Abuja: Nigeria and India have reaffirmed their commitment to a robust strategic partnership, pledging to strengthen ties in key areas including economic development, defence, healthcare, and food security. This announcement was made in a joint statement issued at the conclusion of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Nigeria, invited by President Bola Tinubu.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Indian prime minister received a formal welcome, including a 21-artillery gun salute at the Presidential Villa. Following a private meeting, both leaders presided over expanded bilateral and political talks, agreeing on greater collaboration in counterterrorism, maritime security, and intelligence sharing. The leaders highlighted the growing threats in the Gulf of Guinea and the Indian Ocean, agreeing to coordinate actions to safeguard maritime trade routes and combat piracy, including regular naval exercises and joint anti-piracy operations.
Modi expressed India’s readiness to support Nigeria’s
defence modernization efforts, emphasizing India’s role as a trusted defence manufacturer. The leaders also underscored the vibrant economic relationship, with India being Nigeria’s largest trading partner and a significant contributor to its economy. Nigeria acknowledged the contributions of over 200 Indian companies operating in the country, which have generated substantial employment and investment opportunities.
During the visit, both leaders directed their officials to finalize pending agreements, including the Economic Cooperation Agreement (ECA), Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA), and Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT), to boost trade and investment. On infrastructure development, India reaffirmed its support for Nigeria’s priorities through concessional lines of credit and technical expertise.
In the energy sector, Nigeria and India agreed on long-term contracts for crude oil and LNG supply, along with technical support in pipeline transmission security, CNG conversion, and LPG bottling dist
ribution. The leaders also discussed broader collaboration in food security, agriculture, health, education, and cultural exchanges, recognizing food security as a priority for developing countries.
In healthcare, the two countries committed to deepen collaboration focusing on establishing hospitals and diagnostic centers and deploying innovative health management systems. The Indian Government offered its CoWIN digital platform to support Nigeria’s healthcare system by improving vaccination programs and other health initiatives.
On education and cultural exchanges, Nigeria and India pledged to strengthen collaboration and encourage Nigerian students to leverage Indian scholarship programs. The leaders applauded the vibrant cultural and academic exchanges between the nations, emphasizing the importance of promoting mutual understanding and shared heritage.
Both countries reaffirmed their joint commitment to UN Security Council reform and regional peace, particularly in West Africa. Nigeria acknowledged Ind
ia’s invitation to join the Global Biofuel Alliance and Global Rivers Cities Alliance, and both sides agreed to intensify cooperation in renewable energy through the International Solar Alliance (ISA).