During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Nigeria, he and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu discussed enhancing the strategic partnership between their nations, focusing on key areas like defence, energy, and trade. Modi emphasized collaboration against terrorism and praised the role of India’s expatriate community. India will send relief supplies for flood-affected Nigerians and has invested significantly in Nigeria over the years.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi affirmed India’s commitment to enhancing its strategic partnership with Nigeria during a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Abuja. This important visit, marking the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Nigeria in 17 years, focused on various collaborative endeavors including defence, energy, and trade. PM Modi underscored the significance of addressing challenges such as terrorism, separatism, and drug trafficking, emphasizing the need for both nations to work jointly in combating these issues. He acknowledged the vital role of the approximately 60,000 Indian expatriates in Nigeria, expressing gratitude to President Tinubu for their welfare. Additionally, Prime Minister Modi announced India’s provision of 20 tonnes of relief supplies to assist those affected by flooding in Nigeria last month. Highlighting India’s fruitful relationship with the African continent, he referred to the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member of the G20 during the summit hosted in India the previous year. Prior to the formal discussions, the two leaders engaged in a private meeting at the Presidential Villa, where PM Modi received a ceremonial welcome. The anticipated delegation-level talks are expected to culminate in several agreements. As he embarks on a three-nation tour, Prime Minister Modi plans to travel to Brazil next for the G20 summit and eventually to Guyana. India and Nigeria’s partnership, elevated to a strategic level since Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit in October 2007, has thrived for over sixty years. With its diplomatic presence in Nigeria dating back to 1958, India has invested roughly USD 27 billion through over 200 Indian enterprises operating in key manufacturing sectors, making them significant contributors to the economy as the second-largest employers after the federal government. Furthermore, India supports Nigeria’s development through concessional loans and capacity-building training programs.
The strategic partnership between India and Nigeria has been a cornerstone of India’s foreign relations in West Africa for decades. Established shortly before Nigeria’s independence in 1960, this partnership has evolved to encompass various areas, notably trade, investment, and development assistance. The large Indian expatriate community in Nigeria, alongside the substantial economic investments made by Indian companies, underscores the interconnectedness of the two nations and their mutual commitment to fostering growth and stability in the region.
In conclusion, India’s strategic partnership with Nigeria is poised for significant enhancement following Prime Minister Modi’s recent visit. The reaffirmation of commitment to collaborate on critical issues such as terrorism and economic development reflects a robust bilateral relationship. With ongoing commitments to aid and investment, the ties between the two countries are set to strengthen further, highlighting Nigeria as a pivotal partner in India’s engagement with Africa.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
