Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said a strong India will contribute to a more stable and prosperous world as he pushed for credible and effective reforms in global governance in the wake of changing circumstances.
In his address to the Parliament in Ghana, Modi also said that progress cannot come without giving voice to the Global South.
“In these times of global uncertainty, India’s democratic stability shines as a ray of hope. India’s rapid progress is a catalyst for global growth. As the world’s largest democracy, India is a pillar of strength for the world. A strong India will contribute to a more stable and prosperous world,” the prime minister said.
Noting that India is the fastest-growing emerging economy, Modi said that on the foundations of stable polity and governance, India will soon become the third-largest economy.
“We already contribute nearly 16% to global growth. Our demography is paying its dividend. India now has the world’s third-largest start-up ecosystem. India is an innovation and technology hub, where global companies want to converge,” he said.
The Prime Minister underlined that the world order created after World War II is changing fast. “The revolution in technology, the rise of the Global South, and the shifting demographics are contributing to its pace and scale,” he said.
“The world is also facing new and complex crises such as climate change, pandemics, terrorism, and cybersecurity. Institutions created in the last century are struggling to respond. The changing circumstances demand credible and effective reforms in global governance,” he added.
He said progress cannot come without giving voice to the Global South. “We need more than slogans. We need action. That is why, during India’s G20 Presidency, we worked with the vision – One Earth, One Family, One Future,” he added.
“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 G20 during our Presidency,” he said.
The Prime Minister said 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 focused on building local capacities and creating local opportunities. Our objective is not just to invest, but to empower,” he said.
In his address, Modi said it was a privilege to be in Ghana – a land that radiates the spirit of democracy, dignity, and resilience.
“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 makes Ghana a beacon of inspiration for the entire African continent,” he said.
Modi, who was conferred with ‘The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana’, the country’s national honour, said it was a deeply moving experience and he will always cherish it. “I dedicate it to the enduring friendship and shared values that bind India and Ghana,” he said.
“India is the mother of Democracy. 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,” he said.
Noting that the histories of India and Ghana bear the scars of colonial rule, Modi said, “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 diversity.”
“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. With President Mahama, we have decided to elevate our ties to a comprehensive partnership,” he said.
Modi said India shared vaccines and medicines with over 150 countries, including Ghana, during the pandemic.
He said India 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; One World One Health; for a healthier planet; International Solar Alliance;International Big Cats Alliance and the Global Biofuels Alliance; to advance clean biofuels and cut carbon emissions, he said.
Modi said India has seen a major transformation in the past decade. “The people of India have reposed their faith in peace, security, and development,” he said.
“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 space flight mission,” he said.
Modi said the people of India have resolved to make India a developed nation by 2047.
He said free and fair elections are the soul of any democracy. “It is encouraging to see our Electoral Commissions working closely together,” he said.
Modi welcomed the establishment of the Ghana-India Parliamentary Friendship Society in Ghana’s Parliament.
He said Ghana holds great potential to become an IT and innovation hub in the region. “Together, we will shape a future, full of promise and progress,” he said.
“India and Ghana share a dream. A dream where every child gets opportunities. Where every voice is heard. Where nations rise together, not apart,” Modi said.
He said India carries Africa in its heart. “Let us build a partnership not only for today but for generations to come,” he added.
This is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ghana in over three decades.
PM Modi conferred Ghana’s national honour
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Wednesday 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”.
Modi received the award from the Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama. “Honoured to be conferred with ‘The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana’,” the prime minister said in an X post.
In his acceptance speech, Modi said the award was a matter of great pride and honour for him.
“I humbly accept the award on behalf of the 140 crore Indians,” he said, dedicating it to the aspirations and bright future of the youth of India, its cultural traditions and diversity, and the historical ties between Ghana and India.
The award was conferred on the prime minister in recognition of his “distinguished statesmanship and influential global leadership,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a press release.
Thanking the people and government of Ghana for the special gesture, the prime minister noted that the “shared democratic values and traditions of the two countries would continue to nurture the partnership”.
He said the award “further deepens the friendship between the two countries and places new responsibility on him to embrace and advance bilateral ties.”
Modi asserted his confidence that his “historic” state visit to Ghana would impart a new momentum to India-Ghana ties, according to the MEA.
Earlier, Modi held wide-ranging talks with Mahama, after which India and Ghana elevated their ties to the level of a comprehensive partnership.
The prime minister is in Ghana on the first leg of his five-nation tour.
It is the first prime ministerial visit from India to Ghana in three decades.