We are today in an era of geopolitical flux and the realignment of global power. As such, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign tours are not just routine diplomatic exercises. Take, for instance, his multi-nation tour of Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil and Namibia. It is a masterclass in a new and assertive Indian foreign policy, one that is moving beyond the traditional paradigms of non-alignment.

As New Delhi charts its course, it has become clear that its engagement with the Global South is no longer merely an extension of post-colonial solidarity. It has matured into a strategic doctrine built on three distinct pillars: the emotive power of the diaspora, the shared values of democracy and the pragmatic pursuit of resources to fuel India’s, and indeed, the Global South’s growth.

PM Modi’s stops in Trinidad and Tobago, Ghana, Argentina, Brazil and Namibia are not random dots on a map. Each represents a cornerstone of this new architecture, showcasing a policy that is ambitious, nuanced, and rooted in India’s core national interests – all at once. PM Modi’s tour of these nations marks his longest and perhaps, most consequential foreign visit since 2014.

The first pillar—the diaspora—was on full display in Trinidad and Tobago. 40 per cent of this country’s population is of Indian origin. With even leaders who trace their roots to India, Trinidad is a living testament to the strategic value of India’s soft power. A shared heritage creates a foundation of trust that can accelerate negotiations and smooth over diplomatic friction........

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