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Jul 06, 2025
Ramaharitha Pusarla

India’s Ghana Reconnect

On the first leg of his five-nation visit, PM Modi travelled to the West African nation, Ghana, on July 3, 2025. This marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country after three decades. In a touching gesture, PM Modi was warmly received by President John Dramani Mahama, re-elected in December 2024. This departure from the protocol demonstrates how Ghana, which had a similar trajectory of freedom struggle, colonial challenges, looks to India as a model to evolve as a vibrant nation. India was among the first countries to recognise Ghana and establish full-fledged diplomatic relations after it attained independence in 1957. India and Ghana shared anti-colonial sentiment and have been founding members of the Non-Aligned Movement. Both countries are members of the Commonwealth and part of the GoI’s Team-9 Initiative to foster techno-economic development partnerships. Team 9 includes India and eight West African countries. Since the turn of the century, countries have nurtured bilateral ties under the South-South framework. Boosting the diplomatic engagement through the third India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) of 2015, India widened the arena of cooperation with African countries, with Ghana as India’s Gateway to West Africa. Earlier, India’s approach to African Countries followed the Banjul Format, a three-tiered approach of cooperation through the African Union (AU), Regional Economic Communities (REC) and traditional bilateral engagements. Setting aside the Banjul Format, IAFS III adopted an All-Africa approach, inviting all 54 African countries. India also preferred to deliver assistance through Lines of Credit (LoC). With African countries increasingly opting to move away from debt, India must now pursue the FDI-led model driven by the active participation of the private sector. Recognising this shift, India has stopped announcing LoC during bilateral engagements and started encouraging Indian companies to invest in Africa. The contributions of Indian private investments were hailed by The Harambee Factor, a book on India-African partnership authored by Gurjit Singh, former Indian Ambassador. Indian companies are making remarkable progress in railway development projects, port development, regional transmission lines, logistical terminals, water and solar projects. India must now pursue Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models in Africa, which is brimming with new opportunities. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) can increase the scope of accessing African regional markets by Indian companies and facilitate economic integration. Ghana hosts the secretariat of AfCFTA. Reviewing the wide spectrum of the bilateral relationship on PM Modi’s landmark visit, both leaders acknowledged the need for deepening economic engagement, especially in the wake of Ghana’s rebound from the IMF conditionalities and restructuring. Ghana is part of the 15-member Economic Community of West Africa and the Sahel (ECOWAS), which also includes powerhouses like Nigeria and Senegal. ECOWAS is among the eight Regional Economic Communities (REC) of the African Union (AU). As of now, India’s Exim Bank has provided loans to the tune of $1.5 billion to ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) and is well poised to emerge as the pioneering development partner of the region. To date, India has provided $450 million concessional grants and credits to various projects such as rural electrification, processing plants, agricultural mechanisation, and potable water supply. India-Ghana Kofi Annan ICT Centre and Foreign Service Training Institute, Tema – Mpakadan rail line, inaugurated last year, stand as testimony to India-Ghana friendship. India is the third-largest trading partner of Ghana, behind China and Switzerland. The bilateral trade worth $3.3 billion is largely in favour of Ghana. Leaders have set a five-year target to double the trade. India imports Gold, Timber and Cashew nuts, while Ghana mainly imports Rice, agricultural products, pharmaceuticals and electrical equipment from India. Indian investments amounting to $ 2 billion in Ghana make it the second-largest investor. The majority of them are driven by over 900 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Ghana sought India’s technical support for the President’s “Feed Ghana” programme. India has also offered cooperation in the development of a vaccine hub in Ghana for West Africa. India is already working with Ghana through the Global Vaccine Alliance to set up manufacturing units. India has also proposed to provide affordable health care to citizens