Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Nigeria marks a historic moment in the relationship between the two nations. He will leave on Nov 16, 2024 on his way to Brazil for the G20 summit, PM Modi will spend a day in Nigeria which a part of Global South.
As the first Indian Prime Minister to visit since 2007, this visit underscores India’s growing focus on deepening its strategic partnership with Nigeria—Africa’s most populous nation and one of its key geopolitical players. The visit will highlight several areas of mutual interest, notably in defence cooperation, maritime security, and economic exchange. This trip is also part of India’s broader strategy to strengthen ties with African nations, recognizing the continent’s rising global influence and the need to foster strategic partnerships in areas of security, trade, and development.
Enhancing Defence Cooperation
India and Nigeria share a long history of defence collaboration, which has grown steadily since the 2007 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that laid the foundation for joint military efforts. Over the years, this cooperation has expanded to include a range of initiatives, such as military training programs, intelligence sharing, and strategic dialogues. A key example of this partnership is the 2024 counterterrorism discussions held between the two nations at the level of National Security Advisors.
One of the most visible indicators of India’s support for Nigeria’s defence capabilities was the visit of the Indian Navy ship INS Sumedha to Lagos in 2023. The visit included joint naval exercises and engagements aimed at enhancing interoperability and addressing security challenges in the Gulf of Guinea—an area plagued by piracy and other threats to international trade.
India’s growing naval presence in the region underscores a shared commitment to enhancing maritime security. Through these engagements, both nations are working to improve their operational coordination, which is vital for countering piracy and safeguarding vital sea lanes. Moreover, Nigeria’s recent $1 billion investment in its defence sector, supported by India’s military-industrial complex, signals a joint commitment to strengthening national security and building self-reliance in defence capabilities.
Maritime Security in the Gulf of Guinea
The Gulf of Guinea is an essential maritime trade route, yet it remains a hotspot for piracy, illegal fishing, and other security threats. India has been an active participant in efforts to secure this vital region, underscored by its support for Nigeria’s maritime security operations.
In 2022, India launched a successful anti-piracy mission in the Gulf of Guinea, further strengthening the partnership between the Indian and Nigerian navies. The visit of INS Sumedha in 2023 was another demonstration of India’s dedication to the safety and security of the region. Through joint exercises and expert discussions, both countries are enhancing their tactical coordination, addressing piracy, and reinforcing the rule of law on the high seas.
India’s engagement in maritime security also aligns with its broader strategic vision to foster stability and peace across Africa’s waters. By sharing resources, intelligence, and expertise, India and Nigeria aim to protect their shared interests and ensure the security of critical sea lanes, which are essential for global trade.
Expanding Economic and Trade Partnerships
Trade remains a cornerstone of the India-Nigeria relationship. As India’s second-largest trading partner in Africa, Nigeria’s importance is reflected in bilateral trade figures that reached $7.89 billion in 2023-24. While this figure marked a slight decline, both nations are working diligently to reverse this trend and revitalize economic exchanges.
Discussions during Prime Minister Modi’s visit will focus on expanding trade in key sectors, such as crude oil, natural gas, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy. Notably, India’s expertise in information technology, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy offers tremendous potential for collaboration with Nigeria, particularly as the latter works to diversify its economy away from oil dependence.
Additionally, both nations are advancing the finalization of a Local Currency Settlement System Agreement, which will help streamline bilateral transactions and mitigate exchange rate risks. India’s growing business presence in Nigeria, with investments totalling over $27 billion across sectors like infrastructure, telecommunications, and agriculture, highlights the immense potential for further economic cooperation.
Future Prospects: Areas for Growth
Looking to the future, the India-Nigeria partnership holds significant promise across various sectors. Beyond defence and trade, both countries are exploring collaboration in technology transfer, education, and infrastructure development. India’s burgeoning expertise in renewable energy, especially in solar power, could be particularly beneficial for Nigeria, given its growing energy needs and commitment to sustainable development.
In the education sector, India’s increasing support for capacity building, scholarships, and technical training for Nigerian students is helping equip the next generation of leaders with the skills necessary to thrive in a globalized economy. These educational ties further deepen people-to-people connections, fostering long-term diplomatic and economic growth.
Bottomline
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Nigeria is a landmark event that reinforces India’s commitment to strengthening ties with one of Africa’s most influential countries. The partnership in defence, maritime security, and trade offers a model for cooperation, one that serves both nations’ national interests while contributing to regional and global stability. As both nations work together to address common challenges and explore new opportunities for growth, the India-Nigeria partnership is poised to become a pillar of Indo-African relations in the years to come.