PM Modi’s Five-Nation Tour to Focus on Anti-Terror Push, Security Ties & Critical Minerals Cooperation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a five-nation tour from July 2 to 9, with key objectives including rallying global support against terrorism, expanding security and defence cooperation, and securing access to critical minerals vital for India’s green energy transition. The visit includes stops in Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia—all nations seen as central to India’s Global South outreach.

Brics Summit: Terrorism in Focus

The centrepiece of the trip will be Modi’s participation in the Brics Summit in Rio de Janeiro (July 6–7), where the leaders’ declaration is expected to strongly condemn the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and back India’s call for global action against cross-border terrorism. The attack, which killed 26 civilians, led to Operation Sindoor, an Indian retaliatory strike on terror camps in Pakistan.

“There is a broader understanding within Brics on the need to deal with terrorism decisively, and the declaration reflects that,” said Dammu Ravi, Secretary (Economic Relations), Ministry of External Affairs.

Despite the absence of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, India’s presence at the summit underscores New Delhi’s commitment to Brics, which it is set to chair in 2026.

Strengthening Strategic and Economic Ties

Modi’s engagements with leaders of all five countries will cover defence cooperation, trade, energy, and digital partnerships, reflecting India’s deepening ties with the Global South.

In Brazil, talks will cover joint research, training exchanges, and potential defence exports including:

• Akash air defence systems

• Offshore patrol vessels

• Coastal surveillance systems

• Garuda artillery guns

Brazil has also shown interest in acquiring secure communications technology from India.

Securing Critical Minerals for Green Energy

Critical minerals are high on the agenda, especially in Brazil, Argentina, and Namibia, which hold vast reserves of rare earths like lithium, cobalt, tantalum, and graphite. These are crucial to India’s energy transition.

• India’s KABIL has secured four lithium concessions in Argentina’s Catamarca province, in partnership with Coal India.

• Indian firms Greenco and World Metals & Alloys also hold mining rights there.

First Indian PM Visits in Decades

Modi’s trip will mark the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ghana in 30 years and to Namibia in 27 years. Key developments expected include:

• A pact on UPI interoperability with Namibia, enhancing digital payment infrastructure

• Boosting bilateral trade with Ghana, currently at $3 billion, largely driven by Indian gold imports

• Strengthening economic ties with Brazil, with trade currently valued at $12.2 billion

Engagement with Legislatures

Modi is also scheduled to address the Parliaments of Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Namibia, reaffirming India’s commitment to democratic partnerships across the Global South.

This visit aligns with India’s larger foreign policy goal of amplifying its presence and influence among emerging economies, with a focus on shared development, technology, and security interests.