Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently embarked on a significant three-nation tour, marking India's growing engagement with South America and the Caribbean. His visit included Nigeria, Brazil, and Guyana, each stop filled with diplomatic significance and opportunities for bilateral partnerships.
The five-day trip kicked off with PM Modi's arrival in Nigeria, where he spent two days meeting with various leaders and engaging with the Indian community. This visit was particularly notable as it marked the first time since 2007 for an Indian Prime Minister to visit Nigeria. Modi's discussions emphasized the strategic partnership between India and Nigeria, which has been developing since 2007, covering sectors like energy, economy, and defense. Over 200 Indian companies have invested more than $27 billion across different industries within Nigeria.
Upon his arrival, PM Modi expressed his eagerness to strengthen ties with Nigeria. He stated, "This will be my first visit to Nigeria, our close partner in the West African region. It will be an opportunity to build upon our strategic partnership based on shared beliefs." His gratitude for the warm welcome from the Indian community, as conveyed through messages he received, showcased his commitment to maintaining strong relationships with the diaspora.
After Nigeria, the Prime Minister headed to Brazil, participating actively at the G20 Leaders’ Summit held on November 18. Brazil's President Luiz Ignacio Lula da Silva played host to the summit, and India, as part of the G20 Troika, took significant steps to address global challenges. Modi planned to discuss India's insights on various international issues and build upon the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration from the previous year.
Modi's presence at this year’s G20 was underpinned by the contributions made during India’s presidency the previous year. He emphasized, "Last year, India’s successful presidency elevated the G20 to people’s G20 and mainstreamed the priorities of the Global South. This year, Brazil has built upon India’s legacy." By attending the summit, Modi aimed not only to affirm India's role on the global stage but also to strengthen collaborations with other nations.
The culmination of the trip brought the Prime Minister to Georgetown, Guyana, from November 19 to 21. This marked the first visit by any Indian Prime Minister to Guyana since 1968. PM Modi received an extraordinary welcome, with Guyanese President Mohammed Irfaan Ali and members of the cabinet present to greet him at the airport — something not typical for state visits. The Mayor of Georgetown honored Modi with the city's key as part of this ceremonial welcome.
During his time in Guyana, Modi aimed to deepen the historical ties between India and Guyana, which has seen significant economic changes since the discovery of major oil reserves offshore by Exxon Mobil back in 2015. This discovery transformed Guyana from one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere to one of the fastest-growing economies, with GDP growth projections skyrocketing due to burgeoning oil production. Modi's visit was seen as pivotal amid Guyana's eager efforts to attract diverse investments, not only from India but global players like the U.S. and China.
Modi's engagements extended beyond mere economic interests. The Indian Prime Minister engaged President Ali on issues of defense cooperation and energy collaboration, especially considering the geopolitical pressures surrounding Venezuela's claims over the Essequibo region, which comprises two-thirds of Guyana's territory. This was particularly relevant as Venezuela has ramped up military activities close to the disputed territory. Strengthening Guyana's defenses through cooperation with India was identified as mutually beneficial for both nations.
The upswing of relations is complemented by previous cultural connections, as many Indo-Guyanese can trace their heritage back to Indian indentured laborers who arrived in Guyana over 185 years ago. This shared history has created lasting bonds, which Modi recognized by honoring the contributions of the Indian community during his visit to the Guyanese Parliament.
Modi highlighted, "Guyana and India share a unique relationship rooted in shared heritage, culture, and values. I look forward to paying my respects to one of the oldest Indian diasporas, who migrated over 185 years ago. This visit will strengthen our ties and provide strategic direction for future collaborations." The Prime Minister also participated in the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit, aiming to renew historical ties and expand partnerships to embrace new realms of cooperation.
Throughout the tour, PM Modi held numerous bilateral meetings, including discussions with Mexico, Indonesia, Italy, France, and more, demonstrating India's active engagement on multiple fronts. Overall, this visit not only marked substantial diplomatic activity but also stood as a testimony to India's commitment to nurturing its ties with regions where it has historical and cultural legacies.
The interactions during the tour are expected to create economic opportunities and solidify India's strategic role as Guyana, Brazil, and Nigeria implement their development agendas. With the backdrop of changing geopolitical landscapes and the significance of energy security, PM Modi's three-nation visit effectively positioned India as a key player advocating for cooperation and development across these diverse regions.
