INDIA & NIGERIA – INTERNATIONAL REALATIONS

 

INDIA & NIGERIA – INTERNATIONAL REALATIONS

NEWS: India-Nigeria strategic partnership focuses on defense, trade, energy, and counter-terrorism efforts, with a commitment to global development

Overview of Prime Minister Modi's Visit to Nigeria

  • Historic Visit: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Nigeria on November 17 marked the first by an Indian prime minister in 17 years, emphasizing the importance India places on its strategic partnership with Nigeria.
  • Diplomatic Honors: PM Modi was awarded Nigeria’s second-highest national honor, the Grand Commander of the Order of Niger, recognizing his contribution to strengthening India-Nigeria ties. He is the first foreign leader to receive this honor since 1969.

Significance of the Visit

  • Acknowledgement of Bilateral Relations: Modi highlighted the deep historical and cultural bonds between India and Nigeria, which align with the aspirations of the Global South.
  • Shared Security Challenges: Modi underlined areas of joint concern, such as terrorism, separatism, piracy, and drug trafficking, which both countries have been addressing together.

Historical Context of India-Nigeria Ties

  • Early Diplomatic Foundations:
    • India established its Diplomatic House in Lagos in 1958, even before Nigeria’s independence from British rule in 1960.
    • High-level political contacts have been consistently maintained for over six decades.
  • Indian Support in Early Nigerian Development:
    • From the 1960s to 1980s, Indian professionals, particularly teachers and doctors, played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s early years of independence.
    • India also set up key educational institutions in Nigeria, including the National Defence Academy in Kaduna and the Naval War College in Port Harcourt.
  • Indian Expatriate Community: The 60,000-strong Indian community in Nigeria, the largest Indian diaspora in West Africa, contributes significantly to the bilateral relationship.

Economic and Developmental Cooperation

  • Strategic Partnership: In 2007, under PM Manmohan Singh's visit, the relationship was elevated to a "Strategic Partnership," reflecting the growing importance of bilateral ties.
  • Economic Investments:
    • Over 200 Indian companies have invested $27 billion in Nigeria, particularly in manufacturing, making them the second-largest employer after the Nigerian government.
    • India provides concessional loans ($100 million) and supports capacity-building programs, cementing its role as a key development partner.

Nigeria’s Influence in Africa

  • Economic Significance:
    • Nigeria is Africa’s largest economy by population and the fastest-growing, with the continent’s third-largest manufacturing sector.
    • It is a major player in international forums, such as the United Nations, Commonwealth, OPEC, and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
  • African Union (AU) Leadership:
    • Nigeria, a founding member of the AU, played a crucial role in forming its precursor, the Organisation of African Unity, in 1963.
    • The AU, which became a permanent member of the G20 in a summit hosted by India, highlights Nigeria's leading role in the continent.

Strategic Interests Amid Chinese Influence in Africa

  • India’s Strategic Focus: Strengthening ties with Nigeria aligns with India's broader interests in Africa, especially regarding access to critical resources needed for sectors like Electric Vehicles.
  • China's Dominant Presence:
    • Over the last two decades, China has become Africa’s largest trading partner, with annual trade exceeding $200 billion and significant investments across the continent.
    • China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has financed numerous infrastructure projects, bolstering its influence in Africa.
    • Over 10,000 Chinese companies are active in Africa, with investments totaling $2 trillion since 2015, underscoring China’s economic dominance.

India's Response to Chinese Competition

  • Economic Engagement: India plans to continue investing economically and culturally in Africa, with Nigeria being central to these plans due to its economic clout and regional influence.
  • Cultural and Developmental Partnership: Modi’s emphasis on the “friendship” between India and Nigeria indicates a strategy focused on mutual development and shared values rather than mere economic transactions.

Takeaways from the Visit

  • Strengthening of Ties: Modi’s visit is a reaffirmation of India’s commitment to its strategic partnership with Nigeria, which serves as a gateway to deeper ties with Africa.
  • Focus on Mutual Development: The recognition of India's role in Nigeria reflects a growing partnership based on common challenges, historical ties, and shared aspirations.
  • Balancing Chinese Influence: India’s engagement with Nigeria is part of a broader effort to counterbalance China’s growing influence in Africa through development aid, investments, and cultural diplomacy.