Nigeria and India Strengthen Strategic Ties

Nigeria and India Strengthen Strategic Ties with Agreements on Counterterrorism, Trade, and Energy

 

Nigeria and India have deepened their long-standing partnership by signing multiple agreements to bolster cooperation in areas such as counterterrorism, maritime security, economic development, and energy. This development follows Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Nigeria at the invitation of President Bola Tinubu.

 

Focus on Security Cooperation

 

During high-level discussions, the two leaders agreed to enhance collaboration in counterterrorism, intelligence sharing, and maritime security. With increasing threats in the Gulf of Guinea and the Indian Ocean, both nations pledged to safeguard maritime trade routes and combat piracy.

 

A joint statement underscored their shared commitment:

> “The leaders reiterated their unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all its forms, including cross-border terrorism, terror financing networks, and safe havens. They called for zero tolerance for terrorism and stressed the need for expeditious adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism within the UN framework.”

 

India also reaffirmed its readiness to support Nigeria’s defense modernization, highlighting its emergence as a trusted defense manufacturer.

 

Strengthening Economic and Trade Relations

 

The economic ties between Nigeria and India were another highlight of the visit. India, Nigeria’s largest trading partner, plays a crucial role in the country’s economy through over 200 Indian companies operating in Nigeria, generating significant employment and investment.

 

Both leaders instructed their officials to expedite pending agreements, such as the Economic Cooperation Agreement (ECA), the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA), and the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT), to boost trade and investment.

 

During the G20 Leaders’ Summit in September 2023, Indian investors committed over $14 billion to Nigeria’s industrialization, energy, telecommunications, and defense sectors. The leaders expressed satisfaction with the progress of these investments and pledged to finalize outstanding initiatives.

 

Energy and Infrastructure Development

 

Energy cooperation emerged as a key area of collaboration, with agreements on long-term contracts for crude oil and LNG supply. India also pledged technical support for pipeline security, CNG conversion, and LPG bottling and distribution.

 

Additionally, India committed to supporting Nigeria’s infrastructure development through concessional credit lines and technical expertise, aligning with Nigeria’s development priorities.

 

Cultural, Customs, and Survey Cooperation

 

To further strengthen bilateral relations, Nigeria and India signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on cultural exchange, survey cooperation, and customs. Ambassador Dumoma Umar Ahmed, Nigeria’s Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Dammu Ravi, India’s Secretary of Economic Relations, represented their respective countries in the signing ceremony.

 

Speaking on the agreements, Ahmed emphasized the importance of mutual commitment:

> “I am confident that the relevant stakeholders from both countries will work together to ensure the realization of this great milestone for the benefit of our people.”

 

A Promising Future

 

The agreements and commitments made during Prime Minister Modi’s state visit mark a significant milestone in the Nigeria-India partnership. By addressing key areas such as security, trade, energy, and cultural exchange, both nations are poised to strengthen their relationship and unlock new opportunities for mutual growth and development.