Modi’s Historic Visit to Nigeria Strengthens Maritime Security and Economic Ties

During a state visit to Nigeria by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the two countries agreed to enhance cooperation in maritime security, intelligence, and counter-terrorism. This marks the first visit by an Indian premier to Nigeria in 17 years, following an invitation by President Bola Tinubu. Discussions between the two leaders also encompassed economic development, defense, healthcare, and food security. With the increasing threats in the Gulf of Guinea and the Indian Ocean, both nations pledged to work together to protect maritime trade routes and combat piracy.

Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, is keen on attracting more Indian investments and securing affordable lines of credit to bolster its economy and generate employment opportunities. At the G20 summit last year, Nigeria announced commitments of nearly $14 billion from Indian investors, with companies like Jindal Steel and Power committing $3 billion to Nigeria’s steel sector. Currently, there are over 200 Indian companies operating in Nigeria, showcasing the strong economic ties between the two nations.

After his visit to Nigeria, Modi is scheduled to travel to Brazil to attend this year’s G20 summit. The discussions and agreements reached during Modi’s visit to Nigeria are expected to strengthen the bilateral relationship between the two countries and pave the way for further collaboration in various sectors. The joint statement released after the meeting highlighted the focus on enhancing maritime security, intelligence sharing, and counter-terrorism efforts, underscoring the commitment of both nations to safeguarding their interests in the maritime domain.

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