Prime Minister's Visits to Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Argentina
The prime minister undertook bilateral visits to Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Argentina en route to the BRICS summit in Brazil. These visits aimed to enhance bilateral cooperation, focusing on key areas such as pharmaceuticals, vaccines, digital technology, food security, and critical minerals.
Key Developments and Agreements
- Ghana:
- India-Ghana ties were elevated to a comprehensive partnership.
- Discussions included transforming Ghana into a “vaccine hub” for West Africa.
- Trinidad and Tobago:
- A significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on "Indian pharmacopeia" was signed.
- Aim to improve access to quality and affordable generic medicines from India.
- Argentina:
- Agreed to enhance cooperation on critical minerals, shale gas, and oil.
- India promoted its pharmaceutical products to Argentina.
Global South and Developing World
The visits underscore India's commitment to building economic mechanisms in the Global South and developing world, contrasting with the Global North. India aims to offer low-cost solutions to global challenges, promoting initiatives like the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).
Engagement with Indian Diaspora
In Port of Spain, the prime minister addressed the Indian diaspora, emphasizing their role as India's "pride." He highlighted the historical connections, mentioning the Indian ancestry of local leaders.
Historical and Political Connections
India shares deep political and historical bonds with these nations, all of which had colonial pasts and engaged in the Non-Aligned Movement. The cooperation is driven by a shared desire for a more equitable global order, promoting interests of developing countries through mechanisms such as BRICS and IBSA.
Conclusion
While there may be differences on international issues, the overarching goal of these visits and the prime minister's tour is to foster a more equal, representative, and developing world-centric global order.
