When Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Accra this week, it marked not just a diplomatic formality but the beginning of a bold new phase in India’s Africa outreach. The first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ghana in over three decades culminated in significant agreements, elevated partnerships, and a reaffirmation of India’s commitment to the Global South.

As the dust settles, it is clear that the visit was of great strategic importance. From defence cooperation and critical minerals to fintech, traditional medicine, and cultural exchanges, India and Ghana have paved a forward-looking roadmap. In a world increasingly defined by multipolar partnerships, this visit underscored India’s intent to stand as a trusted development partner in Africa’s rise.

The centrepiece of the bilateral engagement was the signing of four Memoranda of Understanding covering key sectors: culture, health and traditional medicine, standardisation, and institutional dialogue.

These include a Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP) designed to promote collaboration in the fields of art, music, literature, and heritage, an MoU between the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) for joint work in certification and quality benchmarks, a collaboration in traditional medicine education and research, and an agreement to set up a Joint Commission Meeting mechanism that institutionalises regular bilateral review.

Each of these agreements is rooted in shared values and aligned with development goals. They move the conversation away from transactional diplomacy to long-term capacity building.

The visit’s impact extended well beyond the ceremonial. In a significant gesture, PM Modi offered to share India’s world-leading fintech expertise—particularly its Unified Payments Interface (UPI)—with Ghana, opening new digital finance opportunities for millions.

Highlighting India’s “security through solidarity” approach, Modi also proposed new avenues in defence cooperation: from military training and defence supply to maritime and cyber security. These commitments not only bolster Ghana’s capabilities but also reflect India’s strategic commitment to regional stability in West Africa.

Of particular note is India’s willingness to cooperate in the exploration and mining of critical minerals—a sector vital to global energy transitions. By partnering in this space, India is aligning itself with Africa’s future industries, not just its traditional ones.

The two leaders were also aligned on broader global issues. Both expressed deep concern over conflicts in West Asia and Europe, reaffirming a joint commitment to dialogue and diplomacy.

The commitment to counter-terrorism was equally resolute. PM Modi thanked Ghana for its cooperation, reiterating that terrorism is the enemy of humanity. In this shared struggle, both countries pledged to further deepen intelligence and security collaboration.

On the development front, President Mahama sought India’s support in agriculture, particularly to transform Ghana into a regional food basket. India responded positively, with Modi confirming India’s readiness to support agricultural entrepreneurship, technology transfer, and training.

Ghana’s ambitions to become a hub for pharmaceutical production and vaccines also found a willing partner in India, whose robust pharma sector and history of South-South cooperation offer ready pathways.

Perhaps the most emotional and symbolic moment of the visit was when PM Modi was conferred Ghana’s Order of the Star, one of the country’s highest civilian honours. Previous awardees include icons such as Nelson Mandela, Queen Elizabeth II, and Kofi Annan.

Receiving the honour, Modi dedicated it to the aspirations of India’s youth, the richness of Indian culture, and the historical bonds between the two nations. “This honour is also a responsibility,” Modi said in a post on X, “to keep working towards stronger India-Ghana friendship.”

This moment wasn’t just about ceremony—it was about recognition. India, once a recipient of global aid, now stands on the world stage as a partner of choice, not just in Asia but across Africa.

India’s ties with Ghana and the African continent are anchored in shared history—of struggle, decolonisation, and a deep belief in democracy. What this visit made clear is that the next chapter will be defined by shared innovation, mutual growth, and strategic alignment.

Whether it’s through cultural exchanges or fintech frameworks, defence cooperation or vaccine hubs, India’s engagement with Ghana stands as a model of what South-South partnerships can and should be.

With this historic visit, Prime Minister Modi has not only reset the India-Ghana relationship but also signalled to the world that Africa is no longer a periphery in India’s foreign policy—it is a priority.