of Ghana through Jan Aushadi Kendras. Considering a significant rise in extremism in West Africa and the Sahel Region, defence cooperation has emerged as the third major area of cooperation. Ghana strongly condemned the Pahalgam attack. Piracy is another major area of concern for Ghana. India has pledged to extend cooperation in training of the armed forces, maritime security, defence supplies and cyber security. India has a structured regional cooperation mechanism for facilitating synergies between the militaries of India and Africa, named AMRUT (Africa India Militaries Regional Unity). Ghana is now increasing availing the Defence ITEC (the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation) training program. India has decided to double ICCR and Defence ITEC slots for Ghana and further cooperation with the mantra of “Security through Stability”. Cooperation in Public Digital Infrastructure and skill development were also discussed. Ghana, with significant sources of critical minerals, is a key player in the global supply chain considering their criticality of green technologies and, renewable energy transition. Both leaders extensively discussed the prospect of collaboration and investments to harness this mineral wealth. Amid China’s ban on rare-earth exports, Ghana can be a reliable supply partner for India. Countries have exchanged four MoUs on cultural exchange programmes, traditional medicine, institutionalising joint commission meetings and standardisation and certification practices. To promote renewable energy efforts, India invited Ghana to join the Global Biofuel Alliance and offered cooperation in the development of digital public infrastructure and skill development. India is the regional founding member of the International Solar Alliance. India is positively reviewing Ghana’s aspirations to be part of BRICS. The perspectives on UN reforms are closely aligned. Most African nations support India’s bid for permanent membership at the expanded UNSC. Seeking better representation, Africa created the Ezulwini Consensus outlining the need for UN reforms. AU’s Committee of Ten (C-10) demands at least two permanent and five non-permanent seats in the UNSC. Ghana is part of C-10. Strong bilateral ties with Ghana could further India’s multilateral objectives. India lobbied for the inclusion of the African Union in the G20 during its presidency. Endeavouring to deliberate on the concerns, interests and priorities of the Global South, India has initiated Voice of the Global South Summits. African countries comprise the bulk of the Global South. Ghana has been an active participant in the summits. India has always championed the causes of African countries. At the joint press conference, PM Modi remarked, “In Ghana’s journey of nation building, India is not just a supporter, but also a fellow traveller”. In recognition of India’s leadership, President Mahama has conferred Ghana’s national award, “The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana”, on Prime Minister Modi. Ghana’s syncretic and pluralistic society is now home to various Hindu denominations as well. The positive contribution of the 15,000-strong Indian community to Ghana’s economic development is now evolving into a robust friendship bridge between both countries. PM Modi addressed the Parliament of Ghana and announced that both leaders have decided to elevate ties to “Comprehensive Partnership” and termed that the friendship is sweeter than Ghana’s famous ‘Sugarloaf’ pineapple. He conveyed India’s support for Africa’s Development Framework, Agenda 2063. Paying tribute to Kwame Nkrumah, first Prime Minister of Ghana who laid the foundations for the India-Ghana bilateral ties, PM Modi said, “India carries Africa in its heart. Let us build a partnership not only for today, but for generations to come”. Ghana’s vibrant democracy serves as a "Beacon of Hope” in West Africa. By revitalising ties with Ghana, India seeks to reshape and intensify collaboration with Africa. References https://energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/renewable/renewable-energy-a-key-focus-in-strengthening-india-ghana-trade-relations/109900880 https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/prospects-india-ghana-defence-military-civil-nuclear-cooperation-53116 https://www.mea.gov.in/media-briefings.htm?dtl/39743/Transcript_of_Special_media_briefing_by_MEA_on_Prime_Ministers_visit_to_Ghana_July_03_2025 https://www.mea.gov.in/Speeches-Statements.htm?dtl/39747/PMs_Address_to_Parliament_of_the_Republic_of_Ghana_July_03_2025 https://www.mea.gov.in/Speeches-Statements.htm?dtl/39739/English_Translation_of_Press_Statement_by_Prime_Minister_during_Joint_Press_Statement_with_the_President_of_Ghana_July_02_2025

