New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is packing for what might be the longest diplomatic journey of his decade-long premiership. 5 international locations. Eight days. 1000’s of kilometres. A tour that guarantees greater than handshakes and speeches, that is about putting India on the coronary heart of the International South’s rising story.
From the mineral-rich heartlands of Africa to the vitality corridors of Latin America, Modi’s route is rigorously chosen. His first five-nation circuit in 2016 had the attraction of high-level symbolism. This one feels strategic, calculated and heavier in ambition.
Ghana
PM Modi is touchdown in Ghana on July 2. No Indian prime minister has stepped onto Ghanaian soil in over three a long time. This cease just isn’t ceremonial. Ghana holds reserves of bauxite, manganese and lithium – minerals the world is racing to safe.
India desires in. Vaccine growth can also be on the desk. New Delhi is proposing a regional biomedical hub, combining India’s pharmaceutical muscle with West Africa’s rising demand.
The prime minister will even converse at Ghana’s parliament and meet 1000’s from the Indian diaspora – a lot of whom at the moment are a part of the nation’s financial spine.
Trinidad and Tobago
July 3. Port of Spain. The go to carries emotional weight. This marks the a hundred and eightieth anniversary of the arrival of Indian employees to the Caribbean. For a lot of, this journey is greater than diplomacy, it’s a return of bloodlines.
Each the president and prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago are of Indian origin. That provides to the ambiance. PM Modi is anticipated to talk at a particular session of parliament and pay homage to a relationship rooted in historical past and cultural reminiscence.
Talks will embody collaboration in healthcare, digital know-how and defence. India’s assist in telemedicine and digital well being may revolutionise entry for smaller island nations.
Argentina
The following is Argentina – a rustic with the world’s second-largest reserves of shale gasoline. It is usually house to an increasing lithium financial system. India has already made its entry by means of KABIL, a state-run mining enterprise. However this go to may unlock deeper entry.
That is Modi’s first one-on-one with President Javier Milei. They arrive from very completely different worlds – politically and ideologically – however each perceive the worth of strategic mineral diplomacy.
Vitality, agriculture and house tech will dominate the agenda. India’s expertise with digital infrastructure and healthcare supply will even be provided as a blueprint for Argentina’s underserved areas.
Brazil
Modi will land in Brazil on July 6. It won’t be a short cease. 4 days are marked off. The BRICS Summit kicks off right here. So do bilateral talks with President Lula da Silva.
Brazil is eyeing Indian defence programs. Amongst them are battlefield communication kits, Garuda artillery, Akash missile shields and even Scorpene submarine assist.
India, in flip, sees Brazil as a key market and a companion in South-South defence innovation.
The summit itself will talk about AI guidelines, local weather objectives, peace in battle zones and the push for reforming international establishments.
India goes to take over BRICS chairmanship in 2026. Modi can be setting the tone now.
Namibia
The ultimate cease is Namibia. There’s symbolism in ending the journey right here. India has helped with cheetah rewilding. Namibia desires deeper cooperation in inexperienced vitality, water tech and high-skilled vocational coaching.
Few anticipate huge offers right here. However optics matter. Modi will meet leaders. Go to conservation zones. And maybe most significantly, sign that India’s overseas coverage doesn’t see Africa as a one-stop photograph op.
The Stakes
PM Modi is flying into areas the place India typically competes with China and the place partnerships are formed by belief, know-how and commerce.
Eight days, 5 international locations and one message – greater than affect, India desires presence, permanence, visibility and respect.