PM Modi begins 8-day visit to 5 nations, his longest foreign tour in 10 years.
By : Krishna Mishra
Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins his most extensive foreign tour in a decade today, spanning eight days across five nations – Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia. The diplomatic marathon will focus on expanding India’s engagement with the Global South, strengthening defence ties, enhancing economic partnerships, and bolstering cooperation in areas like rare earth minerals and counter-terrorism.
Day 1: Ghana – Strengthening Economic and Strategic Ties
Modi’s tour kicks off in Ghana on July 2, marking his first-ever bilateral visit to the West African nation. Ghana is one of the fastest-growing economies in the region, with India being the largest destination for its exports – primarily gold.
During this historic visit, PM Modi is scheduled to meet President John Mahama. The two leaders are expected to review existing collaborations and explore new opportunities in sectors such as energy, defence, and infrastructure. Modi’s visit is seen as a key step to boost India’s outreach in West Africa and to tap into emerging trade and investment prospects.
July 3-4: Trinidad and Tobago – Reconnecting with the Indian Diaspora
Modi will then travel to Trinidad and Tobago for a two-day state visit, the first by an Indian PM since 1999. With a strong Indian diaspora influence—over 40% of the Caribbean nation's population traces its roots to India—the visit holds deep cultural and strategic significance.
He will meet with President Christine Carla Kangaloo and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, both of Indian origin. Apart from high-level discussions, Modi is expected to address a joint session of Parliament and engage with the Indian community, aiming to strengthen people-to-people ties and reinvigorate bilateral cooperation across trade, healthcare, and education.
July 4: Argentina – Deepening Strategic Partnership
On July 4, Modi lands in Argentina to hold bilateral talks with President Javier Milei. The discussions will centre on strategic cooperation in defence, agriculture, mining, energy, and technology. Argentina is a key player in Latin America, and both nations share a growing interest in renewable energy and the lithium economy.
India’s imports of oil and minerals from Argentina are poised to increase, and this visit could pave the way for long-term supply partnerships. The countries are also exploring greater collaboration in the space and pharma sectors.
This multi-nation tour precedes PM Modi’s participation in the BRICS Summit in Brazil, further underlining India’s leadership role in shaping global south alliances. The final leg of the tour will include a visit to Namibia, where cooperation in wildlife conservation and uranium supply will be on the agenda.
Officials describe the trip as a “strategic push” to diversify India’s foreign policy focus beyond traditional partners and deepen engagement with emerging economies, rich in natural resources and geopolitical influence.