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NIGERIA — Nigeria and India have entered into partnership to foster collaboration in defence, economic development, food security, healthcare and energy.
The duo countries signed the series of agreements to sealed the deal during the state visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Nigeria at the invitation of President Bola Tinubu.
The visit among other things at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, included high-level bilateral talks on key areas to boost cooperation between the two nations.
This information was contained in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga on Monday.
The statement titled, ‘Nigeria, India reinforce strategic partnership, vow to boost economic, defence, health and food security,' the two leaders signal greater collaboration in counterterrorism, maritime security, and intelligence sharing.
The two countries pledged to continue regular naval exercises and joint anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Guinea to safeguard critical maritime routes.
The statement in parts read: “The leaders reiterated their unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including the cross-border movement of terrorists and terror financing networks and safe havens.
“They called for zero tolerance to terrorism and expeditious finalisation and adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International terrorism in the UN Framework as well as implementation of the UNGA and the UNSC resolutions on countering terrorism and violent extremism.
“It was agreed to enhance cooperation in the area of counter terrorism,” the joint statement said
In his part, India Prime Minister, Modi reiterated India’s readiness to support Nigeria’s defence modernisation efforts.
The two leaders also highlighted the vibrant economic relationship between India and Nigeria, with India positioned as Nigeria’s largest trading partner and a significant contributor to its economy.
On bilateral trade expansion, both leaders directed their officials to finalise pending agreements, including the Economic Cooperation Agreement, Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement, and the Bilateral Investment Treaty, to boost trade and investment.
On infrastructure development, India reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s development priorities through concessional lines of credit and technical expertise.
On energy collaboration, Nigeria and India agreed on long-term contracts for crude oil and LNG supply and technical support in pipeline transmission security, CNG conversion and LPG bottling distribution.
Both leaders however agreed that food security, would remains a priority for developing countries especially with bigger populations.
“Nigeria thanked India for providing the necessary concessions sought for in the supply of rice at the time of their need.
“They agreed to enhance collaboration in the area of agriculture from agricultural machinery, high yield seeds to sharing technical expertise, know-how and technologies and agreed to identify ways of cooperation in these areas.
“The Indian side thanked the Nigerian side for supporting the Indian Resolution at the UN to declare 2023 as the International Year of Millets and agreed to increase collaboration between India and Nigeria in the area of Millets,” read the joint statement.
On healthcare sector, Nigeria and India pledged to deepen their collaboration focusing on the establishment of hospitals and diagnostic centres, as well as the deployment of innovative health management systems.
The government of Indian also extended its commitment to supply high-quality generic pharmaceutical products to Nigeria at economical rates under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana scheme- a campaign launched by India’s Department of Pharmaceuticals to provide quality medicines at affordable prices to the masses.
This initiative is aimed at making essential medicines more affordable, particularly for vulnerable populations, and supporting Nigerian public hospital procurement processes.
Nigeria and India reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration on education, cultural exchanges, and fostering strong people-to-people contacts, building on longstanding historical ties and mutual aspirations.
Both sides agreed to work together to encourage more Nigerian students to leverage these scholarship programmes.
The two countries reiterated their joint commitment to UN Security Council reform and mutual support for permanent and non-permanent memberships.
Tinubu conferred upon Modi Nigeria’s second highest national honour, Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger.
He said the honour is “To signify our appreciation of India as Nigeria’s partner.”
