Your Highness,

Excellencies,

Namaskar!

I express my heartfelt gratitude to President Lula for the excellent organisation of the 17th BRICS Summit. Under Brazil’s dynamic chairmanship, our BRICS cooperation has gained fresh momentum and vitality. And let me say—the energy we’ve received isn’t just an espresso; it’s a double espresso shot! For this, I applaud President Lula’s vision and his unwavering commitment. On behalf of India, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to my friend, President Prabowo, on Indonesia’s inclusion in the BRICS family.

Friends,

The Global South has often faced double standards. Whether it’s about development, distribution of resources, or security related matters, the interests of the Global South have not been given due importance. The Global South often received nothing more than token gestures on topics like climate finance, sustainable development, and technology access.

Friends,

Two-thirds of humanity still lack proper representation in global institutions built in the 20th century. Many countries that play a key role in today’s global economy are yet to be given a seat at the decision-making table. This is not just about representation, it’s also about credibility and effectiveness. Without the Global South, these institutions are like a mobile phone with a SIM card but no network. They’re unable to function properly or meet the challenges of the 21st century. Whether it’s ongoing conflicts across the world, the pandemic, economic crises, or emerging challenges in cyber or space, these institutions have failed to offer solutions.

Friends,

Today the world needs a new multipolar and inclusive world order. This will have to start with comprehensive reforms in global institutions. These reforms should not be merely symbolic, but their real impact should also be visible. There must be changes in governance structures, voting rights, and leadership positions. The challenges faced by countries in the Global South must be given priority in policymaking.

Friends,

The expansion of BRICS and the inclusion of new partners reflect its ability to evolve with the times. Now, we must demonstrate the same determination to reform institutions like the UN Security Council, the WTO, and Multilateral Development Banks. In the age of AI, where technology evolves every week, it’s unacceptable for global institutions to go eighty years without reform. You can’t run 21st-century software on 20th-century typewriters!

Friends,

India has always considered it a duty to rise above self interest and work towards the interest of humanity. We’re fully committed to work along with the BRICS countries on all matters, and provide our constructive contributions. Thank you very much.

DISCLAIMER – This is the approximate translation of Prime Minister’s remarks. Original remarks were delivered in Hindi.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi extended warm greetings to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the occasion of his 90th birthday. Shri Modi said that His Holiness the Dalai Lama has been an enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience and moral discipline. His message has inspired respect and admiration across all faiths, Shri Modi further added.

In a message on X, the Prime Minister said;

“I join 1.4 billion Indians in extending our warmest wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday. He has been an enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience and moral discipline. His message has inspired respect and admiration across all faiths. We pray for his continued good health and long life.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today paid heartfelt tributes to Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee on the occasion of his birth anniversary.
Remembering the immense contributions of Dr. Mookerjee, Shri Modi said that he sacrificed his life to protect the honor, dignity, and pride of the country. His ideals and principles are invaluable in the construction of a developed and self-reliant India, Shri Modi further added.

In a X post, PM said;

“राष्ट्र के अमर सपूत डॉ. श्यामा प्रसाद मुखर्जी को उनकी जन्म-जयंती पर भावभीनी श्रद्धांजलि। देश की आन-बान और शान की रक्षा के लिए उन्होंने अपने प्राण न्योछावर कर दिए। उनके आदर्श और सिद्धांत विकसित और आत्मनिर्भर भारत के निर्माण में बहुमूल्य हैं।”

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met today with H.E. Mrs. Kamla Persad-Bissessar, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago [T&T] at Red House in Port of Spain. He congratulated Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar on taking over office the second time after her victory in recent elections. He thanked her for an exceptional welcome.

The two leaders held discussions on wide-range of areas of potential collaboration including agriculture, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, digital transformation, UPI, capacity building, culture, sports and people-to-people ties. Development cooperation is an important pillar of India-Trinidad & Tobago partnership. Prime Minister Bissesar noted that Prime Minister Modi’s landmark visit to Trinidad & Tobago will reinvigorate the deep-rooted bilateral ties between the two countries.

Both leaders also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. They called upon greater cooperation to deal with contemporary challenges such climate change, disaster management, and cyber security. Prime Minister expressed appreciation for T&T’s strong support and solidarity extended to the people of India in the wake of Pahalgam terror attack. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. They agreed to work together for greater solidarity among the countries of the Global South and to strengthen India-CARICOM partnership.

