Nigeria and India Vow to Boost Defence, Trade, and Development Ties
Nigeria and India have pledged to strengthen bilateral ties, focusing on defence, energy, trade, and development during a meeting in Abuja. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the first in 17 years to visit Nigeria, was welcomed by President Bola Tinubu, marking a new chapter in their strategic partnership.
The two leaders discussed collaboration in counter-terrorism, maritime security, and intelligence-sharing, especially in light of piracy risks in the Gulf of Guinea. Modi emphasized India’s commitment to the partnership, highlighting sectors such as defence, energy, and technology.
Tinubu awarded Modi Nigeria’s second-highest honour, Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger. With a total trade volume of $14.9 billion in 2022, Nigeria remains India’s largest African trading partner. Both countries aim to deepen economic ties, with Nigeria seeking more Indian investment and financial support.
