External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has hailed Ghana and India as "historic partners" and "champions of the Global South" during his visit to Accra. In a statement, Jaishankar emphasized the longstanding partnership between the two countries, rooted in their shared experience and support for the independence and self-reliance of previously colonized nations. He noted that both countries have stood up for the dignity and independence of nations that were earlier colonized.
Jaishankar's visit to Ghana aimed to strengthen bilateral ties and explore new areas of cooperation. He met with Ghanaian Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa to discuss taking the Ghana-India comprehensive partnership forward. The two countries signed two agreements on agricultural research and training and biodiversity. Jaishankar highlighted similarities between development programmes in Ghana and India, citing examples such as Accra Reset and Ayushman Bharat.
The External Affairs Minister emphasized the need for deeper cooperation between Ghana and India across several sectors. He mentioned that the two countries could share experiences and support each other as Global South partners. Jaishankar also highlighted the role of Indian businesses and the Indian community in Ghana, saying they have been a "living bridge" between the two countries. There have been investment commitments in recent months in pharmaceuticals and the medical sector, poultry and renewable energy.
Jaishankar and Ablakwa discussed vital strategies aimed at expanding the bilateral partnership between Ghana and India. The areas of focus included trade, investments, development assistance, pharmaceuticals, capacity building, defence, and technology. Jaishankar also welcomed Ghana's commitment to reparatory justice and restitution of cultural properties, as well as its advocacy for the Sustainable Development Goals and reform of the United Nations, including the Security Council.
The Minister highlighted Ghana's participation in Indian-led initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure. He also noted that India valued Ghana's role in the African Union and ECOWAS, particularly with Ghana set to assume the chairship of the African Union next year. Jaishankar stressed the importance of closer cooperation between the two nations as the world moves towards a more diverse and multipolar order.
Jaishankar concluded his remarks by emphasizing the importance of countries like Ghana and India working together as voices of independence and advocates of strategic autonomy. He expressed his hope to welcome Ablakwa to India in the future and to continue the conversation on strengthening bilateral ties. The visit also included a meeting with Tene Birahima Ouattara, Vice Prime Minister and Defence Minister of Cote d'Ivoire, and discussions with Cote d'Ivoire Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Niale Kaba.
The visit is part of Jaishankar's three-nation tour of African countries, which also includes Ethiopia. The tour aims to strengthen India's relationships with key partners in the region and promote cooperation on trade, investment, infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, and people-to-peoples ties.
Key points
- India and Ghana have signed two agreements on agricultural research and training and biodiversity.
- Jaishankar highlighted the role of Indian businesses and the Indian community in Ghana as a "living bridge" between the two countries.
- The two countries are looking to expand cooperation in pharmaceuticals and health, mining, defence, railways, and digital sectors.