Jul 05, 2025
Viren S Doshi

Stranded Stealth Saga: British F-35B in India Triggered Leftist-Jihadi Rhapsody

On June 14, 2025, a British Royal Navy F-35B Lightning II, a $110-million pinnacle of aerospace engineering, made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in Kerala, India, during joint naval exercises in the Arabian Sea. A low-fuel situation, exacerbated by monsoon turbulence, led to the unscheduled stop, but a hydraulic issue has kept this technological marvel grounded for over three weeks, under the vigilant protection of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). Let us first take stock of the technicalities so that the facts are not overshadowed by “humour-coated”, subtle anti-democratic narratives. The jet’s advanced technology commands respect, showcasing human ingenuity even in its moment of vulnerability. The Emergency Landing Imagine a cutting-edge F-35B, part of the HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group (CSG25), soaring 100 nautical miles off Kerala during drills with the Indian Navy. At 9:28 PM IST on June 14, Captain Mike, the pilot, signals a 43-second SQUAWK 7700 distress code—low fuel. The Indian Air Force’s Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) deftly guides the jet to Thiruvananthapuram’s tarmac. A hydraulic issue, detected during pre-departure checks, anchored it at Bay 4, the airport’s VIP zone. Guarded 24/7 by CISF, the jet—a testament to engineering brilliance—sat under monsoon rains. Technical Marvel: The F-35B’s Ingenuity The F-35B, crafted by Lockheed Martin, is a fifth-generation masterpiece. Its stealth design, with a radar cross-section the size of a golf ball (0.005 square meters), makes it nearly invisible to enemy radar. Capable of Mach 1.6 speeds, it wields guided missiles, a 25mm cannon, and advanced electronic warfare systems. Its short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) capability, powered by a lift fan and swivelling nozzle, allows operations from carriers like HMS Prince of Wales, a feat of engineering that redefines versatility. The hydraulic system—driving landing gear, brakes, flight surfaces, and STOVL mechanics—is a complex network, and its current failure underscores the jet’s intricate design, requiring specialised expertise not readily available or to be accessed everywhere. A three-man Royal Navy crew, flown in via AW101 Merlin on June 15, couldn’t resolve the hydraulic issue. The UK, cautious about the advanced technology of the fighter jet, initially declined Air India’s hangar offer, prioritising security. Unlike the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), notorious for intellectual property (IP) theft, India offered cooperative assistance without demanding tech insights, earning respect for its integrity. After two weeks, the UK agreed to move the jet to the airport’s Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility once a 40-member team, including Lockheed Martin specialists, arrives on July 5 with a custom tow vehicle aboard a C-17 Globemaster III. If repairs prove unfeasible, the jet may be dismantled—wings, fins, and all—to fit a C-17 for transport home, mirroring a 2022 South Korean F-35A case. The F-35’s maintenance challenges (low Mean Flight Hours Between Critical Failures) highlight the trade-offs of its cutting-edge design, but its capabilities inspire awe. An X user marvelled, “Even grounded, this jet’s tech is a wonder!” Diplomatic Harmony The incident underscores India-UK defence synergy. The IAF and Navy facilitated a safe landing and refuelling, earning praise from the British High Commission. The UK’s guarded approach to maintenance details reflects standard protocol for sensitive assets, not mistrust of India, which has never shown a CCP-like appetite for IP theft. And now, the humour-coated narrative war The lone silent fighter jet has triggered the anti-American leftist-Jihadi cabal into a rhapsody (akin to recent new types of "victories" - Ayatollah's "bloody" "victory", Pakistan's "red nose" "victory", Rahul Gandhi's electoral “victory”) without moving an inch, forget dropping even a small bomb or firing a single shot. The fighter is not making any noise and is standing silent, but has sent the cabal into a boisterous tizzy and a hallucinating cacophonic euphoria, helping forget the recent pains inflicted by the trio - India, Israel and the US. The Leftist-Jihadi Rhapsody: A Fleeting High Indian state Kerala, governed by the Left Democratic Front (LDF) led by the Communist Party of India (Marxist), shares California’s leftist spirit, often critiquing Western or American capitalism. Its tourism department took the lead in the info-war with humour coating. The F-35B’s grounding—a US-UK engineering triumph paused by a hydraulic glitch—has an anti-American leftist-Jihadi cabal buzzing like intoxicated insects. Recent wars exposed CCP weapons as damp squibs, fizzling on the battlefield like wet firecrackers. It’s a temporary high, dulling the pain from India-Israel-US geopolitical blows. Is this a propaganda scheme? In these days of volleys of victorious narratives shot against actual bombs and missiles, this can very much be subtle propaganda — casting the jet as a “guest” teases American pride emanating from red-flag rebellion. Imagine the F-35B tweeting, “Kerala’s hospitality outshines my stealth, but be sure I’m not funding your anti-capitalist party!” Or Lockheed Martin quipping, “Our jet’s grounded, but slogans and memes soar just to boomerang — bravo, Red Green Nexus thriving in the land of God!” Conclusion: A Silent Marvel, A Vibrant Saga The F-35B’s Kerala chapter has been turned into - diplomatic comedy narrative epicentre, as the leftist cabal has no other credible ammunition. The hydraulic glitch highlights the challenges of cutting-edge engineering, yet its advanced design inspires admiration. India’s cooperative spirit, free of CCP-style IP grabs, strengthens India-UK ties. Leftist-Jihadi meme-fest reflecting cabal’s euphoria, fuelled by CCP’s battlefield flops, is mere noise, no bombs. The F-35B, even grounded, stands as a testament to human innovation, earning respect amid the monsoon mayhem.