Thursday, Prime Minister Modi will be addressing Ghana's Parliament and will also be interacting with the Indian community in the country, which is about 15,000 in number. "President John Dramani Mahama has just assumed office in about January of this year after a landslide victory, which is why the visit assumes importance. Early in his tenure, the Honorable Prime Minister will be visiting Ghana. So, it will help in the continuity as well as deepening the relationship and to discuss various ways to further strengthen the relationship," said Dammu Ravi, Secretary (ER) at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) ahead of the PM's visit. President Mahama has been to India in the past, particularly for the India-Africa Forum Summit in 2015 and both leaders have also met in the past on the sidelines of various global events. "India's relations with Ghana are historical. In the seven decades of a relationship, it has evolved to multi-faceted. We took up the cause of Ghana in the UN much before it won independence in 1957, and we have maintained a close relationship in the multilateral fora on various issues that are important for the global South," said the MEA Secretary. The ministry detailed that both the countries will work towards boosting the economic cooperation as Ghana undergoes a deep economic restructuring. "Ghana has undergone the IMF conditionalities almost 17 times. So, the economic agenda will dominate the talks. The bilateral trade between India and Ghana is about $3 billion in favour of Ghana because of the large imports of gold. Investments in Ghana are about $2 billion. Both private sector-wise, which is about a billion dollars and the second half, you have lines of credit and the buyer's credit ... activities and projects have been undertaken. We have very strong cooperation in the capacity building under ITEC, and that is continuing to be stronger and deepened," the senior diplomat commented during a special briefing held in New Delhi on Monday. The Ghanaian leader is also quite keen to engage with India, especially in the field of vaccine development and creating a vaccine hub in the country for not just Ghana but also the West Africa context. Defence cooperation will become an important item on the agenda along with the critical minerals and the digital public infrastructure. This visit, said the MEA, reaffirms the shared commitment of the two countries to deepen bilateral ties and strengthen India's engagement with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union.
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First Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- First Post
PM Modi's 5-nation, 8-day tour: Which nations is he visiting, why they matter
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is beginning his five-nation tour today (June 2). This trip, his longest diplomatic foray in nearly a decade, will see him visit Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia. But what do we know about the trip? And why are these nations important to India? read more Follow us on Google News Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to undertake a long diplomatic trip overseas. PTI/File Photo Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a long diplomatic tour today (June 2). Modi's five-nation tour, his longest diplomatic foray in nearly a decade, will see him visit Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia. The tour, which begins in Ghana, will conclude in Namibia on June 10. But what do we know about the details of the trip? And why are these nations important? Let's take a closer look Ghana Modi's will kick off his trip overseas in Ghana on July 2 and 3. This will be Modi's first visit to the West African nation as prime minister. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD No Indian prime minister has visited Ghana for nearly three decades. Modi will meet Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama, who recently took office after a huge win at the polls. Mahama previously visited India in 2015 for the India-Africa Forum Summit. The two men will discuss how to deepen ties and the possibility of a vaccine hub being created in Ghana. Agriculture, defence and critical minerals will also be on the agenda. A number of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) are expected to be signed. Modi is also set to address Ghana's Parliament. Ghana's Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa speaks at Raisina Dialogue on March 18, 2025. India and Ghana have had a long and fruitful relationship. India and Ghana established diplomatic relations in 1957 – immediately after it achieved independence. In fact, India had opened a representative office in Accra in 1953. Ghana is an important trading partner for India and one of West Africa's fastest growing nations. Bilateral trade between the countries was at $3.13 billion in 2024-25. India is the third-largest investor in Ghana. India imports large quantities of gold, petroleum and cashews from Ghana. It exports construction machinery, medicine and cars to Ghana. Trinidad and Tobago Modi will then head to Trinidad and Tobago on July 3. He is making the trip after an invitation from Kamla Persad-Bissessar, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Both Persad-Bissessar and President Christine Carla Kangaloo are of Indian-origin. This will be Modi's first bilateral visit to Trinidad and Tobago as prime minister. An Indian