Following the talks, six MOUs in the fields of pharmacopoeia, Quick Impact Projects, culture, sports, diplomatic training and ICCR chairs for Hindi and Indian studies were exchanged. Several announcements to foster bilateral ties, including the offer of OCI card to the sixth generation of the people of Indian origin in T&T were made. The List of Outcomes may be seen here.

Prime Minister invited Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to pay a visit to India, which she accepted. The landmark visit of Prime Minister to Trinidad & Tobago has given a boost to the special ties between the countries.

At the invitation of the President of the Senate, H.E. Wade Mark and the Speaker of the House, H.E. Jagdeo Singh, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today addressed the Joint Assembly of the Parliament of Trinidad & Tobago [T&T]. He is the first Prime Minister from India to address the T&T Parliament and the occasion marked a milestone in India-Trinidad & Tobago bilateral relations.

Addressing the august House, Prime Minister conveyed special greetings to the Members from the largest democracy in the world. He expressed gratitude to the people of T&T for bestowing on him their highest national honour. Elaborating on the vibrancy of Indian democracy, he noted that India as the Mother of Democracy, had made the practice integral to its culture and life. This approach, he noted, had allowed India’s diversity to flourish and prosper and all ideas to co-exist and enrich parliamentary discourses and public debates.

Prime Minister congratulated T&T on its successful democratic journey. He noted that India was privileged to stand in solidarity with the people of T&T on their path to freedom. He further emphasized that the deep-rooted bonds between the two countries as modern nations have gone from strength to strength. Underlining the close ties between the two democracies, aptly reflected in the Speaker’s Chair gifted by India, Prime Minister called for further enhancing bilateral parliamentary exchanges. Expressing delight at the significant presence of women parliamentarians in the House, he highlighted the historic step taken by India to reserve 33% seats for women in Parliament and State Legislatures. He also elaborated on women leaders taking lead at the grassroots level in India, and in this context, mentioned about the 1.5 million elected women powering local governance institutions in the country.

Prime Minister elaborated on the challenges being faced by humanity. He called for the global community to strengthen fight against terrorism, which poses a grave threat to peace loving society. He called for reform of global governance and for the Global South to be given its due. He committed to further strengthening India-CARICOM ties.

Recalling the ongoing celebrations of the 180 years of the arrival of Indians in Trinidad, Prime Minister noted that the ties between the two countries were based on the foundations of centuries-old bonds, and these would continue to deepen and prosper.

In a special ceremony at the President’s House in Port of Spain, H.E. Christine Carla Kangaloo ORTT, President of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago conferred upon Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi the highest national award of Trinidad & Tobago – “The Order of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago” for his statesmanship, for championing the priorities of the Global South and for his exceptional contribution to strengthening the relationship between India and Trinidad & Tobago. Prime Minister is the first foreign leader to be conferred the award.

Accepting the award on behalf of 1.4 billion people of India, Prime Minister dedicated the honour to the enduring bonds of friendship between the two countries. He underlined that these special ties were based on shared history and cultural heritage forged by Indians who arrived in the country 180 years ago. He affirmed his commitment to further deepening the bilateral partnership between India and Trinidad & Tobago.

The event was attended by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago H.E. Mrs. Kamla Persad-Bissessar, members of her Cabinet, Members of Parliament and other dignitaries.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed today a large gathering of the Indian Diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago. The event was attended by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, H.E. Mrs. Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Members of her Cabinet, Members of Parliament and several other dignitaries. At the event, Prime Minister was greeted with exceptional warmth by the diaspora and given a colorful traditional Indo-Trinidadian welcome.

Welcoming Prime Minister Modi at the event, Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar announced that Trinidad & Tobago would be conferring their highest National Award, “The Order of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago” on him. Prime Minister expressed his heartfelt gratitude to her and the people of Trinidad & Tobago for this honour.

​In his address, Prime Minister thanked Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar for her warmth and for her contribution to strengthening the vibrant and special ties between the two countries. Prime Minister underlined that his historic visit to T&T at a time when the nation is celebrating 180 years of the first arrival of Indian immigrants on its shores made it even more special.

Prime Minister praised the Indian diaspora for their resilience, cultural richness and their immense contribution to Trinidad & Tobago. Prime Minister appreciated that the Indian Diaspora in Trinidad & Tobago continues to preserve and nurture its Indian cultural roots and traditions. To further strengthen these bonds, Prime Minister announced that OCI cards would now be issued to the 6th generation of the people of Indian origin in Trinidad & Tobago. This special gesture was greeted with loud applause. Prime Minister also underscored that the Government of India would be supporting several initiatives to nurture the Girmitiya legacy.

