Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins his first visit to West Africa with a trip to Nigeria, which marks the first visit by an Indian prime minister in 17 years. Modi is in Nigeria at the invitation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and aims to strengthen bilateral relations. Following Nigeria, he will attend the G20 Summit in Brazil and then visit Guyana, underscoring India’s diplomatic engagements in the region.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on his inaugural visit to the West African region, commencing his three-nation tour in Nigeria, where he arrived on Sunday. This trip, which includes Brazil and Guyana, marks the first occasion an Indian prime minister has visited Nigeria in 17 years. Invited by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Prime Minister Modi was warmly received in Abuja, where Minister for Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Ezenwo Wike honored him with the ‘Key to the City.’ The Key is a symbol of recognition and trust from the Nigerian populace. In a post on the social media platform X, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) shared details of the Prime Minister’s arrival and his welcoming ceremony, reinforcing the significance of this diplomatic visit. President Tinubu, in his message on X, expressed anticipation for bilateral discussions aimed at enhancing the strategic partnership between India and Nigeria, emphasizing cooperation in vital sectors. Modi reciprocated this sentiment, highlighting his hope that the visit would strengthen the friendship between the two nations. During his trip, Modi expressed enthusiasm for engaging with the Indian community in Nigeria, mentioning his appreciation for the warm welcome he had received in Hindi. He articulated that this visit would offer a platform to reinforce the strategic partnership founded on mutual values of democracy and pluralism. Following his engagements in Nigeria, Modi is set to attend the 19th G20 Summit in Brazil, scheduled for November 18-19, where he will participate as a Troika member alongside leaders from China and the United States. The final leg of Prime Minister Modi’s journey will take him to Guyana from November 19 to 21, a visit that is notably significant as Indian prime ministers have not visited Guyana in over fifty years.
The significance of Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Nigeria lies in its historical context, as it is the first visit by an Indian prime minister to Nigeria in 17 years. This visit aims to foster diplomatic relations and enhance cooperation between India and Nigeria, particularly in critical sectors such as trade and democracy. Moreover, Modi’s itinerary reflects India’s growing engagement in the West African region and aims to leverage strategic partnerships with nations on the global stage. The upcoming G20 Summit in Brazil further amplifies the importance of these bilateral discussions in shaping international collaboration.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Nigeria signifies an important step in strengthening India’s diplomatic ties with West African nations. The warm reception and engagement with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reflect a mutual commitment to enhancing cooperation and expanding strategic partnerships. As Modi continues his journey to Brazil and Guyana, the objective of bolstering these international relationships remains paramount, highlighting India’s role in global discourse and economic collaboration.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
