India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has described the relationship between India and Ghana as one that is “sweeter than your famous sugar loaf pineapple,” as he addressed Ghana’s Parliament on Wednesday, July 2, 2025.

He called for a stronger partnership between the two countries, anchored in shared democratic values, cultural pride, and global cooperation.

Narendi Modi said both India and Ghana are shaped by painful histories of colonial rule, but also by the courage of their people to forge independent nations rooted in unity and dignity.

"Just like sugar in tea, distinguished members, the histories of India and Ghana bear the scars of colonial rule. But our spirits have always remained free and fearless. We draw strength and inspiration from our rich heritage. We take pride in our social, cultural and linguistic diversities. We built nations rooted in freedom, unity, and dignity. Our relationship knows no bounds. And with your permission, may I say, our friendship is sweeter than your famous sugar loaf pineapple. With President Mahama, we have decided to elevate our ties to a comprehensive partnership," he noted.

The Prime Minister also described India as the mother of democracy, pointing out how democratic principles are deeply embedded in the country’s traditions.

“India has over 2,500 political parties. I repeat, 2,500 political parties, twenty different parties governing different states, twenty-two official languages, thousands of dialects," he noted.

Touching on the future of the India-Ghana relationship, Modi announced that he and President John Dramani Mahama had agreed to elevate bilateral ties to a comprehensive partnership.

He also addressed the challenges of the current global system, saying the world order created after World War II no longer reflects present-day realities.

“The world is facing new and complex crises such as climate change, pandemics, terrorism and cyber security, institutions created in the last century are struggling to respond. The changing circumstances demand credible and effective reforms in global governance. Progress cannot come without giving voice to the Global South. We need more than slogans, we need action," he added.

His arrival in Ghana marks a significant high-level diplomatic engagement, being the first official visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 30 years.

The visit is expected to rekindle and strengthen the long-standing Ghana–India relations across diplomatic, economic, and cultural spheres.

JKB/AE

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