Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Nigeria on November 16-17, 2024, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 17 years, to discuss bilateral relations and engage with the Indian diaspora. He will then visit Guyana from November 19-21, the first such visit since 1968, to attend the Second CARICOM-India Summit, strengthening ties with CARICOM nations.
In a historic move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a two-nation visit to Nigeria and Guyana in November 2024. The Prime Minister’s visit to Nigeria is scheduled for November 16-17, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the nation in 17 years. During this visit, Modi aims to discuss the strategic partnership between India and Nigeria, exploring avenues to deepen bilateral relations. Additionally, he is expected to address a gathering of the Indian diaspora in Nigeria. Following the visit to Nigeria, Modi will travel to Guyana from November 19-21. This will be the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Guyana since 1968. In Georgetown, Prime Minister Modi will participate in the Second CARICOM-India Summit, engaging in discussions with leaders from CARICOM member countries to reinforce the longstanding friendship between India and the region. Moreover, during this time, Modi will also attend the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, highlighting India’s role in hosting the Summit in 2023. This series of visits signifies a crucial step towards enhancing India’s diplomatic relationships in Africa and the Caribbean, promoting mutual cooperation on various fronts.
The upcoming visits of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Nigeria and Guyana represent a significant milestone in India’s foreign policy, particularly towards enhancing its diplomatic presence in Africa and the Caribbean. Historically, India and Nigeria share a strategic partnership, encompassing trade, defense, and cultural exchanges, which has not seen a high-level visit in nearly two decades. Meanwhile, India’s ties with Guyana are deeply rooted in the shared heritage and the substantial Indian diaspora there. These visits are aimed at fostering stronger bilateral ties, especially with the CARICOM nations, and are essential in reinforcing India’s geopolitical strategies in these regions.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Modi’s upcoming visits to Nigeria and Guyana in November 2024 are of great historical significance. They not only mark the resumption of high-level engagements after several years but also embody India’s commitment to strengthening its international relationships, especially with key partners in Africa and the Caribbean. These visits are anticipated to yield substantial discussions on enhancing bilateral cooperation in various fields, further solidifying India’s role as a pivotal player on the global stage.
Original Source: m.economictimes.com
