India and Africa are “equals” in global development, calls for reform of world governance systems – Indian Prime Minister
Prime Minister Narendra Modi used his address to Ghana’s Parliament to issue a bold call for reforms in global governance, warning that institutions shaped after the Second World War are now “struggling to respond” to modern challenges like climate change, pandemics, terrorism, and cyber threats.
Highlighting India’s G20 presidency, Modi celebrated Africa’s inclusion in the group as a permanent member — a move he called a major diplomatic victory for the continent.
India, he said, is not interested in investing for dominance but “to empower and create self-sustaining ecosystems”.
Democracy is our Heritage
In a wide-ranging address that celebrated democratic values and cultural openness, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared India “the mother of democracy”, pointing to his nation’s 2,500 political parties, 22 official languages, and thousands of dialects as proof of democratic resilience.
“Democracy is not merely a system — it is part of our DNA,” Modi said, quoting the Rig Veda and ancient Indian texts to show the historic roots of pluralism and inclusion in Indian civilisation.
Modi also praised Ghana’s electoral processes, noting that India’s Electoral Commission stands ready to share its experience conducting the world’s largest elections. He welcomed the formation of the Ghana-India Parliamentary Friendship Society and extended an invitation for Ghanaian MPs to visit India’s new Parliament.
He described democracy as a force that “unites people, supports dignity, and promotes human rights”.
“India’s development is a catalyst for global growth,” he concluded. “A strong India will contribute to a more stable and prosperous world.”
