July 3, 2025e-Paper
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July 3, 2025e-Paper
Updated – July 03, 2025 04:50 pm IST
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses Ghana’s Parliament. Picture: YouTube/@NarendraModi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (July 3, 2025) paid homage at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park (KNMP) dedicated to Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s founding President and a revered leader of the African independence movement. “The tribute paid by Prime Minister reflects India’s deep respect for Ghana’s rich history and reaffirms the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two countries,” a statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs said.
Later, he is set to visit Trinidad and Tobago on July 3-4, which will be followed by his visit to Argentina. The last stop in his tour will be Namibia, where he will pay tribute to Namibian decolonisation icon Sam Nujoma, who passed away on February 8.
Also Read | Why PM Modi’s visit to Ghana matters: A look at India–Ghana bilateral relations
On Wednesday, Mr. Modi said India and Ghana have elevated their ties to the level of a comprehensive partnership, with the Prime Minister reaffirming that New Delhi is a co-traveller in the African nation’s development journey. In his media statement, Prime Minister Modi said both sides have set a target of doubling the two-way trade in the next five years and that India is not just a partner but a co-traveller in Ghana’s development journey. The two leaders also touched upon issues facing the Global South.
The Prime Minister was conferred with ‘The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana’, the country’s national honour, for his “distinguished statesmanship and influential global leadership”. Mr. Modi received the award from the Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama.
Watch |PM Modi, Ghanaian President Mahama hold talks, decide to double trade in the next five years
Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address Ghana’s Parliament shortly.
“India and Ghana share a dream. A dream where every child gets opportunities; where every voice is heard… India carries Africa in its heart. Let us build a partnership not only for today but for generations to come. Thank you,” says PM Modi, concluding his speech.
“After all, our mantra is ‘ Sabka saath, sabka vikas, sabka viswa, sabkaa prayas’. India remains a committed partner in Africa’s development journey. We support Africa’s Development Framework Agenda 2063 to secure a bright and sustainable future for its people. Africa’s goals are our priorities. Our approach is to grow together as equals. Our development partnership with Africa is demand driven. It is focussed on building local capacities and creating local opportunities. Our objective is not just to invest but to empower,” Modi says.
“India now has the world’s third largest startup ecosystem. India is an innovation and technology hub where global companies want to converse. We are recognised as the pharmacy of the world. Indian women today lead in science, space, aviation and sports. India landed on the moon and today, an Indian is in orbit giving wings to our human flight mission,” he says.
“When India landed Chandrayaan mission on the moon’s south pole, I was in Africa that day too. And today, an Indian astronaut, for a brighter future of humanity, is conducting experiments onboard space station, I am once again in Africa,” he says.
“This is no ordinary coincidence. It reflects the deep bond we share over common aspirations and shared future. Our development is inclusive. Our growth touches the lives of every India. The people of India have resolved to make India a developed nation by 2047, when we celebrate 100 years of independence. As Ghana continues to pursue the path of progress and prosperity, India shall walk with you shoulder-to-shoulder on this road,” he says.
We launched Mission Life: Lifestyle for environment to address climate change and promote sustainable living. This inclusive spirit powers our global initiatives like ‘One world, one sun, one grid’ and ‘One world, one health’ for healthier planet, International Solar Alliance to encourage solar energy and sustainability, ‘International Big Cat Alliance’ to protect wildlife and the ‘Global Biofuel Alliance; to advance clean biofuels and cut carbon emissions. I am glad that Ghana, as a founding member, will host the African regional meeting for the International Solar Alliance, this September,” he says.
“This demonstrates our shared belief that the world is one family. Over the past decade, India has seen a major transformation. The people of India have reposed their faith in peace, security and development,” he says.
“Last year, they re-elected the same government for the third consecutive time, something that happened after more than six decades. Today, India is the fastest growing, emerging economy on the foundations of stable polity and good governance, India will soon be the third largest economy. We already contribute nearly 16% to global growth. Our demography is paying its dividend,” he says.
“With President Mahama, we have decided to elevate our ties to a comprehensive partnership. Friends, the world order created after the second world war is changing fast. The revolution in technology, the rise of the global south and shifting demographics are contributing to its pace and scale. The challenges such as colonial rule that humanity has faced in the earlier centuries, still persist in different forms,” he says.
“The world is also facing new and complex crises such as climate change, pandemics, terrorism and cyber security. Institutions created in the last century are struggling to respond. The changing circumstances demand credible and effective reforms in global governance. Progress cant come without giving voice to the global south. We need more than slogans; we need action. That is why during India’s G-20 presidency, we worked with the vision ‘One earth, one family, one future’. We put emphasis on Africa’s rightful place at the global high table. We are proud that the African Union became a permanent member of the G-20 during our presidency. For India, our philosophy is humanity first. We believe in [chants in Sanskrit] ‘May all be happy; may all be free from illness; may no one suffer in any way’. This philosophy embodies India’s approach to the world. This guided our action during the COVID pandemic. We shared vaccines and medicines with over 150 countries including our friends in Ghana,” he says.
Continuing his address, Modi says, “The histories of India and Ghana bear the scars of colonial rule but our spirits have always remained free and fearless. We draw strength and inspiration from our rich heritage. We take pride in our social, cultural and linguistic diversities. We built nations rooted in freedom, unity and dignity. Our relationship knows no bounds. And with your permission, may I say, our friendship is sweeter than your famous sugarloaf pineapple,” he says.
“For us, democracy is not merely a system. It is a part of our fundamental values. From thousands of years ago, we have examples of centres like Vaishali. The Rig Veda, one of the world’s oldest scriptures, says, ‘Let good thoughts come to us from all directions’. This openness to ideas is the core of democracy,” he says.
“India has over 2,500 political parties,” he says, causing mild chuckles in the House. “I repeat, 2,500 political parties. 20 different parties governing different States. 22 official languages, thousands of dialect. This is also the reason that people who came to India have always been welcomed with open heart. The same spirit helps Indians integrate easily wherever they go. Even in Ghana, they have blended into society, just like sugar into tea,” he says.
“Last evening was a deeply moving experience; receiving your national award from my friend, President Mahama, is an honour. I will always cherish that. I thank the people of Ghana for this respect on behalf 1.4 crore Indians,” he says.
“I dedicate it to the enduring friendship and shared values that bind India and Ghana,” he says.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the Parliament of Ghana.
“I am deeply honoured to address this esteemed House today. It is a privilege to be in Ghana, a land that radiates the spirit of democracy, dignity and resilience. As the representative of the world’s largest democracy, I bring with me the goodwill and the greeting of 1.4 billion Indians,” he says.
“Ghana is known as the land of gold, not just for what lies under your soil but as much for the warmth and strength in your heart,” he says.
“When we look at Ghana, we see a nation that shines with courage, that rises above history, that meets every challenge with dignity and grace. Your commitment to democratic ideals and inclusive progress truly made Ghana a beacon of inspiration for the entire African continent,” he says.
Ghana President welcomes PM Modi for historic bilateral visit, strengthening ties between India and Ghana after three decades.
Published – July 03, 2025
Live news / Prime Minister Narendra Modi / Africa / Trinidad and Tobago / Argentina / Brazil / diplomacy / international relations
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