Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a significant three-nation tour this November, which includes stops in Nigeria, Brazil, and Guyana. This trip marks his first visit to Nigeria since 2007 and highlights India's growing diplomatic engagement with Africa. Modi's visit to Abuja on November 17 was met with enthusiastic celebrations, reflecting the strong ties between India and Nigeria, two of the largest democracies on the planet.
Upon arrival at the airport, Modi was welcomed with open arms by members of the Indian community and Nigerian officials, including Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, Nigeria's Minister for Federal Capital Territory, who presented him with the symbolic "Key to the City" of Abuja. This ceremonial gesture was indicative of the high regard the Nigerian government has for Modi, emphasizing shared values of democracy and partnership.
During bilateral discussions at the Presidential Villa, Prime Minister Modi engaged with Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aiming to strengthen the strategic partnership established between their countries over the years. "Had a very productive discussion with President Tinubu. We talked about adding momentum to our strategic partnership. There is immense scope for ties to flourish even more across various sectors including defense, energy, technology, trade, health, and education," Modi tweeted after the meeting.
One of the primary focuses of this high-profile visit is enhancing economic cooperation. India has been steadily increasing its trade and investment footprint across Africa, and Nigeria is no exception. More than 200 Indian companies have invested approximately $27 billion in Nigerian manufacturing, directly contributing to the employment sector. Modi's office emphasized these investments, showcasing India's commitment as Nigeria’s development partner through concessional loans and capacity-building initiatives.
Modi's visit also coincides with both nations' aspirations for permanent representation on the United Nations Security Council. India, with its status as the world's most populous country, and Nigeria, as the largest nation in Africa, seek to capitalize on their demographics and political might to gain more voting power on the global stage. Both leaders expressed hopes of bolstering their bids for permanent seats, drawing attention to the growing call for more representation from developing nations.
After Nigeria, Modi traveled to Brazil for the prestigious G20 Summit, where he was greeted by Vedic scholars chanting traditional Sanskrit mantras, reflecting the cultural ties between the two nations. The warm reception from the Indian community upon his arrival also illustrated their connection to India, showcasing the strong diaspora present in Brazil.
At the G20 Summit, Modi plans to articulate India's positions on pivotal global issues, building upon outcomes from previous summits held under India's presidency. The gathering of world leaders will tackle pressing challenges such as climate change, poverty alleviation, and economic recovery post-pandemic. With high-profile attendees like US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, the summit promises to be a significant event on the international diplomatic calendar.
Brazil's President Luiz Lula da Silva emphasized his commitment to address climate issues and tackle poverty during the G20 talks. With global tensions simmering over various issues, the summit is deemed as one of the most consequential meetings of the world's major economies.
Finally, the Prime Minister is scheduled to conclude his tour with meetings in Guyana, emphasizing India’s interest and presence across South America. Each leg of his tour reflects Modi's broader strategy of enhancing regional partnerships, diversifying India's international alliances amid changing global dynamics.
Modi's trip to Nigeria, Brazil, and Guyana not only strengthens bilateral relations but also positions India as a significant player on the world stage, capable of engaging meaningfully with both African and South American nations.
