Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Nigeria underscores India’s priority in strengthening bilateral ties with a focus on key sectors such as defence, trade, energy, and agriculture. Modi emphasized collaboration in combating terrorism and piracy, and both leaders signed three significant agreements. This marks a renewed commitment to India-Nigeria relations, enhancing cooperation for mutual development.
During a recent visit to Nigeria, Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored India’s commitment to enhancing its strategic partnership with the West African nation. In discussions with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, they focused on strengthening bilateral relations across various sectors including defence, trade, energy, and agriculture. Prime Minister Modi arrived in Abuja, marking the first visit by an Indian prime minister in 17 years, and he expressed India’s readiness to share expertise in areas such as agriculture, transportation, renewable energy, and digital transformation. The two leaders reaffirmed their dedication to combatting terrorism, piracy, and radicalisation, while also addressing significant global development challenges. Modi described their talks as “very productive,” highlighting the potential for expanding cooperation in defense, energy, health, and technology. They concluded their meeting by signing three Memoranda of Understanding to foster cultural exchange and enhance cooperation in customs and survey cooperation. In his address, PM Modi emphasized the importance of the approximately 60,000-strong Indian expatriate community in Nigeria, acknowledging their vital role in strengthening bilateral ties. The discussions also encompassed global issues, as the leaders resolved to align efforts towards the aspirations of the Global South, especially in sectors like renewable energy and development financing. Modi’s visit is part of a broader three-country tour, including attendance at the G20 summit in Brazil, showcasing India’s active engagement in global diplomacy. This diplomatic visit not only reaffirms the long-standing relationship between India and Nigeria, which dates back over six decades, but also signals a renewed commitment to mutual development through collaboration in various sectors like investment, trade, health, and culture. Modi’s return to Nigeria highlights the strategic importance of this partnership and its potential to evolve significantly in the coming years.
The strategic partnership between India and Nigeria has its roots in mutual interests spanning over fifty years. Established during the global leaders’ efforts to enhance cooperation, Nigeria’s partnership with India enhances regional security through economic collaboration. The Indian diaspora in Nigeria, predominantly in Lagos, plays a pivotal role in fostering this partnership, contributing significantly to economic and cultural exchanges. This recent visit by PM Modi marks an important step to rekindle diplomatic ties and establish plans for future collaborations in key sectors, reflective of India’s broader agenda in Africa as a growing development partner.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Nigeria significantly reflects India’s strategic commitment to enhancing bilateral relations. The discussions with President Tinubu emphasized mutual cooperation in critical sectors and highlighted the importance of addressing shared challenges such as terrorism and piracy. As both nations look to strengthen their ties further, the establishment of new agreements and understanding underscores the potential for collaboration towards achieving the development aspirations of the Global South. This visit not only signifies a re-engagement but also sets the foundation for a deeper relationship between India and Nigeria.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
