India Strengthens Strategic Partnership With Nigeria: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized India’s commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with Nigeria during his visit to Abuja, focusing on cooperation in defense, energy, and trade. He recognized the Indian expatriate community’s importance while announcing humanitarian aid for flood victims and highlighted the significance of recent developments in G20 relations.
India prioritizes its strategic partnership with Nigeria, aiming to strengthen cooperation in areas such as defense, energy, and trade, as articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his discussions with Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Upon arrival in Abuja for the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 17 years, PM Modi underscored the importance of collaboration in addressing critical challenges like terrorism, separatism, piracy, and drug trafficking. During the meeting, PM Modi highlighted the significance of the approximately 60,000-strong Indian expatriate community residing in Nigeria, considering it a crucial element of bilateral relations. He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his efforts in safeguarding the welfare of this community. Additionally, PM Modi announced the provision of 20 tonnes of relief supplies for those affected by recent floods in Nigeria. The Prime Minister also mentioned the African Union’s status as a permanent G20 member, a milestone he described as an important achievement from last year’s summit hosted in India. The meeting included personal discussions between PM Modi and President Tinubu, following which a ceremonial welcome was granted to the Indian leader. It is anticipated that several agreements will be signed as a result of the delegation-level talks. This visit to Nigeria is part of a broader three-nation tour, encompassing attendance at the G20 summit in Brazil and concluding in Guyana. The strategic partnership between India and Nigeria was established during former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit in 2007 and has flourished over six decades. With a significant Indian business presence that has invested approximately USD 27 billion across key manufacturing sectors, India has emerged as a vital development partner for Nigeria, providing both financial assistance and capacity-building programs.
The strategic partnership between India and Nigeria has been a prominent aspect of India’s foreign policy in Africa. Established in 2007, this partnership aims to deepen bilateral relations in critical areas, including but not limited to defense, trade, and energy. India’s early diplomatic ties with Nigeria date back to pre-independence times, with significant Indian investments in the country transitioning Nigeria into a more robust development partnership over the years. The large Indian expatriate community in Nigeria further underlines the historical and cultural connections shared by both nations. This visit by PM Modi marks a renewed commitment to enhancing these ties through collaborative efforts in tackling common challenges.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Nigeria marks a significant step in reaffirming the strategic partnership between India and Nigeria. With articulated plans to bolster cooperation in various sectors and a focus on addressing shared challenges, both nations appear poised to embark on a new chapter in their relations. The emphasis on community welfare, economic investment, and collaborative strategies against mutual threats underlines the commitment to fostering a robust bilateral relationship moving forward.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
