Nigeria And India To Strengthen Partnership In Economic Development

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Nigeria and India have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their strategic partnership, focusing on economic development, defense, healthcare, and food security. This was the highlight of a joint statement issued at the State House in Abuja during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit at the invitation of President Bola Tinubu.

Prime Minister Modi, who was formally received with a 21-gun salute at the Presidential Villa, engaged in closed-door meetings with President Tinubu. The leaders later presided over expanded bilateral and political talks, resulting in significant agreements across multiple sectors.

Security and Defense Collaboration
Acknowledging the increasing threats in the Gulf of Guinea and the Indian Ocean, the two nations agreed to enhance counterterrorism measures, maritime security, and intelligence sharing. They pledged to continue regular naval exercises and anti-piracy operations to secure vital trade routes.

India also committed to supporting Nigeria’s defense modernization efforts, showcasing its expertise as a trusted defense manufacturer.

Economic and Trade Boost
Both leaders lauded the vibrant trade relationship, with India being Nigeria’s largest trading partner. They directed officials to finalize pending agreements, including the Economic Cooperation Agreement (ECA) and Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA), to foster trade and investment.

Notably, Indian investors pledged over $14 billion during the Nigeria-India Presidential Roundtable in September 2023, targeting critical sectors such as industrialization, energy, and telecommunications.

Infrastructure and Energy Development
India reaffirmed its support for Nigeria’s development goals through concessional credit lines and technical expertise. On energy, both nations agreed on long-term contracts for crude oil and LNG supply, alongside collaborations in pipeline security and clean energy initiatives.

Healthcare and Agriculture
The two countries committed to expanding healthcare collaboration by establishing hospitals, diagnostic centers, and adopting India’s CoWIN digital platform to revolutionize health management in Nigeria. India also pledged affordable pharmaceutical supplies to improve access to essential medicines.

In agriculture, Nigeria expressed gratitude for India’s concessions on rice supply during periods of need. Both nations agreed to collaborate on agricultural machinery, high-yield seeds, and millet production.

Education and Cultural Exchanges
The leaders emphasized expanding cultural and educational exchanges, building on historical ties. India pledged scholarships for Nigerian students, while both nations agreed to promote tourism and people-to-people connections.

Global and Regional Cooperation
President Tinubu and Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed their commitment to UN reforms and mutual support in international organizations. Nigeria also welcomed India’s invitation to join the Global Biofuel and Global Rivers Cities Alliances.

Honoring Strategic Friendship
President Tinubu conferred the national honor of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) on Prime Minister Modi, recognizing India as a valuable ally. Modi dedicated the honor to India’s 1.4 billion citizens and expressed hope for a stronger partnership.

“This honor will inspire us to take the India-Nigeria strategic partnership to new heights,” Modi stated.

The visit, marked by the exchange of key agreements and humanitarian aid pledges, sets the stage for a renewed era in Nigeria-India relations, emphasizing shared aspirations for global South development and mutual prosperity.

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