Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi sparked laughter and surprise in Ghana’s Parliament on Thursday when he revealed that India has more than 2,500 registered political parties, a remark that quickly became the most talked-about moment of his address.
“I repeat, 2,500 political parties,” Mr Modi said with a smile, pausing as murmurs of disbelief spread across the chamber.
His unexpected revelation was met with laughter from Ghanaian lawmakers, including Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, who later echoed the figure, prompting another round of chuckles from both Members of Parliament and the visiting dignitary.
The moment of shared humour underscored the scale and complexity of India’s democracy; an example Mr Modi used to highlight his country’s commitment to pluralism, dialogue, and inclusion. “India is the mother of democracy,” he said, addressing the House in English. “True democracy promotes discussion and debate. It unites people, supports dignity and promotes human rights.”
Switching briefly to Hindi, he added, “Hamare liye loktantra system nahi, sanskaar hai,” which he translated as, “For us, democracy is not just a system, it is a part of our fundamental values.”
Mr Modi’s comments were part of a broader speech that emphasised India’s democratic ethos, shaped by vast diversity. “Twenty different parties governing different states, 22 official languages, thousands of dialects; this is the India that works,” he said. “This is also the reason that people who have come to India have always been welcomed with open hearts.”
He added that the same openness enables Indians to adapt and thrive wherever they go around the world.
The Prime Minister’s address was part of his official state visit to Ghana—the first by an Indian Prime Minister in over three decades, as part of a five-nation diplomatic tour. The lighthearted reference to India’s high number of political parties provided a memorable moment in an otherwise formal occasion, illustrating the scale of India’s democratic framework while drawing an affectionate reaction from his Ghanaian hosts.
After his speech, Mr Modi exchanged greetings and handshakes with MPs, wrapping up a visit that many lawmakers described as both engaging and illuminating.
His next stops include Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil for the BRICS Summit, and Namibia; each visit part of India’s effort to deepen ties with countries across Africa and Latin America.