A strong India will contribute to the more stable world at the time of global uncertainty, and the changing circumstances emphasize the need for global regime reforms as institutions set up in the last century struggling to respond, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday.
Addressing a special session of Parliament in Akra, Modi said that India is a committed partner in the development of African countries by creating local opportunities and increasing connectivity and infrastructure. The speech was Modi’s final engagement of his visit to Ghana for the first time by an Indian premiere in three decades.
Modi is visiting Ghana and Namibia in Africa during a visit to five countries, which is part of the extended outreach expanding in the global south of New Delhi. India and Ghana on Wednesday agreed to increase the cooperation in defense, food security and pharmaceuticals and double the two-way trade in $ 6 billion in five years.
“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 development. 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 rich world,” Modi said in a rare speech in English.
A technical revolution, the rise of Global South and Shifting Demonography are contributing to rapid changes in the global order created after World War II, and the world is facing complex crises such as climate change, epidemic, terrorism and cybercity. “The institutions created in the last century are struggling to respond. Changing circumstances demand reliable and effective reforms in global rule,” he said.
Modi insisted that progress is not possible without giving any voice to the global South. He said, “We need more than slogans. We need action … We emphasized the right place in Africa in the global high table,” he said in a meeting in which Ghana President John Dramani Mahama, Vice President Nana Jane Jane Jane Opoku-Angimang, Speaker Alban Bagbin, MPs, political aspects, political aspects and members of Indian community.
India can help run the progress of African countries, with its fast growing economy, stable politics and role as an innovation and technology center. Modi said, “Africa’s goals are our priorities. Our approach is to grow equally simultaneously. Our development partnership with Africa is demanding.”
He said, “It has focused on building local capabilities and building local opportunities. Our aim is not only to invest, but strong … We have expanded our diplomatic presence across 46 countries across Africa. More than 200 projects in the continent have increased connectivity, infrastructure and industrial capacity,” he said.
Welcoming Ghana’s efforts to accelerate economic integration under the African continental free trade sector, Modi pointed out the country’s ability to become regional IT and innovation hub.
Modi quoted both Ghana’s former President Francis Quame Nakramah and Rig Ved, who emphasize the shared democratic ideals of the two countries. Recalling NKRUMAH’s comment that “the forces that unite us are internal and have more impact than those who keep us separate”, said that true democracy promotes discussion and debate, unite people and promotes human rights.
Rig Veda, he said, “Good thoughts come from all directions for us” and this openness for ideas is the origin of democracy. He said, “This is also the reason that people coming to India have always been welcomed with open hearts. The same feeling helps Indians to integrate easily where they go,” he said.
After the address, Modi interacted with Ghana MPs. Earlier, he paid tribute to Nakramah in a memorial dedicated to the leader of Ghana. Modi said on social media, “He was a visionary politician whose views and ideals guide many people. He dedicated himself to the good of Ghana.”
