Abuja, Nov 17 – In a historic meeting, Nigeria and India have pledged to strengthen their partnership in maritime security and counter-terrorism efforts. This significant development came during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Nigeria, marking the first visit by an Indian premier in nearly two decades. The visit, initiated at the request of Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, highlights the growing importance of economic and security ties between the two nations.
Prime Minister Modi, who arrived in Abuja on Saturday night, met with President Tinubu on Sunday at the presidential villa. The discussions covered several critical topics, including economic collaboration, defence strategies, healthcare advancements, and measures to enhance food security. Both leaders expressed their commitment to fostering closer ties and addressing shared challenges.
Strengthening Maritime and Security Cooperation
The Gulf of Guinea and the Indian Ocean are vital trade corridors but have increasingly faced threats from piracy and illegal activities. Recognizing the importance of these regions, Nigeria and India have agreed to work together on securing maritime trade routes. By sharing intelligence and conducting joint operations, the two countries aim to enhance safety for commercial vessels and deter criminal activities at sea.
In addition to maritime security, counter-terrorism featured prominently in the discussions. Both nations underscored the need for robust cooperation to address the evolving threats posed by global terrorism. Enhanced intelligence-sharing and collaborative strategies are expected to form the cornerstone of their joint efforts in this area.
Expanding Economic Engagement
Economic development is a top priority for Nigeria, and India’s involvement plays a key role in supporting this goal. President Tinubu emphasized the need for increased Indian investment and affordable financing options to help Nigeria stimulate job creation and improve infrastructure.
India has already established a strong presence in Nigeria’s economy, with more than 200 Indian companies operating in sectors like pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and technology. During last year’s G20 summit, Nigeria secured $14 billion in investment commitments from Indian businesses. Notably, Jindal Steel and Power pledged $3 billion to advance Nigeria’s steel industry, a move that could significantly boost local production and economic diversification.
Collaboration in Healthcare and Agriculture
Beyond security and economic ties, the two leaders explored opportunities for collaboration in healthcare and agriculture. Nigeria is keen to leverage India’s expertise in medical technology and affordable healthcare solutions to address its own challenges in this sector. Similarly, India’s advancements in agricultural innovation could provide valuable insights to enhance food production and distribution in Nigeria, improving food security for its growing population.
A Historic Moment for Bilateral Relations
This visit by Prime Minister Modi represents a pivotal moment in the relationship between Nigeria and India. The discussions and agreements reached during the trip have set the stage for stronger collaboration in the years ahead. By addressing key issues such as maritime safety, economic growth, and counter-terrorism, the two nations are poised to create a partnership that benefits both their citizens and the global community.
Following his engagements in Nigeria, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to travel to Brazil to attend the G20 summit, further advancing his international outreach and diplomatic efforts.