Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a historic visit to Nigeria, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 17 years. Welcomed with the ‘Key to the City’ by Minister Nyesom Wike, Modi is set to discuss strengthening bilateral ties with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This visit includes the award of Nigeria’s Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, an honor conferred to only one other foreign dignitary, Queen Elizabeth II. Modi’s tour also includes Brazil and Guyana, underscoring India’s growing influence in international affairs.
On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a historic visit to Nigeria, responding to an invitation from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This trip marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Nigeria in 17 years and is part of a broader three-nation tour that will also include Brazil and Guyana. Upon his arrival, PM Modi was warmly welcomed and presented with the ‘Key to the City’ of Abuja, symbolizing the esteem in which he is held by the Nigerian people. During his visit, PM Modi and President Tinubu are expected to engage in discussions focused on strengthening bilateral ties and enhancing collaboration in essential sectors. This visit carries significant weight as it is PM Modi’s first engagement in the West African region and will see him awarded the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, Nigeria’s second-highest national honor, making him the second foreign leader to ever receive this accolade, following Queen Elizabeth II in 1969. The Prime Minister’s trip will continue with an attendance at the 19th G20 Summit in Brazil as a Troika member, convening alongside other global leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The final leg of his journey will take PM Modi to Guyana, where he is scheduled to visit from November 19 to 21, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in over 50 years.
The significance of Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Nigeria extends beyond mere diplomacy; it represents a strategic effort to reinforce India’s presence in Africa, where geopolitical interests are increasingly vital. Modi’s trip is particularly noteworthy as it seeks to revitalize longstanding bilateral relations and explore avenues for mutual cooperation in various sectors, such as trade, infrastructure, and technology. The award of the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger further underscores Nigeria’s commitment to fostering ties with India and highlights the evolving dynamics of international relations in the region.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Nigeria is a momentous occasion that aims to enhance diplomatic and strategic relations between India and Nigeria. With discussions focused on broadening cooperation across critical sectors and the conferral of a prestigious national award, this visit not only marks a historic milestone but also lays the groundwork for future engagements in West Africa. As Modi continues his tour to Brazil and Guyana, his endeavors exemplify India’s proactive stance in global diplomacy and partnership development.
Original Source: www.outlookindia.com
