Prime Minister Modi’s recent visit to Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago has been a resounding success
The geopolitics is changing at a fast pace and the world is getting more and more polarised with the developed nations grouping together. In this scenario the South-South cooperation is a viable alternative in dealing with the changing realities. In this scenario, India which is emerging as a powerful nation, is well poised to lead the South- South dispensation. In this context Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent five-nation diplomatic tour becomes very pertinent. Prime Minister Modi began his five nation tour made a first stop at Ghana. Following Ghana, Modi had a short but meaningful stopover at Trinidad and Tobago.
Modi’s visits to these countries were short but very important from the South-South perspective. He met Ghana President John Mahama. Prime Minister Modi and President Mahama agreed to cooperate in various fields including finance, technology, skill development, healthcare, and digital innovation — sectors where India has both experience and expertise. As a gesture of gratitude, Ghana conferred upon Prime Minister Modi its highest civilian honour, the Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana.
In the second leg of his tour Modi landed in Trinidad and Tobago. It was the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Caribbean nation in over two decades. Trinidad and Tobago has a large population of Indian origin who have worked hard to build what the country is today. This visit was as emotional as it was strategic. It was a rare moment in history when emotional ties translate into stronger diplomatic and economic relations. In Port of Spain, Prime Minister Modi addressed the Parliament and attended an event organised by the people of Indian origin.
For India, Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago offer strategic gateways to West Africa and the Caribbean, respectively. Ghana has natural resources, including gold, bauxite and lithium which are of vital interest to India’s growing industrial and green energy sectors. While India’s maritime strength can foster regional security and economic growth for Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago. Trinidad and Tobago offers India a natural partner for collaboration in education, renewable energy, pharmaceutical, and digital innovation. Both Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago stand to gain from India’s technological prowess, development expertise, and investments.
Besides, Indian initiatives in digital domains, public infrastructure, healthcare and vocational training can come handy to these countries.
As PM Modi continues his tour he is likely to make many more strong bonds with other countries he would be visiting. Indeed, India is deepening its footprint across the Global South.
Unlike China India is not behaving as a donor or a Superpower, but as a partner rooted in shared struggles and common aspirations. His engagements in Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago have not only revitalised bilateral relations but also reaffirmed India’s commitment to building a more balanced and equitable global order. This tour will go a long way in strengthening India’s global diplomacy — one that recognises the historical connections, leverages economic opportunities, and promotes solidarity among developing nations.