Prime Minister outlined India’s rapid development and transformation in the fields of infrastructure, digital technologies, manufacturing, green pathways, space, innovation and start-ups. He highlighted that in the last one-decade India has made significant strides in promoting inclusive growth with over 250 million people lifted out of extreme poverty.

Highlighting various aspects of India’s growth story, he noted that the country would soon be among the top three economies in the world. Prime Minister stressed that National Missions on AI, Semiconductor and Quantum Computing were becoming new engines of the country’s growth.

Underlining the success of UPI based digital payments in India, he expressed optimism that its adoption in Trinidad & Tobago would be equally encouraging. Reflecting on India’s age-old philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam , meaning the world is one family, vividly demonstrated during the Covid pandemic, he offered continued support to T&T in its pursuit of progress and nation making.

The grand event attended by over 4000 people featured a captivating cultural programme performed by the artistes from the Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Cultural Cooperation and other organizations.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi presented a replica of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar during a dinner hosted in his honour. He also offered holy water from the Saryu River and from the Mahakumbh held in Prayagraj.

The Prime Minister posted on X;

“At the dinner hosted by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, I presented a replica of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and holy water from the Saryu river as well as from the Mahakumbh held in Prayagraj. They symbolise the deep cultural and spiritual bonds between India and Trinidad & Tobago.”

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi paid tribute to Swami Vivekananda Ji on his Punya Tithi. He said that Swami Vivekananda Ji’s thoughts and vision for our society remains our guiding light. He ignited a sense of pride and confidence in our history and cultural heritage, Shri Modi further added.

The Prime Minister posted on X;

“I bow to Swami Vivekananda Ji on his Punya Tithi. His thoughts and vision for our society remains our guiding light. He ignited a sense of pride and confidence in our history and cultural heritage. He also emphasised on walking the path of service and compassion.”

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed a special session of the Parliament of Ghana today, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to do so. The session, convened by the Speaker of Parliament, Hon’ble Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, was attended by Members of Parliament, Government officials and distinguished guests from both the nations. The address marked a significant moment in India-Ghana relations, reflecting the mutual respect and shared democratic values that unite the two countries.

In his address, Prime Minister highlighted the historical bonds between India and Ghana, forged through shared struggles for independence and a common commitment to democracy and inclusive development. He expressed gratitude to the President of Ghana, H.E. John Dramani Mahama and the Ghanaian people for the National Honour conferred upon him, calling it a symbol of enduring friendship. Drawing on the contributions of the great Ghanaian leader – Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, he emphasized that the ideals of unity, peace, and justice are the foundation of strong and lasting partnerships.

Quoting Dr. Nkrumah, who once said – “The forces that unite us are intrinsic and greater than the superimposed influences that keep us apart” and who laid great stress on the long-term impact of building democratic institutions, Prime Minister underscored the importance of nurturing democratic values. Noting that India as a Mother of Democracy had embraced democratic ethos as part of its culture, Prime Minister highlighted the deep and vibrant roots of democracy in India. He pointed to India’s diversity and democratic strength as a testament to the power of unity in diversity, a value echoed in Ghana’s own democratic journey. He also highlighted the pressing global challenges such as climate change, terrorism, pandemics, and cyber threats and called for a collective Global South voice in global governance. In this context, he underlined the inclusion of African Union as a permanent member of G20 during India’s presidency.

Prime Minister lauded Ghana’s vibrant parliamentary system and expressed satisfaction at the growing exchanges between the legislatures of both countries. In this context, he welcomed the establishment of the Ghana-India Parliamentary Friendship Society. Expressing the resolve of the people of India to make the country a developed nation by 2047, Prime Minister noted that India would stand shoulder to shoulder with Ghana in its pursuit of progress and prosperity.

Your Excellency President John Mahama,
Delegates from both countries
Friends from the media,

Namaskar!

After a long gap of three decades, an Indian Prime Minister is visiting Ghana.

It is a matter of great pride for me to have got this opportunity.

“अय्य मे अनेजे से मेवोहा”

I am deeply grateful for the warmth and respect with which we have been welcomed in Ghana.

It is a matter of great honour for me that the President himself came to the airport to receive me.

President Mahama was elected as the President for the second time in the general elections of December 2024. I once again congratulate him on his glorious victory.

This victory symbolises the deep confidence that the people of Ghana have in his vision and leadership.

Friends,

At the heart of the friendship between India and Ghana lie our shared beliefs, struggles, and a shared dream for an inclusive future.

