By Chinedu Asadu | Related Press
ABUJA, Nigeria — The leaders of Nigeria and India pledged stronger ties in maritime safety and counterterrorism throughout a gathering on Sunday the place in addition they agreed on extra help for International South nations.
In his first go to to Nigeria, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was hosted by President Bola Tinubu in capital Abuja, the place each spoke of a brand new chapter of their strategic partnerships within the areas of protection, power, expertise, commerce and improvement.
Modi has typically touted India because the voice of the International South, the group of nations primarily thought-about growing nations, together with Nigeria, however which additionally consists of China and a number of other rich Persian Gulf states.
“Together we will also continue to highlight at the global level the priorities of the Global South and thanks to our joint efforts, we will achieve success as well in this,” stated Modi.
A joint assertion stated each leaders pledged better collaboration in counterterrorism, maritime safety and intelligence sharing to deal with rising threats within the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Guinea, the realm off the coast of West Africa that is without doubt one of the world’s most harmful for piracy.
Nigeria is India’s largest buying and selling associate in Africa with whole bilateral commerce between estimated at $14.9 billion in 2022. There are additionally a minimum of 60,000 Indian nationals and 200 Indian corporations in Nigeria, authorities say.
The Nigerian chief conferred on Modi the title of the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, Nigeria’s second-highest nationwide honor, describing Modi as a illustration of a “very strong commitment to democratic values and norms.”
“Nigeria values its excellent relationship with India and will work to broaden the same for the mutual benefits of our two friendly countries,” Tinubu stated.
Initially Printed: November 17, 2024 at 10:28 AM PST