NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday addressed the Parliament of Ghana throughout his state go to, drawing applause and smiles when he mentioned that India has over 2,500 political events. The remark got here as a part of a broader speech on India’s democratic values and cultural variety.“India is the mom of democracy. For us, democracy will not be merely a system; it is part of our elementary values from hundreds of years in the past,” Modi mentioned. Referring to historical traditions, he added, “The Rig Veda says: Ano bhadraha kratavo yantu Vishwatah – let good ideas come to us from all instructions. This openness to concepts is the core of democracy.”PM Modi highlighted India’s variety and mentioned, “India has over 2,500 political events. I repeat, 2,500 political events. 20 completely different events govern completely different states. We now have 22 official languages and hundreds of dialects. That is additionally the explanation that individuals who got here to India have all the time been welcomed with open hearts.”The second captured on video confirmed Ghanaian MPs reacting with smile, shock and applause on the sheer scale of India’s political plurality.Earlier within the day, Prime Minister Modi visited the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park in Accra and paid floral tribute to Ghana’s founding President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah. Accompanied by Vice President Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, he noticed a second of silence on the mausoleum devoted to Nkrumah and his spouse Fathia.“Dr Nkrumah was a towering determine of Africa’s liberation and unity. This tribute displays India’s deep respect for Ghana’s historical past and shared dedication to freedom and justice,” Modi mentioned.Through the go to, PM Modi was conferred with The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana, the nation’s highest civilian award, by President John Mahama. Calling it a “matter of immense pleasure,” Modi thanked the federal government and folks of Ghana and devoted the honour to the youth of each nations.“I humbly settle for this award on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians. I dedicate this to the aspirations of our youth, our wealthy cultural variety, and the historic ties between India and Ghana,” he mentioned.PM Modi’s go to — the primary by an Indian Prime Minister to Ghana in over three a long time — marks a major second in India-Africa relations. In talks with President Mahama, the 2 leaders agreed to raise ties to a Complete Partnership, specializing in commerce, training, defence, and digital growth.