The freedom struggle of our countries has inspired many others.

Even today, Ghana’s vibrant democracy serves as a “Beacon of Hope” in West Africa.

Today, the President and I have decided to elevate our bilateral relationship into a “Comprehensive Partnership”.

In Ghana’s journey of nation building, India is not just a supporter, but also a fellow traveller.

The Grand Jubilee House, the Foreign Services Institute, Komenda Sugar Factory, India-Ghana Kofi Annan ICT Centre, and the Tema Mpakadan Railway Line – they’re not just bricks and mortar, but a symbol of our partnership.

Our bilateral trade has crossed USD 3 billion.

Indian companies have invested approximately USD 2 billion across approximately 900 projects.

Today, we’ve set a target to double our bilateral trade over the next five years.

In the area of FinTech, India is ready to share its experience of the UPI Digital Payment with Ghana.

Friends,

Development Partnership is a key pillar of our partnership.

We assure India’s complete support and cooperation towards President Mahama’s efforts of ‘economic restructuring’.

Today, we have decided to double the ITEC and ICCR scholarships for Ghana.

Work will be initiated to establish a Skill Development Centre for the vocational education of the youth.

In the area of agriculture, it will be our pleasure to lend support towards President Mahama’s “Feed Ghana” program.

India is proposing to provide affordable healthcare and reliable care to the citizens of Ghana through Jan Aushadhi Kendras.

We’ve discussed cooperation in vaccine production.

In the area of Defence and Security, we will move forward with the mantra of “Security through Stability”

Cooperation will be extended in areas such as training of Armed Forces, Maritime Security, Defence Supplies and Cyber Security.

Indian companies shall cooperate in the exploration and mining of critical minerals.

India and Ghana are already cooperating on platforms like the International Solar Alliance and Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.

To support and promote Ghana’s efforts in renewable energy, especially in clean cooking gas, we have invited them into the Global Biofuels Alliance.

Friends,

We’re both members of the Global South, and are fully committed towards its priorities.

We thank Ghana for their active participation in the Voice of Global South Summit.

It’s a matter of pride for India that the African Union received its permanent membership in the G20 during our G20 presidency.

We also held discussions on regional and international issues, including the Sahel region. We are united in our view that terrorism is the enemy of humanity.

We express our sincere gratitude to Ghana for its cooperation in our fight against terrorism.

In this context, we have decided to further strengthen our cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts. Our perspectives on UN reforms are also closely aligned.

We both have expressed deep concern over the ongoing conflicts in West Asia and Europe. We firmly believe that this is not an era of war.

Issues must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.

Friends,

The Indian community in Ghana represents a vital link in our people-to-people relations.

For many years, Indian teachers, doctors, and engineers have been serving in Ghana.

The Indian community is also making a positive contribution to Ghana’s economic and social progress. I’m looking forward to meeting with members of the Indian community tomorrow.

Hon’ble President,

You’re a close friend to India. You’re well acquainted with India.

I warmly invite you to visit India. I trust that you will provide us the opportunity to welcome you.

Once again, I express my immense gratitude to you, the government and the people of Ghana for your warm hospitality.

Thank you very much.

DISCLAIMER – This is the approximate translation of Prime Minister’s remarks. Original remarks were delivered in Hindi.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi was today conferred the national honour of Ghana – Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana – by the President of Ghana, H.E. John Dramani Mahama in recognition of his distinguished statesmanship and influential global leadership. Accepting the award on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians, Prime Minister dedicated the honour to the aspirations of the youth of India, its cultural traditions and diversity, and to the historical ties between Ghana and India.

Prime Minister thanked the people and government of Ghana for this special gesture. Noting that the shared democratic values and traditions of the two countries would continue to nurture the partnership, Prime Minister stated that the award further deepens the friendship between the two countries and places new responsibility on him to embrace and advance bilateral ties. Prime Minister affirmed he was confident that his historic State Visit to Ghana would impart a new momentum to India-Ghana ties.

PM’s remarks during acceptance of “The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana”

I am deeply honoured to be conferred with Ghana’s national award, “The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana”, by the President.

I express my heartfelt gratitude to President Mahama, to the Government, and the people of Ghana. I humbly accept this honour on behalf of 140 crore Indians.

I dedicate this honour to the aspirations of our youth, their promising future, our rich cultural diversity and traditions, and the enduring historical bonds between India and Ghana.

DISCLAIMER – This is the approximate translation of Prime Minister’s remarks. Original remarks were delivered in Hindi.