In a significant development, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have pledged to enhance cooperation in maritime security, counterterrorism, and advancing the interests of the Global South. The two leaders met on Sunday in Abuja, marking a new chapter in the partnership between the two nations.
During his first visit to Nigeria, Modi was welcomed by President Tinubu, where they discussed expanding collaboration across key sectors, including defense, energy, technology, trade, and development. The visit underscores the growing diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries.
Nigeria, India’s largest trading partner in Africa, saw its bilateral trade with India reach an estimated $14.9 billion in 2022. The two countries are also linked by a strong presence of over 60,000 Indian nationals and more than 200 Indian companies operating across Nigeria, highlighting the deepening people-to-people and economic connections.
Modi, who has long championed India as the voice of the Global South—a collective of developing nations that includes Nigeria—reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for the group’s priorities. “Together, we will continue to amplify the concerns of the Global South on the global stage, and through our combined efforts, we will achieve success,” Modi stated.
Both leaders also pledged to strengthen cooperation in areas of counterterrorism, maritime security, and intelligence sharing. The focus on the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Guinea—regions known for their maritime threats, including piracy—was central to the discussions, with both countries agreeing to deepen their security collaboration to tackle growing regional challenges.
To honor Modi’s contributions, President Tinubu awarded him Nigeria’s second-highest national honor, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger. Tinubu praised Modi for his unwavering commitment to democratic values and expressed Nigeria’s intention to further broaden its strategic partnership with India. “Nigeria values its strong relationship with India and is committed to expanding it for the benefit of both nations,” Tinubu affirmed.
The visit marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria-India relations, with both nations committed to tackling shared challenges and bolstering their influence in the Global South.
