PM Modi returns to Delhi after successful five-nation tour
New Delhi, July 10. Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to India on Thursday after his visits to Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, PM Modi’s tour was highly successful.
PM Modi achieved a significant milestone during his five-nation tour. He has now delivered speeches in 17 foreign parliaments, matching the combined record of all former Prime Ministers from the Congress party. This achievement was secured in the first week of July 2025, following his recent speeches in Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Namibia.
This global engagement highlights PM Modi as one of India’s most active leaders. Former Congress Prime Ministers took decades to reach this milestone—Manmohan Singh spoke seven times, Indira Gandhi four times, Jawaharlal Nehru three times, Rajiv Gandhi twice, and P.V. Narasimha Rao once.
PM Modi achieved this number in just over a decade, reflecting a shift in India’s diplomatic approach. His recent tour not only strengthened ties with African and Caribbean nations but also amplified India’s voice in the Global South.
In Ghana, PM Modi was honored with the ‘Order of the Star of Ghana,’ marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in over 30 years.
Additionally, Brazil awarded him its highest honor, the ‘Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross.’ Last Friday, during his two-day visit to Trinidad and Tobago, he received the ‘Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago,’ becoming the first foreign leader to receive this distinction.
PM Modi was also honored with Namibia’s highest civilian award, the ‘Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis.’ This marked his 26th global honor, received during this five-nation tour.
In Trinidad and Tobago, he addressed Parliament during celebrations marking 180 years of Indian arrival. In his speech, he reiterated India’s unwavering support for developing nations.
He stood before the Speaker’s Chair, gifted by India in 1968, calling it a symbol of enduring friendship that has stood the test of time.
Namibia’s Parliament discussed shared democratic values, technological partnerships, and aspirations in health and digital infrastructure with him.
When he received Namibia’s highest civilian honor, the Parliament chamber echoed with chants of “Modi, Modi.” This historic achievement is not just a personal honor but reflects India’s growing influence in global diplomacy.
Order of the Star of Ghana
The **Order of the Star of Ghana** is a national honor established in 1960, shortly after Ghana gained independence, to recognize outstanding service to the nation. It is awarded to both Ghanaian citizens and foreign dignitaries for exceptional contributions in various fields, including leadership, diplomacy, and social development. The order reflects Ghana’s pride in its sovereignty and its commitment to excellence and national progress.
Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross
The **Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross** is the highest honor within Brazil’s oldest national order, established in 1822 by Emperor Pedro I to recognize outstanding military and civilian service. Modeled after European chivalric orders, it symbolizes Brazil’s historical ties to monarchy and later became a key diplomatic award. Today, it is bestowed by the Brazilian president on foreign heads of state and distinguished figures for exceptional contributions to the nation.
Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is the highest national honor awarded by the government of Trinidad and Tobago, established in 2008 to recognize distinguished service to the nation. It is conferred upon citizens and foreign nationals for exceptional contributions in fields such as public service, arts, science, and community development. The honor reflects the country’s commitment to celebrating excellence and national pride.
Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis
The Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis is a Namibian national honor awarded for exceptional service to conservation, environmental protection, and the study of Namibia’s unique natural heritage. Named after the ancient *Welwitschia mirabilis* plant, a living fossil endemic to the Namib Desert, the order reflects Namibia’s commitment to preserving its biodiversity. Established post-independence (likely in the 1990s), it honors individuals or organizations contributing to the understanding and safeguarding of Namibia’s ecological treasures.
Speaker’s Chair
The **Speaker’s Chair** is a prominent symbol of authority in the UK House of Commons, traditionally occupied by the Speaker who presides over debates. The current chair, designed in the 19th century, reflects Gothic Revival style and stands at the center of parliamentary proceedings. Its history dates back centuries, embodying the traditions of British democracy and the Speaker’s role as an impartial arbiter since the 14th century.
