INDIA-NIGERIA RELATIONS – INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

India-Nigeria Relations – international relations

What’s in the news?

Overview of the Visit

  • Strategic Importance of Nigeria Visit:
    • Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s halt in Nigeria, en route to the G-20 Summit in Brazil, marked a significant diplomatic step, as it was the first African visit in his third term.
    • This visit is particularly notable as it is the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Nigeria in 17 years.
  • Recognition of India’s Growing Global Influence:
    • Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu personally welcomed Mr. Modi at Abuja airport.
    • Mr. Modi was conferred with Nigeria’s second-highest national award, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, becoming only the second foreign dignitary to receive this honor since 1969.

Significance of Nigeria in Africa and for India

a. Nigeria’s Regional Importance

  • Largest Economy and Democracy in Africa:
    • Nigeria holds a central role in Africa as the continent’s largest economy and democracy.
  • Influence in West Africa and the African Union:
    • It serves as a regional hegemon and a democratic role model, mediating disputes across the continent.

b. Strategic Partnership with India

  • Key Focus Areas for Cooperation:
    • Defence, energy, technology, trade, health, and education were highlighted as priority sectors for deepening bilateral ties.
  • Security Collaboration:
    • Given Nigeria’s challenges with terrorism, piracy, and drug trafficking, Mr. Modi stressed the importance of strong security cooperation, particularly in counterterrorism operations against Boko Haram.
    • Discussions included the purchase of Indian defence equipment and enhanced cooperation in security technology.

c. India’s Role as a Development Partner

  • Developmental Assistance:
    • India has provided over $100 million in concessional loans and capacity-building training programs.
  • Defence Industry Engagement:
    • The visit follows a recent Indian defence industry delegation to Lagos, with Nigeria expressing interest in purchasing Indian arms.

Nigeria’s Relationship with China

a. Economic Engagement with China

  • Strong Trade Ties:
    • Nigeria is China’s largest export market and second-largest trading partner in Africa, while China is Nigeria’s third-largest export market.
    • China has invested over $47 billion in 22 large infrastructure projects in Nigeria.
  • Chinese Loans and Infrastructure Projects:
    • As of March 2020, Chinese loans to Nigeria amounted to $3.121 billion, comprising 11.28% of Nigeria’s external debt.
    • Key projects include the Lekki Deep Sea Port, the Abuja Light Rail project, and expansions of major airports.

b. Chinese Technological and Mining Involvement

  • Huawei’s Presence:
    • Huawei has installed over 27,500 mobile towers and 10,000 km of fiber optic cable.
    • It has trained thousands of Nigerian youths and government employees in cybersecurity and ICT.
  • Mining Sector Engagement:
    • China’s Ming Xin Mineral Separation Nig Ltd. is building Nigeria’s first lithium-processing plant for electric vehicle batteries.

Comparative Analysis: India vs. China in Nigeria

  • Decline in India-Nigeria Trade:
    • Bilateral trade has decreased from $14.95 billion in 2021-22 to $7.89 billion in 2023-24, largely due to India’s growing oil imports from Russia.
  • India’s Unique Position:
    • Despite China’s infrastructure dominance, India remains a key partner through its development assistance, defense cooperation, and capacity-building initiatives.

Broader Implications of Strengthened India-Nigeria Relations

a. For the Global South

  • Shared Leadership Goals:
    • As leaders of the Global South, closer ties between India and Nigeria could advance cooperative frameworks for other developing nations.

b. Economic and Security Outcomes

  • Boost to Nigerian Economy:
    • Enhanced bilateral cooperation is expected to contribute to Nigeria’s economic recovery and capacity-building efforts.
  • Strengthened Defence and Security:
    • The defence partnership, particularly in counterterrorism, will bolster Nigeria’s internal security.

c. Balancing Global Influence

  • Counterbalance to China:
    • India’s strategic engagement in Nigeria serves as a counterbalance to China’s growing influence in Africa, focusing on inclusive growth and mutual benefit.

Challenges and Next Steps

  • Sustained Efforts Required:
    • While the visit has boosted bilateral goodwill, translating it into concrete outcomes will require consistent diplomatic and economic engagement.
  • Focus Areas for Future Cooperation:
    • Expanding trade, addressing infrastructure gaps, and leveraging India’s strengths in technology and capacity-building will be pivotal.

Conclusion

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Nigeria underscores India’s commitment to deepening its strategic partnership with Africa’s leading democracy. While the visit has highlighted India’s global standing and development priorities, sustained follow-through will be key to realizing the full potential of this partnership.