PM Modi Holds Key Talks with Nigeria’s President Tinubu to Strengthen Bilateral Ties

GG News Bureau
Abuja, 17th Nov. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on his State Visit to Nigeria, engaged in official talks with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House in Abuja today. The Prime Minister was accorded a ceremonial welcome, including a 21-gun salute, upon his arrival.

The discussions began with a restricted meeting between the two leaders, followed by delegation-level talks. Prime Minister Modi recalled his warm interaction with President Tinubu during the G-20 Summit in New Delhi earlier this year. The leaders emphasized the deep-rooted ties between India and Nigeria, built on shared democratic values, historical connections, and strong people-to-people relations.

Prime Minister Modi expressed his sympathies to President Tinubu over the recent floods in Nigeria and extended India’s support through relief material and medicines. President Tinubu thanked India for its prompt assistance during the crisis.

The two leaders reviewed their ongoing bilateral cooperation and explored avenues to further strengthen the India-Nigeria Strategic Partnership. Areas discussed included trade, investment, education, healthcare, renewable energy, and cultural exchanges. Prime Minister Modi offered India’s expertise in agriculture, transportation, affordable medicine, and digital transformation to support Nigeria’s development goals.

In addition, the leaders discussed enhancing defense and security cooperation, reaffirming their joint commitment to combat terrorism, piracy, and radicalization. They also addressed global and regional concerns, with President Tinubu commending India’s efforts to highlight the issues of developing countries, particularly through the Voice of the Global South Summits.

Prime Minister Modi invited Nigeria to expand its engagement with India’s green initiatives, including the International Solar Alliance and the International Big Cat Alliance, both of which Nigeria is already a member of.

Following the discussions, three Memoranda of Understanding were signed between India and Nigeria. These agreements covered the Cultural Exchange Programme, Customs Cooperation, and Survey Cooperation. The day concluded with a state banquet hosted by President Tinubu in honor of the visiting Prime Minister.