Background:
- Prime Minister Modi’s recent visit to Nigeria marks the first by an Indian PM in 17 years.
- Visit comes at a crucial time to strengthen India-West Africa bilateral relations.
Relevance: GS 2 (International Relations)
Warm Welcome:
- Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu conferred India’s PM with Nigeria’s second-highest national award.
- Highlights the strengthening diplomatic and cultural ties.
Economic and Strategic Partnership:
- Nigeria is Africa’s largest economy and democracy, critical for West Africa and African Union engagements.
- Stronger ties bring economic and geopolitical advantages for India.
Defence Cooperation:
- Visit follows the Indian defence delegation’s trip to Lagos.
- Emphasizes India’s growing role as a defence supplier to Africa.
Development Assistance:
- India offers concessional loans and capacity-building programs to Nigeria, strengthening development cooperation.
China’s Influence:
- Despite significant Chinese investments in Nigerian infrastructure, India remains a strategic partner.
Trade Dynamics:
- Recent decline in India-Nigeria trade due to India’s increased oil imports from Russia.
- Both nations continue cooperation in other sectors.
Global South Leadership:
- India and Nigeria, as leaders in the Global South, can drive collective progress for developing countries.
Future Prospects:
- Sustained efforts needed to transform the goodwill generated by the visit into tangible outcomes.
