Prime Minister Narendra Modi affirmed India’s strategic partnership with Nigeria during discussions with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Key focuses included defence, trade, energy, and agriculture. The leaders committed to jointly combating terrorism and enhancing ties in various sectors. Modi’s visit is significant as it marks the first by an Indian prime minister to Nigeria in 17 years, reflecting the importance of bilateral relations.
On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized India’s commitment to enhancing its strategic partnership with Nigeria during discussions with Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The talks concentrated on strengthening ties across various sectors, including defence, trade, energy, and agriculture. Modi’s visit marked the first by an Indian prime minister to Nigeria in 17 years, highlighting the significance of this diplomatic engagement. Both leaders voiced a mutual dedication to combating terrorism, piracy, and radicalization while addressing the aspirations of developing nations. Modi extended India’s support in agriculture, renewable energy, digital transformation, and affordable healthcare, which was positively acknowledged by Tinubu. Following ceremonial welcomes, the leaders participated in one-on-one and delegation meetings, culminating in the signing of three Memoranda of Understandings focusing on cultural exchange, customs cooperation, and survey collaboration. Modi characterized the discussions as “very productive” on social media and noted the potential for expanded collaboration in numerous areas, including health and education. Furthermore, Modi recognized the vital role of the Indian diaspora in Nigeria, estimating it to comprise approximately 60,000 individuals and underscoring its importance in the bilateral relationship. In addition to their bilateral talks, Modi and Tinubu discussed global and regional issues, with Tinubu expressing appreciation for India’s advocacy on behalf of developing nations through platforms like the Voice of the Global South. Modi also commended Nigeria’s leadership role within ECOWAS and invited Nigeria to participate in India-led environmental initiatives. This meeting signifies a renewed approach to India-Nigeria relations, which have been defined as a strategic partnership since 2007, promoting mutual growth and development.
The strategic partnership between India and Nigeria has evolved significantly since its inception in 2007 during former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit to Nigeria. This partnership is underscored by India’s longstanding diplomatic relations, dating back to Nigeria’s independence in 1960. With a large Indian expatriate community in Nigeria and substantial investment from Indian companies, the ties between these nations encompass various fields, including economic cooperation, development assistance, and cultural exchange. Given the changing global landscape, both nations are looking to enhance collaboration to address mutual challenges and contribute positively to the Global South.
In conclusion, the recent diplomatic engagements between Prime Minister Modi and President Tinubu signify a robust commitment to fortifying India-Nigeria relations. By focusing on key areas such as defence, energy, and technology, both countries are poised to tackle significant global challenges collaboratively. This meeting not only marks a pivotal moment in their partnership but also highlights the importance of mutual support in achieving shared developmental aspirations.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