prime minister last visited the nation in 1999. Modi is expected to hold wide-ranging talks with both of them. Pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, digital public infrastructure, agriculture, disaster resilience, education and culture are on the agenda. Trinidad and Tobago last year adopted India's flagship UPI platform Prime Minister Narendra Modi is making the trip after an invitation from Kamla Persad-Bissessar, the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago. Reuters . Here too, Modi is expected to address a joint session of parliament. Trinidad and Tobago is home to a huge Indian population. Nearly half the Indian population of the Caribbean lives in the country. Modi's visit comes on the 180th anniversary of Indian immigrants arriving to Trinidad and Tobago. The two countries established diplomatic relations in 1962. The two nations in 1997 signed a trade deal that accorded each other Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status. Bilateral trade between the two nations touched $341.61 million in 2023-2024. India exports vehicles, rolling stock, parts and accessories, iron and steel, pharma and plastic to Trinidad and Tobago. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India imports mineral fuels, mineral oils, mineral waxes ores, and aluminium from Trinidad and Tobago. Argentina Modi on July 4 will head to Argentina. Modi is making the trip on the invite of President Javier Milei. This will be the first bilateral visit by an Indian prime minister since 1968. Modi and Milei will hold wide-ranging talks in the areas of food, defence, digital technology, telemedicine, infrastructure, mining, technology, science, green and renewable energy. The two countries have already made strides when it comes to cooperation on mining. The two leaders previously met at the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro in November 2024. Argentina's President Javier Milei. AP The two countries elevated their relationship to that of a strategic partnership in 2019. Bilateral trade between India and Argentina touched $6.4 billion in 2022. India that year maintained its status as Argentina's fourth-largest trading partner. India exports petroleum oils, agro chemicals, yarn-fabric-madeups, organic chemicals, bulk drugs and two-wheelers to Argentina. It imports vegetable oils (soybean and sunflower), finished leather, cereals, residual chemicals and allied products and pulses from Argentina. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Brazil Modi will then head to Brazil on July 6. Modi is set to attend the Brics summit in Rio de Janeiro – which will be followed by a state visit. This will be Modi's fourth visit to Brazil. At Brics, the leaders will hold talks on governance, peace, security, climate change and AI. Modi will speak on terrorism including the recent Pahalgam attack and India's response. India will contribute to the Leaders' Declaration and coming up with an outline for climate finance and socially determined diseases. Modi on July 8 will meet President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Brasilia. The two men will discuss how to increase cooperation in a number of fields including energy, defence, agriculture, minerals and digital infrastructure. Prime Minister Narendra Modi (left) with Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (right) during the symbolic tree plantation ceremony at the closing session of the G20 Summit 2023 at the Bharat Mandapam, in New Delhi, Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023. Source: PTI India and Brazil established diplomatic relations in 1948. Bilateral trade between the two countries stands at $12 billion. Brazil is India's largest trading partner in South America. India in 2021 was Brazil's fifth-largest trading partner. India exports petroleum products, agro-chemicals (insecticides, fungicides), chemicals, pharmaceuticals, engineering products, textured filament yarn, and unwrought aluminium to Brazil. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India imports crude oil, soya oil, gold, cane sugar, cotton, gum, wood and turpentine oils, chemicals (carboxylic acids) and iron ore and concentrates from Brazil. Namibia Modi will then fly to Namibia on July 9. Modi is making this trip at the behest of Namibian President Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. This will be the first time an Indian prime minister has visited Namibia in nearly three decades. This will also be just the third time an Indian prime minister has visited the country. Modi and Nandi-Ndaitwah will hold bilateral talks on digital fintech. A key item on the agenda is implementing India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in Namibia. India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI), one of the world's fastest payment system. The Indian prime minister is also expected to address Namibia's Parliament and pay homage to Dr Sam Nujoma, the Founding Father of Namibia. India was one of the first countries that raised the question of Namibian independence at the UN. Trade between the two countries touched $650 million in 2023. India's top export to Namibia was refined petroleum. Its other exports were petrol, pharmaceuticals and rice. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Its top import from Namibia was diamonds. Its other top imports were bulk minerals, ores, iron and steel. India, which is looking to diversify its energy sector, sees Namibia, which has plentiful supplies of uranium, diamonds, copper, phosphates and other minerals, as a great potential partner. Namibia in 2022 also sent India eight cheetahs that were released in Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh. With inputs from agencies
