Development of strategic relations between India and Nigeria; Modi’s historic visit to Abuja
According to Webangah News quoted by Mehr news agency, Narendra Modi, first Minister of India on Sunday in Abuja with Bola Ahmed Tinubu President of Nigeria, visited.
Indian Prime Minister’s visit to Nigeria is a unique opportunity to strengthen strategic relations between these two countries. This is the first time in 17 years that an Indian Prime Minister has visited Nigeria, and Bola Ahmed Tinubu /span>, warmly welcomed this meeting and considered it an opportunity to expand bilateral cooperation in key sectors such as technology, energy and infrastructure.
Emphasis on the importance of historical and economic relations
Diplomatic relations between Nigeria and India go back more than 66 years and India played an important role in the early development of Nigeria. Among the historical collaborations, we can mention the presence of Indian teachers, doctors and specialists in the first years of Nigeria’s independence. Now, this visit can be a platform for rebuilding these relations and raising them to a higher level.
Human challenges and the role of diplomacy
One of the serious issues raised in this meeting is the situation of more than 1.3 million Nigerians imprisoned in India. Ohaneze Andigbo organization, as a prominent cultural organization, has called on the President of Nigeria to Use the opportunity to investigate the situation of prisoners who have been wrongly caught due to strict immigration laws or social conditions and provide the basis for the release of the innocent through diplomatic consultations.
Economic opportunities and joining BRICS
Ohaneze Andigbo He has also emphasized the need for Nigeria to join BRICS. This action can help stabilize the Naira currency and increase business opportunities. Nigeria can take advantage of economic relations with member countries to advance its national interests.
Agreements made
In the meeting between Modi and Tinubu Which was accompanied by the presentation of Nigeria’s second highest award to the Indian Prime Minister, the two countries agreed to further cooperate in areas such as counter-terrorism, maritime security and information sharing. Also, they emphasized the need for joint cooperation in combating piracy in the Gulf of Guinea and decided to continue naval exercises and anti-piracy operations.
In the economic field, the two countries emphasized the expansion of bilateral trade and joint investment, and negotiations regarding economic contracts and financial agreements such as the Economic Cooperation Agreement and the Tax Avoidance Treaty Double done.
Also, in the energy sector, India and Nigeria have agreed on long-term contracts for the supply of crude oil and LNG, as well as technical support in the field of pipeline security, natural gas transmission and They agreed to distribute LPG.
In the health sector, the two countries pledged to expand their cooperation in the field of establishing hospitals, diagnostic centers and innovative health management systems. India will also provide its CoWIN digital system to improve the efficiency of vaccination programs in Nigeria.
In the area of food security, the two countries agreed to further cooperate in the field of agriculture, especially in the field of millets, and India asked Nigeria to support the UN resolution. He thanked for declaring 2023 as the International Year of Nations.
Conclusion
Modi’s visit to Nigeria not only represents the deepening of bilateral relations, but also an opportunity to redefine the economic path. And Nigeria’s diplomacy is considered in the international arena. Considering that China and Russia are trying to increase their influence in Africa, the presence of India’s growing economy in the black continent will increase the level of competition between countries to benefit from its natural resources.
