• Economic, defence, health, and food security sectors top agenda
Tayo Busayo, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - In a significant boost to bilateral relations, Nigeria and India have reaffirmed their commitment to a robust strategic partnership, pledging closer collaboration in economic development, defence, healthcare, and food security. The announcement followed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to Nigeria at the invitation of President Bola Tinubu, underscoring the strengthening ties between the two nations.
During a formal reception at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, which included a 21-gun salute, the two leaders held bilateral talks and presided over expanded discussions involving senior officials from both countries. Their deliberations covered various areas of mutual interest, including counterterrorism, maritime security, and economic cooperation.
To address growing security threats in the Gulf of Guinea and the Indian Ocean, both nations agreed on coordinated actions to protect critical maritime trade routes and combat piracy. Plans were also laid out for regular naval exercises and joint anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Guinea.
“The leaders reiterated their unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all its forms,” the joint statement read, emphasizing enhanced cooperation in counterterrorism efforts and a push for the adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism within the United Nations framework.
India remains Nigeria’s largest trading partner, with over 200 Indian companies operating in Nigeria, generating significant employment and investment opportunities. Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the progress of investments initiated during President Tinubu’s September 2023 visit to India, where Indian investors pledged over $14 billion in sectors such as industrialization, energy, and telecommunications.
To further economic ties, officials were directed to finalize agreements on Economic Cooperation, Double Taxation Avoidance, and Bilateral Investment Treaties. India also committed to concessional lines of credit and technical expertise to support Nigeria’s infrastructure development priorities.
On energy, Nigeria and India agreed on long-term contracts for crude oil and LNG supply. India will provide technical support in pipeline transmission security, CNG conversion, and LPG distribution.
Recognizing food security as a critical issue, the leaders agreed to collaborate on agricultural innovation, machinery, and high-yield seed production. Nigeria also thanked India for timely concessions on rice supply, while India expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s support of the 2023 UN declaration of the International Year of Millets.
Both nations pledged to deepen cooperation in healthcare, focusing on establishing diagnostic centers and adopting innovative health management systems. India offered to share its CoWIN digital platform, a health management tool that revolutionized its vaccination campaigns, and pledged affordable generic pharmaceutical supplies under the PMBJP scheme to enhance access to essential medicines in Nigeria.
Acknowledging longstanding ties, the two leaders emphasized the importance of educational and cultural exchanges. Nigeria expressed appreciation for India's scholarship programs, including the eVBAB scheme, and pledged to encourage more students to benefit from these opportunities.
Cultural exchanges, such as participation in film festivals and academic collaborations, were identified as critical to fostering mutual understanding and enhancing people-to-people connections.
India commended Nigeria for supporting its candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2028-2029. Both nations reiterated their commitment to UN Security Council reform and pledged mutual support for their international initiatives, including renewable energy projects under the International Solar Alliance.
Nigeria was also invited to join the Global Biofuel Alliance and Global Rivers Cities Alliance to expand their cooperation on sustainable development.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit marks a significant milestone in Nigeria-India relations, demonstrating the two nations’ resolve to deepen their partnership. President Tinubu described the discussions as “fruitful,” emphasizing that the collaboration would deliver tangible benefits to the people of both countries.
As the world’s largest democracy and Africa’s largest economy solidify their ties, the visit sets the stage for enhanced cooperation in critical sectors, fostering growth, stability, and mutual prosperity.
