June 30, 2025 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a significant five-nation tour this week, covering Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia. The visit aims to strengthen India’s development partnerships and enhance South-South cooperation through key initiatives in healthcare, digital finance, and trade.
In a special briefing held on Monday, Dammu Ravi, Secretary (Economic Relations) in the Ministry of External Affairs, outlined the major highlights of the Prime Minister’s upcoming tour. Two key announcements included the establishment of a vaccine manufacturing hub in Ghana and the expansion of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in Namibia.
Vaccine Hub in Ghana
India will set up a state-of-the-art vaccine production facility in Ghana to boost Africa’s healthcare infrastructure. The initiative is part of India’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to affordable vaccines across the Global South.
“This facility will help build regional capacity in vaccine manufacturing, reduce dependency on external suppliers, and further India’s role as a trusted healthcare partner,” said Ravi. The move echoes India’s earlier ‘Vaccine Maitri’ mission, which provided COVID-19 vaccines to more than 100 countries.
UPI Expansion to Namibia
As part of the digital cooperation agenda, India will launch its flagship digital payment platform, UPI, in Namibia. This is the latest step in the internationalization of UPI, following its adoption in countries such as Singapore, UAE, and France.
The integration will allow real-time, low-cost transactions between India and Namibia, benefiting businesses, expatriates, and travelers. “We’re seeing growing global interest in Indian fintech solutions. This collaboration with Namibia is a step forward in creating an interconnected digital economy,” Ravi added.
Strategic Engagement in Latin America and the Caribbean
In Trinidad & Tobago, PM Modi will engage in high-level talks focusing on cultural ties and diaspora relations. The Indian diaspora constitutes a significant part of the population in the Caribbean nation.
The visits to Argentina and Brazil will prioritize cooperation in renewable energy, space technology, agriculture, and bilateral trade. India is also expected to reaffirm its commitment to BRICS cooperation during talks with Brazilian leadership.
Broader Foreign Policy Objectives
The tour reflects India’s strategic vision of expanding its influence across Africa and Latin America, regions traditionally underrepresented in India’s foreign policy. According to the MEA, these engagements are designed to promote inclusive development, digital innovation, and resilient public health infrastructure.
“The Prime Minister’s visit is a strong message of India’s commitment to a multipolar and democratic global order,” said Ravi.
PM Modi’s visit comes at a time when India is seeking to solidify its leadership role among Global South nations and deepen bilateral ties beyond its immediate neighbourhood. The focus on technology transfer, healthcare collaboration, and financial inclusion is expected to lay the foundation for long-term strategic partnerships.
