Kehinde Fajobi
Nigeria and India have pledged to strengthen their strategic partnership, focusing on key areas such as defence, economic development, healthcare, food security, and cultural exchange.
This commitment was outlined in a joint statement issued on Sunday following Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Nigeria at the invitation of President Bola Tinubu.
The visit, held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, featured a ceremonial welcome, including a 21-gun salute, and bilateral discussions aimed at reinforcing ties between the two nations.
During their talks, Tinubu and Modi underscored the importance of enhanced cooperation in counterterrorism, maritime security, and intelligence sharing.
With growing threats in the Gulf of Guinea and the Indian Ocean, the leaders agreed to coordinate actions to protect maritime trade routes and combat piracy, while also committing to joint naval exercises and anti-piracy operations.
“The leaders reiterated their unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including the cross-border movement of terrorists and terror financing networks and safe havens,” the statement read.
They called for “zero tolerance” towards terrorism and urged the adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism under the United Nations framework.
Modi reaffirmed India’s readiness to support Nigeria’s defence modernisation efforts, citing India’s reputation as a trusted defence manufacturer.
Economic collaboration also featured prominently in their discussions.
Tinubu praised the contributions of over 200 Indian companies operating in Nigeria, which have created substantial employment opportunities.
Both leaders agreed to expedite agreements on the Economic Cooperation Agreement (ECA), Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA), and Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) to facilitate trade and investment.
They also reviewed the $14 billion investment pledges made by Indian businesses during Tinubu’s visit to India in September 2023, which target critical sectors such as industrialisation, energy, telecommunications, and defence.
In the energy sector, both nations agreed on long-term contracts for crude oil and LNG supply, as well as technical cooperation in pipeline transmission security, CNG conversion, and LPG bottling distribution.
Addressing food security, Tinubu and Modi emphasised the need for enhanced agricultural collaboration, ranging from the use of high-yield seeds to agricultural machinery and technical expertise.
Tinubu expressed gratitude for India’s concessions during Nigeria’s recent rice supply challenges, while Modi thanked Nigeria for supporting India’s initiative to declare 2023 as the International Year of Millets.
Healthcare was another area of focus, with both leaders pledging to deepen cooperation in the establishment of hospitals and diagnostic centres in Nigeria.
India offered its CoWIN digital platform to improve Nigeria’s vaccination programmes and health data management.
Additionally, India committed to providing high-quality generic medicines at affordable prices under its Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) scheme, aimed at supporting vulnerable populations in Nigeria.
Tinubu and Modi also celebrated their nations’ vibrant cultural and educational exchanges, with Nigeria commending India’s scholarship programmes, including the eVBAB scheme, which offers virtual learning opportunities.
Both leaders agreed to promote people-to-people connections through cultural and academic collaborations, tourism, and other exchanges, further strengthening their historical ties.
The two nations also discussed global cooperation, with India thanking Nigeria for its reciprocal support in the United Nations Security Council elections for 2028-2029.
They reaffirmed their commitment to UN Security Council reform and regional peace, particularly in West Africa.
As members of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), Nigeria and India agreed to intensify efforts to develop solar parks and expand renewable energy portfolios. India also invited Nigeria to join the Global Biofuel Alliance and the Global Rivers Cities Alliance, highlighting the importance of sustainable development.
The state visit, which reinforced the longstanding friendship between Nigeria and India, concluded with both leaders expressing optimism about their countries’ future collaboration.