Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized India’s commitment to strengthen its strategic partnership with Nigeria during his visit after 17 years. Focused on defense, trade, and agriculture, the leaders pledged to address common challenges and signed several agreements aimed at enhancing collaboration in various sectors. Modi’s visit underscores the deepening ties between the two nations and their shared goals for regional and global development.
During his visit to Nigeria, Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored India’s commitment to enhancing its strategic partnership with the West African nation. This visit marks the first by an Indian prime minister in nearly two decades. The discussions covered crucial sectors such as defense, trade, energy, and agriculture, with an emphasis on collaboration to tackle shared challenges like terrorism and piracy. Both leaders expressed their dedication to furthering cooperation across various fronts to benefit their countries and the broader Global South. Prime Minister Modi offered India’s expertise in agriculture, transportation, affordable medicine, renewable energy, and digital transformation. In response, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu acknowledged the significant impact of Indian developmental cooperation on enhancing local capabilities in Nigeria. Their meetings included a ceremonial welcome featuring a 21-gun salute, followed by one-on-one and delegation-level discussions, leading to the signing of three important memoranda of understanding covering cultural exchange and customs cooperation. Modi described the talks as “very productive,” emphasizing the vast potential for collaboration in multiple sectors including technology and health. Both leaders reaffirmed their resolve to confront issues such as separatism and drug trafficking collectively. Highlighting the role of the Indian expatriate community in Nigeria, Modi recognized their contributions as pivotal to the relationship between the two nations. Further discussions addressed global and regional issues, with Tinubu acknowledging India’s support for developing nations. Modi also extended condolences for the recent flooding in Nigeria and commended the country’s leadership within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The outcome of this visit underscores the long-standing and evolving partnership between India and Nigeria, first elevated to a strategic partnership level in 2007, and reinforced by substantial Indian investments in Nigerian infrastructure and services.
India and Nigeria share a robust bilateral relationship that has evolved significantly over the past six decades. The strategic partnership was formalized during former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit to Nigeria in 2007. India has established diplomatic presence and strong economic ties, with significant Indian investments supporting various sectors in Nigeria. The presence of a sizable Indian expatriate community further bolsters the relationship, enhancing cultural and social connections between the two nations.
The recent visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Nigeria marks a pivotal moment in strengthening India-Nigeria relations, focusing on shared interests in defense, trade, and development. Both leaders expressed a joint commitment to combatting common challenges and fostering cooperation in multiple sectors, demonstrating the enduring partnership that benefits not only their respective countries but also the broader aspirations of the Global South. The signing of new agreements further solidifies their collaboration towards mutual growth and development.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
