PM Modi’s Historic Visit to Nigeria: Strengthening Bilateral Ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Nigeria, the first by an Indian PM in 17 years. Welcomed with the ‘Key to the City’ of Abuja, he will receive the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger. This visit is part of a larger tour including Brazil and Guyana to strengthen bilateral relations and strategic partnerships.

On a historic visit to Nigeria, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at the invitation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, marking the first visit by an Indian premier to the African nation in 17 years. This visit is part of PM Modi’s broader journey that will also take him to Brazil and Guyana. During his time in Nigeria, the Prime Minister is expected to engage in discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation in critical sectors. Upon his arrival, PM Modi received a warm welcome, highlighted by the presentation of the ‘Key to the City’ of Abuja from Minister for Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs noted that this key symbolizes the trust and honor conferred upon the Prime Minister by the Nigerian people. Notably, as part of this historic visit, Nigeria will award PM Modi the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, its second-highest national honor, making him only the second foreign dignitary to receive this accolade, following Queen Elizabeth II in 1969. The Indian government officials indicated that this recognition marks the 17th international award conferred upon PM Modi. The Prime Minister’s tour includes attending the 19th G20 Summit in Brazil, where he will join leaders from China and the United States, as Brazil is a key member of the G20 Troika alongside South Africa and India. Following the summit, PM Modi will visit Guyana, which marks the first visit of an Indian prime minister to the country in over five decades.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a significant diplomatic mission to Nigeria as part of his three-nation tour, notably culminating a gap in Indian prime ministerial visits to Africa. The objectives of this visit extend beyond mere ceremonial exchanges; discussions involving strategic partnerships and cooperation in pivotal sectors aim to redefine India-Nigeria relations. This trip is especially historic not only because of its rarity but also due to the award being bestowed upon PM Modi, symbolizing the deepening ties between the two nations.

In summary, Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Nigeria is a landmark event that reinforces the strategic partnership between India and Nigeria. The awarding of the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger to PM Modi signifies a monumental acknowledgment of India’s presence in West Africa. This trip sets the stage for further bilateral collaboration during the Prime Minister’s subsequent visits to Brazil and Guyana, ultimately enhancing India’s global diplomacy in key areas.

Original Source: www.outlookindia.com