India Prioritises Strategic Partnership with Nigeria, PM Modi Says During Landmark Visit

Abuja: India values its strong partnership with Nigeria and aims to strengn cooperation in areas like defence, energy, and tre, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said this during his talks with Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Sunday. In his televised opening remarks at meeting, PM Modi identified terrorism, separatism, piracy and drug trafficking as major challenges and said two countries will continue to work toger to deal with m.

Historic Visit Marks a New Chapter in India-Nigeria Relations

PM Modi arrived in Abuja early Sunday on first trip to country by an Indian prime minister after a gap of 17 years. "We give high priority to our strategic partnership with Nigeria. I am confident that a new chapter in our ties will begin following our talks," prime minister said.

Indian Diaspora: A Pillar of Bilateral Relations

Prime Minister also described around 60,000-strong Indian expatriate community as a key pillar of India-Nigeria relations and thanked Nigerian President Tinubu for ensuring ir welfare.

Relief Aid for Flood Victims

PM Modi also announced that India is sending 20 tonnes of relief supplies for Nigerian people hit by last month's floods.

He also referred to African Union becoming a permanent member of G20 at India-hosted summit of grouping last year and described it as a significant outcome.

Bilateral Talks and Ceremonial Welcome

Before delegation-level talks, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nigerian President Tinubu held one-on-one meeting at Presidential Villa.

prime minister was also accorded a ceremonial welcome.

Both sides are likely to ink a number of agreements following delegation-level talks.

PM Modi is in Nigeria as part of a three-nation tour. From Abuja, he will travel to Brazil to attend G20 summit. His last destination will be Guyana.

Economic Ties Strengned Over Six Deces

India-Nigeria ties were elevated to status of a "strategic partnership' during n Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to African nation in October 2007.

Nigeria has been a close partner of India for over six deces.

New Delhi established its diplomatic House in Lagos in November 1958, two years before Nigeria became independent in 1960.

presence of a large Indian expatriate community of about 60,000, largest in West Africa, ds value to importance of long-standing relationship between two countries.

India’s Role as a Development Partner

re are more than 200 Indian companies who have invested about USD 27 billion in all important manufacturing sectors and se companies are second largest employers after federal government, according to Indian officials.

India has emerged as a development partner of Nigeria on two fronts by offering developmental assistance through concessional loans (USD 100 million) and by offering capacity-building training programmes.