PM Modi to embark on longest foreign tour in 10 years: Minerals, energy and BRICS Summit on agenda

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will begin a week-long, five-nation tour on July 2, marking his longest foreign visit in over a decade. The tour will cover Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia, with a focus on expanding India’s cooperation in critical minerals, energy, and digital infrastructure.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that Modi’s visit will begin in Ghana. From there, he will travel to Trinidad and Tobago, followed by Argentina. He will then head to Brazil to attend the 17th BRICS Summit and conclude his tour in Namibia on July 9.

According to Dammu Ravi, Secretary (Economic Relations) at MEA, the tour comes at a time when the global demand for critical minerals is rising. He said, “In terms of critical minerals, the new technologies of the 21st century depend on them. We have to be aware of this and work on bilateral mechanisms to secure access.”


Ravi highlighted the mineral wealth in Africa and Latin America and said institutions such as KABIL and National Mineral Development Corporation are actively exploring investment opportunities in Africa.

PM's visit to 5 nations: What's on agenda?
The MEA secy added that critical minerals, defence cooperation, and digital public infrastructure will be key discussion points during the Ghana leg of the visit.

In Brazil, PM Modi will attend the BRICS Summit and hold a state visit. P. Kumaran, Secretary (East), said the visit will review bilateral ties across trade, energy, defence, healthcare, agriculture, and space. He also confirmed the signing of MoUs in renewable energy, agriculture research, and security.

The visit to Argentina will be the first by an Indian Prime Minister in nearly six decades. The two countries are expected to explore cooperation in defence production, space technology, and digital public infrastructure. Kumaran said India’s experience in telemedicine and digital health solutions could help Argentina expand affordable healthcare access.

Argentina’s large reserves of shale gas, shale oil, lithium, copper, and rare earth elements align with India’s need for secure mineral supply chains. India’s public sector miner, KABIL, has already secured concessions in Argentina since 2024.

The overall visit is expected to enhance India’s strategic partnerships and open new channels of cooperation in sectors such as trade, energy, mining, green technology, education, health, disaster management, and digital innovation.

(With inputs from ANI)