Nigeria and India have reaffirmed their commitment to a strong strategic partnership, pledging closer collaboration across critical areas, including economic development, defence, healthcare, and food security.

This was underscored during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent state visit to Nigeria, hosted by President Bola Tinubu.

During formal discussions in Abuja, both leaders addressed counterterrorism, maritime security, and intelligence sharing. They agreed on coordinated actions against piracy in the Gulf of Guinea and the Indian Ocean, committing to regular naval exercises and joint anti-piracy operations.

India also expressed readiness to support Nigeria’s defence modernisation, highlighting its position as a trusted defence manufacturer.

The two nations agreed to finalise agreements on trade, including the Economic Cooperation Agreement (ECA) and the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT), to boost economic ties. India is Nigeria's largest trading partner, with over 200 Indian companies contributing significantly to the Nigerian economy.

On energy, they reached agreements for long-term crude oil and LNG supply contracts, and India pledged support for Nigeria's energy infrastructure through concessional lines of credit.

Additionally, both countries emphasised collaboration in agriculture, agreeing on cooperation in agricultural machinery, high-yield seeds, and technology exchange, as well as supporting millet cultivation, in line with the UN’s 2023 International Year of Millets initiative.

The healthcare sector was another focal point, with India offering its CoWIN digital platform to enhance Nigeria's vaccination and health data management. India also committed to providing affordable generic medicines under its PMBJP scheme, supporting Nigeria's healthcare affordability efforts.

Education and cultural exchanges were celebrated, with Nigeria encouraging more students to benefit from India's scholarship programmes, such as the eVBAB scheme. Both nations also highlighted the importance of tourism and cultural connections, aiming to deepen people-to-people ties.

In international cooperation, India praised Nigeria’s support for its bid as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, while both countries reiterated their commitment to UN reform.

Nigeria also acknowledged India's invitations to join the Global Biofuel Alliance and Global Rivers Cities Alliance, and they agreed to enhance cooperation within the International Solar Alliance (ISA) on renewable energy initiatives.

Overall, this visit cemented a comprehensive partnership between Nigeria and India, positioning both nations to tackle shared challenges and foster sustainable development across multiple sectors.

Source: The Guardian Nigeria