During a landmark meeting in Abuja, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged to enhance bilateral cooperation in key areas, including maritime security and counterterrorism.
This meeting, marking Modi's first visit to Nigeria, also focused on expanding strategic partnerships in defense, energy, technology, and trade.
The two leaders emphasized their commitment to supporting Global South nations, highlighting their shared vision for a more inclusive global development agenda.
The visit signifies a new chapter in Nigeria-India relations, aiming to bolster economic and security collaboration between the two countries.
Modi has often touted India as the voice of the Global South, the group of countries primarily considered developing nations, including Nigeria, but which also includes China and several wealthy Persian Gulf states.
“Together we will also continue to highlight at the global level the priorities of the Global South and thanks to our joint efforts, we will achieve success as well in this,” said Modi.
A joint statement said both leaders pledged greater collaboration in counterterrorism, maritime security, and intelligence sharing to cope with growing threats in the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Guinea, the area off the coast of West Africa that is one of the world’s most dangerous for piracy.
Nigeria is India’s largest trading partner in Africa with total bilateral trade between estimated at $14.9 billion in 2022. There are also at least 60,000 Indian nationals and 200 Indian companies in Nigeria, authorities say.