By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi 

Nigeria and India have strengthened their longstanding strategic partnership, committing to collaborative efforts in economic development, defence, healthcare, and food security.

This renewed partnership was cemented during the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Nigeria at the invitation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The visit culminated in a joint statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, highlighting key agreements and future areas of cooperation.

The visit commenced with a ceremonial welcome at the Presidential Villa, where Prime Minister Modi was greeted with a 21-gun salute.

The two leaders held bilateral discussions and presided over expanded talks involving political and economic stakeholders from both nations.

Their dialogue addressed pressing global and regional issues, with a particular focus on strengthening cooperation in counterterrorism, maritime security, and intelligence sharing.

Given the growing threats in the Gulf of Guinea and the Indian Ocean, both nations agreed to coordinated actions to secure maritime trade routes and combat piracy.

The leaders reaffirmed their stance against terrorism, condemning its manifestations, including cross-border activities, financing networks, and safe havens.

They called for the expeditious adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism under the United Nations framework, emphasizing zero tolerance for terrorism.

India pledged support for Nigeria’s defence modernization efforts, leveraging its emergence as a trusted defence manufacturer.

Regular naval exercises and joint anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Guinea were also agreed upon to ensure the security of critical maritime routes.

On the economic front, India remains Nigeria’s largest trading partner, with over 200 Indian companies contributing significantly to Nigeria’s employment and investment landscape.

Both leaders emphasised the need to finalize key agreements, such as the Economic Cooperation Agreement (ECA), Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA), and Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT), to further boost trade and investment.

They lauded the $14 billion investment commitments made during President Tinubu’s visit to India in September 2023, targeting industrialization, energy, telecommunications, and defence.

Healthcare emerged as a crucial area of collaboration, with commitments to establish hospitals, diagnostic centres, and innovative health management systems in Nigeria.

India offered its CoWIN digital platform to enhance Nigeria’s vaccination programs and health data management.

Furthermore, India extended its Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) scheme, ensuring the supply of high-quality generic medicines to Nigeria at affordable rates, a move aimed at improving healthcare accessibility for vulnerable populations.

In addressing food security, both nations acknowledged its importance for developing countries with large populations.

Nigeria expressed gratitude to India for its rice supply during critical periods, and the two leaders agreed to enhance agricultural cooperation.

This includes sharing expertise in agricultural machinery, high-yield seeds, and millet cultivation.

The collaboration aligns with the UN’s declaration of 2023 as the International Year of Millets, supported by Nigeria.

Energy and infrastructure development were also key topics, with agreements on long-term crude oil and LNG supply contracts, pipeline security, and renewable energy initiatives.

Both countries, as members of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), committed to intensifying their cooperation in renewable energy development, including establishing solar parks.

Education and cultural exchanges were highlighted as vital to strengthening people-to-people ties.

India reaffirmed its role in Nigeria’s human resource development through scholarship programs, including the eVBAB virtual learning initiative.

Both leaders encouraged more Nigerian students to participate in these opportunities while emphasising the need to expand cultural and academic exchanges.

On the international stage, Nigeria and India pledged mutual support for UN Security Council reforms and regional peace efforts, particularly in West Africa.

Nigeria acknowledged India’s invitation to join the Global Biofuel Alliance and Global Rivers Cities Alliance, further broadening their areas of collaboration.