NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday addressed the Parliament of Ghana during his state visit, drawing applause and smiles when he said that India has over 2,500 political parties. The comment came as part of a broader speech on India’s democratic values and cultural diversity.“India is the mother of democracy. For us, democracy is not merely a system; it is a part of our fundamental values from thousands of years ago,” Modi said. Referring to ancient traditions, he added, “The Rig Veda says: Ano bhadraha kratavo yantu Vishwatah – let good thoughts come to us from all directions. This openness to ideas is the core of democracy.”PM Modi highlighted India’s diversity and said, “India has over 2,500 political parties. I repeat, 2,500 political parties. 20 different parties govern different states. We have 22 official languages and thousands of dialects. This is also the reason that people who came to India have always been welcomed with open hearts.”
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The moment captured on video showed Ghanaian MPs reacting with smile, surprise and applause at the sheer scale of India’s political plurality.Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi visited the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park in Accra and paid floral tribute to Ghana’s founding President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah. Accompanied by Vice President Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, he observed a moment of silence at the mausoleum dedicated to Nkrumah and his wife Fathia.“Dr Nkrumah was a towering figure of Africa’s liberation and unity. This tribute reflects India’s deep respect for Ghana’s history and shared commitment to freedom and justice,” Modi said.During the visit, PM Modi was conferred with The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana, the country’s highest civilian award, by President John Mahama. Calling it a “matter of immense pride,” Modi thanked the government and people of Ghana and dedicated the honour to the youth of both nations.“I humbly accept this award on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians. I dedicate this to the aspirations of our youth, our rich cultural diversity, and the historic ties between India and Ghana,” he said.PM Modi’s visit — the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Ghana in over three decades — marks a significant moment in India-Africa relations. In talks with President Mahama, the two leaders agreed to elevate ties to a Comprehensive Partnership, focusing on trade, education, defence, and digital development.