Mint
2 days ago
- Business
- Mint
5 countries in 8 days: PM Modi's longest foreign trip in a decade begins today. Check full itinerary
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will begin his eight-day, five-nation tour today. During the tour – his longest foreign trip in ten years – the prime minister will participate in the crucial BRICS Summit in Brazil and expand India's ties with several key nations of the Global South. The PM's trip will cover two continents and include visits to Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia. PM Modi's last eight-day trip was to six nations in July 2015 when he visited Russia and five Central Asian countries. Officials said the tour will focus on defence, rare earth minerals, and cooperation on counter-terror measures, among other issues. Modi will begin his trip by visiting Ghana on the first day on July 2. This will be the prime minister's first-ever bilateral visit to Ghana. Ghana is one of West Africa's fastest-growing economies. India is the largest destination for Ghanaian exports, with gold accounting for more than 70 per cent of India's imports from Ghana. John Mahama, who was elected President of Ghana in January, visited India in 2015 for the India-Africa Forum Summit. Prime Minister Modi will meet with President Mahama to review the strong bilateral partnership and discuss further avenues to enhance it through economic, energy, and defence collaboration. From Ghana, Modi will travel to Trinidad and Tobago on a two-day visit from July 3. It will be the first visit by an Indian prime minister to the country since 1999. At least 40 per cent of the Indian diaspora in the Caribbean is settled in Trinidad and Tobago. Both Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and President Christine Carla Kangaloo are of Indian origin. During the visit, Modi will hold talks with the President Christine Carla Kangaloo, and the Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. The PM is also expected to address a joint session of the island nation's parliament. The visit of the prime minister to Trinidad and Tobago will impart fresh impetus to the deep-rooted and historical ties between the two countries, the MEA said. Modi will fly to Argentina on July 4 where he will hold wide-ranging talks with President Javier Milei to further enhance the India-Argentina partnership in key areas, including defence, agriculture, mining, oil and gas, renewable energy, trade, and investment. "The bilateral visit of the prime minister will further deepen the multifaceted strategic partnership between India and Argentina," it said in a statement. In 2024, India was Argentina's fifth-largest trading partner and export destination. Modi will travel to Brazil at the invitation of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, in the fourth and most important leg of his trip Modi will attend the 17th BRICS summit in Brazil from July 5 to 8, followed by a state visit. This will be Modi's fourth visit to Brazil as the prime minister. The 17th BRICS Leaders' Summit will be held in Rio de Janeiro. "During the summit, the prime minister will exchange views on key global issues including reform of global governance, peace and security, strengthening multilateralism, responsible use of artificial intelligence, climate action, global health, economic and financial matters," the MEA said. The BRICS leaders' declaration is set to denounce the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22. Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor on 7 May, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Modi is also likely to hold several bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit. For the state visit to Brazil, Modi will travel to Brasilia, where he will hold bilateral discussions with President Lula on broadening the strategic partnership between the two countries in areas of mutual interest, including trade, defence, energy, space, technology, agriculture, health, and people-to-people linkages, the MEA said. Brazil has displayed interest in technology for more secure communication and India's Akash surface-to-air missile system, which was used during Operation Sindoor. In the final leg of his visit, Modi will travel to Namibia. This will be the third prime ministerial visit from India to Namibia. During his visit, Modi will hold bilateral talks with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, pay homage to the country's Founding Father, Dr Sam Nujoma, and address the country's Parliament. The visit of the prime minister is a reiteration of India's multi-faceted and deep-rooted historical ties with Namibia, the MEA said. The visit of the prime minister is a reiteration of India's multi-faceted and deep-rooted historical ties with Namibia. "The visit of the prime minister is a reiteration of India's multi-faceted and deep-rooted historical ties with Namibia," it said. Bilateral trade between India and Namibia has grown from close to $3 million in 2000 to about $600 million now. A number of Indian companies have invested in mining, manufacturing, diamond processing and services in Namibia.
Indian Express
3 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.
