PM Narendra Modi 5 Nation Tour Live Updates: PM Modi addresses Trinidad & Tobago parliament; hails ties with India

Reacting to Prime Minister Narendra Modi being conferred with the 'Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana', BJP National Spokesperson CR Kesavan said the honour was a testament to the respect and faith not just Ghana, but the entire Global South, holds for India and the Prime Minister.

Kesavan stated, "Ghana conferring its highest national honour to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his influential global leadership is standing testimony to the respect and faith not just Ghana but the entire global South has in India and our Prime Minister." He noted that this marked the 24th international honour received by PM Modi, symbolising India’s growing global stature, and highlighted the Prime Minister’s decision to dedicate the recognition to the people of India.

Referring to PM Modi’s leadership during India’s G20 presidency, he recalled how Modi played a pivotal role in securing permanent G20 membership for the African Union. Kesavan said this move ensured the inclusion of developing nations and amplified the Global South’s voice. He also recalled PM Modi’s efforts during his time as Chief Minister, including support to over 25 African countries during Covid-19.

PM Modi received the honour from Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama and dedicated it to India’s youth, cultural diversity, and Indo-Ghanaian friendship.

In his acceptance speech, Modi said the award was a matter of great pride and honour for him and dedicated it to the aspirations and bright future of the youth of the two countries, the historical ties between Ghana and India, and their rich cultural traditions and diversity.

India and Ghana have upgraded their bilateral relationship to a comprehensive partnership. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described India as a co-traveller in Ghana’s development efforts following discussions with Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama on Wednesday.

In his media statement, Modi said both countries aim to double their bilateral trade over the next five years and emphasised that India’s role goes beyond partnership, highlighting its shared commitment to Ghana’s progress.

Addressing the joint statement, PM Modi said, "Today we have decided to double the ITEC and ICCR scholarships for Ghana. Work will be done to establish a Skill Development Centre for vocational education of youth. In the agricultural sector, we would be happy to cooperate with President Mahama's 'Feed Ghana' program. Through Jan Aushadhi Kendra, India proposes to provide 'affordable healthcare, reliable care' to the citizens of Ghana. We discussed cooperation in vaccine production. In the defence and security sector, we will move forward with the mantra of 'Security through Solidarity'. Cooperation will be increased in areas like training of armed forces, maritime security, defence supply and cyber security...."

Various MoUs exchanged between India and Ghana following PM Modi's delegation-level meeting with President of Ghana, John Mahama, at Jubilee House in Accra.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm and ceremonial welcome as he arrived in Ghana, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the country in over 30 years. President John Dramani Mahama personally welcomed PM Modi at the airport, reflecting the deep and historic ties between the two nations. As a mark of respect, a Guard of Honour was presented to the Prime Minister, accompanied by a 21-gun salute. The grand reception underscored the significance of Modi’s visit, which aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation and deepen India’s engagement with the African continent, particularly through partnerships in development, trade, and diplomacy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Accra, Ghana, marking the first visit by an Indian PM in over three decades. He received a ceremonial welcome from President John Dramani Mahama, reflecting the strong bilateral ties between the two nations. Outside his hotel, children in traditional Indian attire prepared to greet him with Sanskrit shlokas. The visit aims to deepen India-Ghana ties through enhanced cooperation in the economy, energy, defence, and development. It also reinforces India's broader commitment to engaging with the African Union and ECOWAS.

Members of the Indian diaspora in Ghana were enthusiastically awaiting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s arrival, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in three decades. Hours before his scheduled arrival, crowds gathered, waving Indian flags and holding signs reflecting their excitement and pride.Manoj Kapoor, a member of the Indian diaspora, expressed his excitement, saying, "We are all eagerly waiting for PM Modi. He is a tall global leader. Everyone really likes him. People of Ghana are waiting for him. He is well-respected here.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the parliaments of Ghana, Namibia, and Trinidad & Tobago during his five-nation tour starting July 2. This historic visit includes participation in the BRICS Summit in Brazil and bilateral meetings aimed at deepening strategic and diplomatic ties. It marks the first Indian PM visit to Ghana in 30 years and to Namibia in 27 years. In Ghana, Modi will hold talks and interact with the Indian diaspora of around 15,000 people. His visit to Trinidad & Tobago, the first since 1999, is at the invitation of Prime Minister Kamala Prasad Bisessar. He will address a joint session of Parliament there, highlighting shared democratic values and the strong parliamentary traditions between India and the Caribbean nation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his landmark five-nation tour on Wednesday, spanning July 2 to 9, with stops in Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia. The visit underscores India’s growing engagement with the Global South and its focus on strengthening partnerships across the Atlantic. “I am confident that my visits to the five countries will reinforce our bonds friendship across the Global South, strengthen our partnerships on both sides of the Atlantic, and deepen engagements in the multilateral platforms such as BRICS, the African Union, ECOWAS and the CARICOM," the Prime Minister said in his departure statement.